Postpartum Depression: A doctor’s insights on hidden motherhood struggles
The joy of a mother when she welcomes her bundle of joy In her warm arms after Months of gestational period is beyond expression. An excitement best understood by experience.
After days, weeks and months of backaches mostly accompanied with vomiting, excessive sweating and production of saliva, headaches, metallic taste on the tongue, loss of appetite or tremendous increase of appetite most times. In rare cases pregnancy induced oedema, psychosis, hypertension, skin pigmentation, diabetes, ulcer. While for few women it is a smooth ride all through to the end.
Even though this beautifully miraculous journey could be challenging, a pregnant woman yearns for nothing more than carrying her child in her arms. As she awaits the arrival of he child, she engrosses herself with the beautiful moments when her child kicks and turns which could occasionally disturb her sleep.
A pregnant woman readies herself holistically for the advent of her progeny, encompassing physical, fiscal, and emotional preparation. Nevertheless, despite thorough preparedness, unforeseen obstacles may arise. One such obstacle is Postpartum depression which is mostly caused possibly due to insufficient awareness or understanding.
In our comprehensive discussion with Dr.Odigbo Tochukwu Paul, a medical practitioner specialising in reproductive health, Neptune Prime will provide an extensive analysis of Postpartum depression.
This will entail a detailed examination of the symptoms, underlying factors and consequences associated with this condition as well as strategies for prevention and treatment.
Neptune Prime: what is your name, tribe and state of origin?
My name is Dr Odigbo Tochukwu Paul, I am Igbo by tribe and indigene of Anambra State.
NP: Can you please tell us your educational background?
I am a qualified Medical Doctor in Nigeria and a certified Global Occupational Health and Safety Advisor in the United Kingdom. I possess a master’s degree in International Public Health from the University of Liverpool John Moores, UK, and have completed programs in Healthcare Management, Executive Leadership, and Performance Leadership at Cornell University in the United States. Additionally, I hold certificates from Harvard University in Improving Global Health with a Focus on Quality and Safety, and in Quality Maternal and Newborn Care from Yale University.
NP: As a medical doctor, what are the opportunities you have had to serve the people?
I enjoyed working in different capacities both as a volunteer as well as a medical staff in various national and International organisations.
Since 2012, I volunteered to work with GEANCO foundation, a USA based foundation whose aim is to perform free total hip and knee replacement surgeries in Nigeria and other countries.
I have worked as a Medical Doctor with Médecins Sans Frontiers also known as Doctors Without Borders (Spain and Holland Operational Centers).
I have worked with the International Rescue Committee New York as a Reproductive Health Doctor and is currently the Acting Director of Programme with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN). PPFN is a reproductive health organisation whose vision is to save lives through reproductive health and family planning services in Nigeria.
NP: What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) also referred to as post-natal depression is a mood disorder that occurs after childbirth which can affect both mother or father of the child. It causes extreme sadness and despair.
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NP: What are the major causes of postpartum depression?
The major cause of postpartum depression (PPD) is unknown, although hormonal and physical changes, personal and family history of depression as well as the stress of caring for a newborn can aggravate it.
NP: what are signs and symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD)?
Many patients who experience Postpartum depression (PPD) are likely to withdraw from friends and family. Some patients have disbursing thoughts of ideas, patients usually have thoughts of killing themselves which is termed suicidal ideations. Some want to hurt themselves or the babies and family members may notice this attempt prompting visit to the doctor.
Patients usually have difficulty making decision which leads to inability to complete routine tasks such as changing the babies’ diapers, having a meal or taking a shower.
Changes in sleep patterns which leads to insomnia or lack of sleep and this is one of the major symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). Sadness of guilt consumed thoughts. Patients might feel guilty of conceiving or being pregnant in the first place, which may lead to suicidal ideations.
NP: Is a woman’s diet during pregnancy and after birth a contributing factor of Post-partum depression (PPD)?
No, hormonal changes, family history of depression, lack of emotional support plays a huge role in Postpartum depression.
NP: What are the steps to be taken by the people around a person with postpartum depression?
If signs have been observed, it should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible, Peer support emotionally and physically is advised a, emotional closeness and support by partner.
NP: What can a patient with PPD do to recover?
A patient with postpartum depression should engage in social activities such as dancing with friends, Watching comedies, Seek a doctors advise, have enough rest.
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NP: Please, kindly give words of advice to pregnant women to prevent or substantially reduce the effect of postpartum depression.
I advise seeking doctor’s opinion early, getting adequate exercise, establishing emotional closeness with your partner and living a healthy life.
NP: Thank you so much Doctor for this educative session with you and giving us your time even with the tight schedule of a medical practitioner.
