One in seven women unfortunately suffer from postpartum depression and 50% of cases already begin in pregnancy.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Left untreated depression and anxiety can surely lead to negative maternal and maternal-child outcomes. This is why early intervention and treatment are the key to full recovery. 

Body Belly Baby Classes help new mothers

We usually accompany postpartum women early on and help those who suffer from Postpartum Depression. As Lamaze Childbirth educator, we offer education, support and guidance on perinatal complications early on in the first weeks postpartum.In addition, we also educate booth expecting parents about the signs of postpartum depression in our Baby 101 Newborn care classes as well as Lamaze Childbirth classes.

As a matter of fact, our classes include mental health to educate expecting women and parents, identify risks and discuss measures in case a women suffers from depression during pregnancy and after.

• Baby Massage class : this class drastically increases mothers’ confidence. It helps you understand baby sleep behaviors, importance of routine, and increase bonding

Furthermore, it is also a great outlet to meet other moms, make friends and get out of the house weekly to join your moms’ group

• Mommy & Me class is all about exercising and meeting other new mothers

Once mothers are cleared to resume physical activity by their OB-GYN ( 6 to 8 weeks postpartum),  they join our mommy and me classes. Start exercising at your own pace, with other mothers and babies. It is a safe and effective workout within a friendly mom & baby community

• Private lactation consultation

As one becomes a new mother, it is common to worry about:

• Physical health problems, discomforts and postpartum complications
• Breastfeeding challenges
• Fatigue
• Sleep Deprivation
• The changes in your role (becoming a mother/ maternity leave/ identity/financials)
• The changes in your relationships
• Social isolation
• Perinatal mood and anxiety disorder symptoms will worsen fast due to sleep deprivation
• Whether you will be a good parent
• Worry and fear of problems with the baby
• Lack of support and being alone

Postpartum Depression symptoms or risks can vary a lot

• Having a history of major depression increases one’s risk for developing postpartum depression
• Poor prenatal care
• Signs of mood or anxiety disorders
• Increasing insomnia, even when baby is sleeping
• Emotional instability
• Crying excessively
• Loss of appetite
• Increased depression and irritability, short temper
• Increasing social withdrawal /overcautious with others around the baby
• Discomfort in the role of motherhood, avoidance or lack of interaction with the baby
• Anxiety, panic attacks
• No need for sleep, speaking very fast and hyperactive
• Hallucinations, delusions
• One can also develop mental health problems for the first time in pregnancy or after birth.

What does Postpartum Depression feel like?

• Mostly scary
• Out of control
• I’m never going to feel like myself again
• Each day is 100 hours long
• I will always feel like this
• No one understands
• My marriage can’t survive this
• I’m obviously a bad mother
• I should never have had this baby
• I have no patience for anything
• If I could only get a good night’s sleep 

It is important to identify early one PPD’ symptoms

One in seven women suffer from postpartum depression and 50% of cases begin in pregnancy.

• Therefore, early intervention and treatment are the key to full recovery
• Discover the importance of mental health for you and your baby during pregnancy
• Adopt a whole healthier lifestyle with prenatal /postnatal care, prenatal / postnatal physical activity and a community of mothers and babies
• Mind Body Exercise such as Mommy & Me classes positively impact your journey  https://bodybellybaby.com/mommy-and-me-classes/
• Education, awareness of risks, physical exercise and nutrition are key elements to manage, prevent and/or improve maternal mental health and enjoy a healthy maternity journey for you and your baby in the postpartum period

How to cope with Postpartum Depression?

There are a couple of measures to take for new mothers to cope effectively with PPD.

• First – Screening
  • Assess risks
  • Speak with your OB-GYN
• In addition, sleep
  • Sleep is a necessity not a luxury
  • Plan for help to rest
• But also, selfcare
  • Exercise is very helpful
  • Try to relax
  • Outdoors daily walk
  • Meditation or mindfulness
  •  Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Do not drink alcohol
  • Do something you enjoy weekly to improve your mood
• And social support
  • Discuss any worries you may have with your family, your midwife or OB-GYN
  • Have family and friends help you
• Together with medical intervention
  • SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) as therapeutic intervention