All Natural Mommies

Archive for the ‘Mommy Topics’ Category

To add to the postpartum depression post, I’m posting an article from our main website, All Natural Mommies.  The article talks about ways to soothe a new baby.  A crying baby is a big source of frustration for new parents.  I hope this article gives you some new tools to help deal with a fussy baby.  Enjoy!

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It’s a fact that’s difficult to ignore.  Babies cry.  Sometimes a baby will cry because a need is not being met; i.e. he’s hungry, or he needs a diaper change, or he’s not comfortable and needs a change of position or scenery.  And sometimes he’ll cry because he craves attention.  The first and must difficult step in calming the baby is figuring out what he needs. 

According to the teachings of Teresa Kirkpatrick Ramsey, BSN, LMT, of Babies First Massage, there are two types of cries – The Talking Cry and the I Need Help Cry.  These can sometimes be difficult to distinguish.  The Talking Cry may change in tone but the pitch stays the same – almost like the baby is talking.  The I Need Help Cry, however, becomes higher pitched, and louder, until the baby’s needs are met.

                There are other signs to help you figure out if your baby is just trying to communicate.  If the baby makes eye contact and can hold your gaze, he probably just wants attention.  Let him talk!  Hold the baby close so he can see your face, make good eye contact, and listen.  He may continue to cry for several minutes or make gurgling sounds.  Talk calmly to him and let him know you’re there to listen.  Click here to continue reading…

There have been too many terrible tragedies involving babies in the past couple of weeks.  Innocent babies are dieing at the hands of their own mothers. 
Postpartum depression is real and can turn deadly very quickly.  Sleep deprivation combined with hormonal changes can effect the mother’s emotions towards her new baby.  According to the MayoClinic, an estimated 10% of new moms experience postpartum depression.  Though rare, an extreme form of postpartum depression, knows as postpartum psychosis can also develop. 

Not sure if it’s Postpartum depression or just the “Baby Blues?”  Check out this symptom guide from the MayoClinic staff:

Baby Blues – these symptoms usually fade away a few days or weeks after giving birth.

Mood swings
Anxiety
Sadness
Irritability
Crying
Decreased concentration
Trouble sleeping

Postpartum Depression – resembles Baby Blues but symptoms become more intense and lingering.  May effect mother’s feelings towards and care of the baby and interfere with daily activities.
Loss of appetite
Insomnia
Intense irritability and anger
Overwhelming fatigue
Loss of interest in sex
Lack of joy in life
Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
Severe mood swings
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Withdrawal from family and friends
Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

Postpartum Psychosis – typically develops withing first two weeks after birth.  symptoms are very severe.
Confusion and disorientation
Hallucinations and delusions
Paranoia
Attempts to harm yourself or the baby

If you’re experiencing the above symptoms, seek help immediately!  You may feel embarassed to admit you’re depressed.  There is an unrealistic expectation for mothers to handle everything with style and grace.  But, even the best mothers sometimes need help.  Don’t let embarassement stop you from getting the assistance you need.

If you suspect Baby Blues, talk with your spouse, family, friends, or neighbors.  Sometimes, just talking to someone about what you’re feeling can help.  Ask for help with the baby.  Hire a postpartum doula or infant nurse to give you some support.  Or ask family members to help with the baby so you can take a relaxing bath or a nap.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed, get help!

If you suspect Postpartum Depression and the symptoms don’t go away after a few weeks or you find your feelings are interrupting daily activities, call your doctor.  It is not shameful to get medical help, if needed. 

If you suspect you’re developing Postpartum Psychosis, seek immediate medical attention!  Behaviours associated with postpartum psychosis can pose a danger to yourself and your baby.  Don’t try to “wait it out.”  Get help now!

Postpartum depression is a reality for a large number of women.  But, if you’re honest with yourself about what you’re feeling, you can get help and feel better.  Your baby is too precious for you to be too proud to seek help.

(Symptom list from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546 )

There is no doubt that we need healthcare reform in America.  Every family has a story about healthcare costs, loss of coverage, or refused coverage.  If you don’t, you’re one of the lucky few with great insurance. 

President Obama has been committed to reforming healthcare.  This Monday, he’ll be addressing the American Medical Association’s House of Delegates as part of the administrations efforts to legislate healthcare.   The AMA has pledged to decrease the annual healthcare spending growth rate by 1.5 percentage points, or about $2 trillion dollars over the next decade.

Part of this commitment, is to work to curb “overuse” of some services, including caesarean sections.  That is exciting news.  Parents who’ve strived for a natural birth, have often run into a cascade of interventions heading full-force towards a caesarean birth.  These mamas often have to cajole and argue to get the birth they want.  If these doctors are truly committed to reducing the use of caesareans, they’ll need to move towards supporting more natural labor/birth practices!  At least, that’s my hope. 

The healthcare system needs to provide more information on caesareans and their risks.  More and more women with little or no risk-factors have been choosing scheduled c-sections for convenience, fear of pain(?), bodily changes, and other reasons.  I’m almost certain that they have received very little information from their OB about the risk and consequences of having major abdominal surgery, not to mention the effects on the infant. 

This is not to say that all caesareans are bad.  Of course, there are valid medical reasons and the health of the mother and baby should always be the first priority.   But if it’s possible for doctors to reduce the instance of surgery, I’m all for it.

Here’s hoping President Obama will make a difference in the minds of these doctors.

The full story is here at the Chicago Tribune.

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