Postpartum Depression - Coping with the Baby Blues
Postpartum depression, or peripartum depresion occurs after a woman gives birth. Within a few hours of giving birth the amount of the two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, return to their pre pregnancy levels. Many researchers feel that this drop in hormone levels, much like the smaller changes in hormone levels can affect a womans mood just before her menstrual cycle, is one of the causes of postpartum depression.
In some women the levels of thyroid hormones decrease as well. This decrease in these hormones can lead to symptoms of depression too. Some of these symptoms include a depressed mood, a loss of interest in daily things, problems sleeping and fatigue, irritability and weight gain.
Another factor that can lead to postpartum depression is genetics. This type of depression can be passed down from mother to daughter. There is also a correlation between postpartum depression and women who suffer from severe premenstrual syndrome.
Postpartum depsression is also known as the baby blues and one in ten new mothers suffer from this to one degree or another. In addition to the drastic changes in hormone levels, the presence of a new baby in the house is also a major factor in postpartum depression. A new baby can be a major stress on a new mom and this can factor into becoming depressed. Some of these factors include:
Having less free time then before the baby was born and an inability to control the time needed to get things done. The baby demands all the mothers attention, leaving little time for herself.
Going through labor is extremely stressful and tiring for a new mom. A new mom does not have time to regain her strength post delivery because of the demands and needs of the new baby. Just getting a good nights sleep is nearly impossible with late night feedings and diaper changes.
Many new mothers question their own ability to be a good mom. They become overwhelmed with the care the new baby needs and start to worry that they aren’t providing the care their baby needs.
For new moms, postpartum depression can occur with a feeling that they are no longer who they used to be. Their old schedule and ways of doing things have been replaced by the needs of their new baby. They can also feel like they have to do it all and try to take care of the new baby while doing all the things they used to do. This can be very overwhelming because chances are the care of the new baby will not allow them to accomplish all that they think they should.
New moms can also become disconnected from their partner and family. They find that their time is limited and they just don’t have time to spend with the rest of their family.
For most women the “baby blues” will usually go away as their hormone levels get back to normal. But for some women the depression associated with a new baby does not go away and can steadily get worse. It is very important that women who experince any kind of depression after child birth talk to their doctor right away. Most cases of postpartum depression can be dealt with with medication and some counseling.
Best Hawaii Vacation with Hawaii Spas
Hawaii is frequented by travelers very often since it is considered to be a tropical paradise. Hawaii offers a lot to its visitors and it is very popular. Apart from the beautiful ocean views and sandy beaches, Hawaii is a famous destination of spas. The local environment of Hawaii is really great and is very much known for the friendly hospitality shown towards the visitors or travelers. Since, Hawaii offers a safe and tropical atmosphere, it is very ideal for visitors to enjoy spa treatments. Several locations of Hawaii like the Kauai, Molokai, Oahu, lanai, Maui and the big island are very famous for the spas. The Hawaii spas offer different types of massages and therapies like the hydrotherapy, neuromuscular therapy, normal spa treatments, reflexology and therapeutic massage to provide health and wellness, sports massage, clinical massage and deep tissue massage integrating the body and the mind.
They also offer exotic forms of massage treatments branching out from the eastern styles of massages like the Reiki, Jin shin, Thai, Hawaiian lomi lomi massage, shiatsu, acupressure and aromatherapy. More advanced natural healing practices like the acupuncture or chiropractic therapies are also offered.
Lomi Lomi massage offered in the spas is the traditional massage technique of Hawaii. The techniques of Lomi Lomi massage vary with the family, region and island and it was earlier conducted with intention and prayer. Ancient Polynesian settlers got their own kind of massage form that evolved to be something unique to Hawaii practiced from child to chief by every one. Today Lomi Lomi other wise known as loving hands is very popular and common massage form practiced all over the world especially in Hawaii, Europe and Japan.
Traditionally learnt practitioners of the Lomi Lomi massage do not willingly work in any spa or massage parlor, as they treat only selected clients in a private and quiet setting often in their own homes. While treating them the clients may be asked to pray, change their diet plans, meditate and made to do their own activities apart from the massage therapy provided to them. It is a holistic way of healing tradition beyond just simple massage technique. Before performing the massage, the therapist will offer prayer to make the healing process effective and efficient. Then it is believed that the ancient spirit and wisdom of Aloha will guide, inspire and heal the clients towards their true potential. The lomi lomi massage provides a unique experience overwhelming the mind with sensation when it is done with intuitive movements, rhythm, breathing and focused intentional long and flowing strokes. It is said to cover a broader area of the body by working out the muscles encouraging the consistent flow of harmony and love and at the same time washing away harmful patterns, memories, thoughts and behaviors from the cells of the bodies. When the positive energy is allowed to flow uninterrupted, the body on the whole is healed. Hawaii spas offer some of the best spa treatments within the reach of everyone at an affordable cost. Many Hawaii spas offer special discounts and promotions online. If time is spent on doing some research regarding the offers, one can easily hit the jackpot.
Suicide is Not an Option
On December 12th, 1992, my brother committed suicide. The consequences were devestating to everyone involved. Maybe this story will help someone who is contemplating suicide to decide against it.
Suicide is not the solution that some may think it is. Problems and unresolved issues will haunt family and friends for many decades.
My nephew, who was just a baby at the time, would always ask about his uncle. He eventually learned to point up at the sky and say, “Uncle Scott”.
But the reality is that he missed out on having the benefit and support of his uncle as he grew up. And of course, there are countless interactions with family members that will be missed over the decades.
Suicide is permanent. And the effects that it has on loved ones also lasts over a life time.
My brother was only 22 years old at the time he chose to commit suicide. I was only 24.
I remember going to the viewing and seeing his lifeless body. They couldn’t quite erase all of the signs of his violent death. And that image will stick with the living for the rest of their lives.
In the end, the temporary pain someone escapes by committing suicide might be overshadowed by the pain and sadness of family and friends. That pain may continue through the decades whenever they think about it.
The missed opportunities for interaction also impedes the growth of everyone else. Countless interactions that would have occurred are all lost now.
Who knows how destiny was changed by such an event. The family that he may have had will not exist now.
The triumphs and set backs of a life will never be realized. The fulfillment of a lifetime was cut short by a decision that may have been made rashly at a moment of personal confusion or pain.
We never know who it is in our destiny to meet and interact with over a lifetime. All of those ‘plays’ of life will never be able to exist because one of the characters on the stage will not be there to fulfill his role.
So, the total sum of the tragedy is really unknown but it seems likely that over what would have amounted to decades of time, that sum must be quite high. I guess we won’t get the chance to find out.
Though I am revealing this personal family tragedy to the masses through this article, if it saves a single life, it will be worth it. Drop me a line if you ever want to talk, I would be happy to hear from you.
