Postpartum depression is a type of depression a mother develops after her baby is born.  Are you at risk?  This type of depression has nothing to do with how strong you are, or how much you love your baby.  One in eight moms develop a postpartum mood disorder and a surprising 80% of women go undiagnosed.  Actresses like Brooke Shields proved that nobody, however rich or famous is immune to this disorder.  It’s okay if you are affected.  Acceptance is the first key.  Understanding that you are at risk is the second.  There are different degrees of the disorder.  The hormones such as progesterone and estrogen drop after the baby is born.  These hormones interact with your brain chemicals thus detecting your mood. 

The following are symptoms to keep your eye open for:

• You’re sad/anxious for more than 2 weeks
• You’re not interested in taking care of your baby or yourself
• You’re not enjoying anything
• You have trouble sleeping when the baby is asleep or you oversleep
• You just don’t feel like yourself
• You get angry or irritable towards friends/family
• You don’t feel like eating or you are overeating

Those with PPD first need to understand they are not alone.  Seek the correct help.  Many health professionals and even your health care provider can assist you.  Some doctors will prescribe therapy or some even medication.  Many medications can be taken while breastfeeding as well. Emotional support is crucial if diagnosed with PPD.  There are many support groups and treatment programs. 

Being a mother is extremely demanding, but taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your child.  Trust your instincts, be honest with yourself, know that you’re not alone, seek the right help, and make you and your family happy and healthy.

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Breastfeeding can be an incredible bond between a mother and a child.  However, there are times when a mother’s milk supply will decrease.  Often this is due to a change on the mother’s part (such as going back to work) and sometimes it can decrease on its own. 

What can you do to increase your supply?

Drink plenty of water.  A body that doesn’t receive fluid, cannot produce fluid.  Aim for at least 5-8 glasses of water a day, or a gallon for the ambitious mom.

Eat a healthy diet.  Try old fashioned oatmeal, leafy greens, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Your baby will be eating the nutrients you put into your body, so be sure you are eating foods loaded with vitamins.  Also, be sure you as eating plenty of calories (at least 1800 per day).

Relax.  Stress plays a huge factor on a woman’s body, especially a nursing mom.  A switch in hormones can and will affect milk supply.  Use the time you spend nursing as your relaxation time, or try other techniques such as yoga.

Massage the breasts.  By doing so will trigger your body that your baby is feeding more even if he/she isn’t.  Take a hot shower or bath or put a hot wash cloth on your chest.

Pump.  Pump after a feeding or an hour or so afterwards.  Try pumping for ten minutes, then rest for ten, then pump again for ten until you have reached a half hour.

Think happy thoughts!  It is amazing how your body will react to your moods.  If you are pumping, try thinking of your baby.  Incredibly, this can have an effect on your supply!

If your baby seems to prefer one breast or nipple  over the other, make sure you start your baby on the side he/she does not prefer first.  He/she may favor the flow of one side over the other.  Some babies simply prefer to eat on their left or right side only.  Try cradling them on one side then switch to a football hold on the other.  Also try pumping more often on the side he/she does not favor.

Nursing can be very rewarding for both you and your child.  Focus on feeding your baby on demand as opposed to sticking them to a strict eating schedule.  It will assist in producing a natural flow of milk. 

(Photo credit: Flikr)