Natural and Alternative Treatments for Perinatal Mood Disorders
The following articles are provided by organizations partnering with the American Pregnancy Association to deliver related information to you. The mention of specific products or services does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by the APA unless it is explicitly stated.
Natural and Alternative Treatments for Perinatal Mood Disorders
— Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D.
It is estimated that around 50% of women suffering from postpartum depression do not come forward for help due to their fear of being put on medication. Either they themselves don’t want to endure the side effects of the medication, they don’t want their breastfeeding babies to experience the effects, or both. Although it’s now clear in the research that if a woman truly needs a medication during pregnancy or postpartum it’s best for all concerned if she takes it, the point is that increasingly women are trying to avoid psychiatric medications during the perinatal period. And, the good news is that using natural treatments is successful either as a complement or alternative to medication.
Among the most important natural treatments for perinatal mood disorders are nutrition, support (emotional and physical), exercise and sleep. Every new and seasoned mom needs these pieces in their lives in order to help prevent a mood or anxiety disorder, and those who are already suffering need these factors in place yesterday. There are other treatments showing promise such as light therapy, acupuncture and SAMe that you might want to read about in the material offered at http://DrShosh.com, but the ones I’ll concentrate on in this article should be part of every mom’s wellness plan.
There is excellent and growing research regarding the importance of omega 3 fish oil for preventing as well as treating mood disorders in pregnancy and postpartum. One of the first questions I’ll ask a new client is whether she is taking an omega 3 supplement. The quality of the omega 3 supplement is key regarding its effectiveness for the body and brain functioning. My favorite omega 3 supplement for pregnant and postpartum women is Prenatal DHA by Nordic Naturals. I have witnessed dramatic improvements in the moods of my clients when they began taking this supplement. Along with nibbling protein throughout the day, keeping themselves well hydrated and putting a few other key ingredients into their bodies, taking omega 3 is crucial to healthy functioning.
Support consists of both social support and professional support. Social support is provided by friends, family, neighbors, fellow members of congregations, or other people in the mom’s daily life. These folks should be positive and upbeat, offering unconditional help emotionally and physically so the mom has someone to talk to and lean on, plus people to take care of the baby and house chores so she can take breaks and nurture herself. If she’s suffering with a mood or anxiety disorder she needs a therapist who, ideally, specializes in the field. In addition, other healthcare professionals may be necessary if she’s utilizing medication and/or other alternative treatments.
Exercise does not necessarily mean going to the gym! Our society often thinks quite narrowly about exercise. Many different types of movement can oxygenate the brain, release endorphins and support healthy brain functioning. Even my bed-ridden clients, for instance – pregnant and postpartum – do special breathing that gives their organs and brain an internal workout.
Around 5 ½ uninterrupted hours of sleep per night (not during the day) is necessary for a full sleep cycle. Chronic sleep deprivation often causes serotonin – a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) responsible for regulating mood – to decrease. Even a breastfeeding mom needs to arrange a few nights a week for these hours of sleep, or else she can bring on a postpartum depression. If she’s already suffering with a mood or anxiety disorder, she will make it worse with sleep deprivation. There are simple and effective strategies to ensure that mom gets some good brain restorative sleep at night.
These few keys, along with realistic expectations of motherhood, is often all a mom needs to restore her brain chemistry to normal. If you or anyone you know is suffering from a mood or anxiety disorder in pregnancy or postpartum, make sure a wellness plan is received. The faster the mom recovers the better the prognosis for the entire family.
Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Author, Postpartum Depression For Dummies
Author, Pregnant on Prozac
http://DrShosh.com
Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D. (“Dr. Shosh”) is a pioneer and a leading expert nationally in the field of postpartum depression. She is the author of Postpartum Depression For Dummies and co-author of Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression. Her latest book Pregnant on Prozac was just released in January 2009. A strong advocate for mothers’ wellbeing, Dr. Shosh created guided imagery audios that are specifically focused on helping moms take care of themselves. As a survivor of two life-threatening undiagnosed postpartum depressions, she has helped over 18,000 women worldwide through individual consultations, support groups and wellness seminars. Dr. Shosh founded Postpartum Assistance for Mothers in 1987 and is a former president of Postpartum Support International.
