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The Difference Between Postpartum Blues, Postpartum Mood Disorders (Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety), and Postpartum Psychosis

The Difference Between Postpartum Blues, Postpartum Mood Disorders (Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety), and Postpartum Psychosis

by | Feb 8, 2023 | Blog

The 4th trimester is a critical time for mothers as they navigate the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that come with the postpartum period. During this time, it is important to understand the different types of postpartum mood disorders that can occur and provide the necessary support and resources to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mothers and their families. In this blog, we will explore the difference between postpartum blues, postpartum mood disorders (postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety), and postpartum psychosis.

  1. Postpartum Blues: Postpartum blues is a common experience for many mothers and is characterized by mild to moderate feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. These symptoms typically occur in the first two weeks after childbirth and are caused by hormonal changes, fatigue, and the stress of adjusting to life with a new baby. While postpartum blues can be distressing, it is usually a temporary condition that resolves on its own within a few weeks.
  2. Postpartum Mood Disorders: Postpartum mood disorders include postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety and are more severe and longer-lasting than postpartum blues. Postpartum depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Postpartum anxiety is characterized by persistent feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness. These conditions can be severe and can impact a mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby.
  3. Postpartum Psychosis: Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental illness that can occur in the postpartum period. It is characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, manic behavior, and psychosis. Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

It is important to recognize that these conditions can occur in any mother, regardless of her background or prior mental health history. Moreover, it is important to understand that these conditions are treatable and that there are effective treatments available, such as therapy, medication, and support groups.

Want more? Download a free copy of Dr. Sonal Patel’s bestseller, The Doctor & Her Black Bag: How old fashioned care tackles maternal mortality and benefits America’s economy.

Reasons Why Pelvic Physical Therapy Should Be Part of the 4th Trimester

Reasons Why Pelvic Physical Therapy Should Be Part of the 4th Trimester

by | Feb 8, 2023 | Blog

 

Reasons Why Pelvic Physical Therapy Should Be Part of the 4th Trimester

by Sonal Patel | Feb 8, 2023 | Blog | 0 comments

The 4th trimester is a crucial time for mothers as they navigate the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that come with the postpartum period. During this time, providing the necessary support and resources is important to ensure the best possible outcomes for both mothers and their families. One of these resources is pelvic physical therapy,crucial  also known as pelvic floor therapy, which can help to alleviate pain, improve function, and promote healing after childbirth. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why pelvic physical therapy should be part of the 4th trimester for all mothers.

  1. Alleviates Pain: Childbirth can be a physically demanding experience and can lead to pain and discomfort in the pelvic region. Pelvic physical therapy can help to alleviate this pain by addressing the underlying causes, such as muscle imbalances, weakened muscles, and joint restrictions. Through a combination of manual therapy techniques and exercise, pelvic physical therapy can help to reduce pain and improve function.
  2. Improves Function: The pelvic region is composed of many different muscles and joints, and childbirth can cause these structures to become imbalanced or weakened. Pelvic physical therapy can help to restore function by addressing these imbalances and promoting healing. This can help to improve physical function, such as walking, standing, and sitting, and reduce the risk of future pelvic pain and discomfort.
  3. Promotes Healing: Childbirth can cause injury and trauma to the pelvic region, and it is important to provide the necessary support to promote healing. Pelvic physical therapy can help to facilitate the healing process by addressing any physical impairments and promoting proper alignment and function. This can help to prevent future pain and discomfort, and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
  4. Enhances Recovery: The postpartum period is a critical time for mothers to focus on their own recovery and well-being. Pelvic physical therapy can enhance this recovery by addressing any physical impairments and promoting optimal function by restoring pelvic floor muscles. This can help mothers to feel their best and be at their best as they care for themselves and their families.
  5. Prevents Future Complications: Childbirth can lead to a range of physical complications caused by pelvic floor dysfunction, including urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic physical therapy can help prevent these complications by addressing physical impairments and promoting optimal function. By doing so, mothers can reduce their risk of future complications and improve their overall health and well-being.

Pelvic physical therapy is an important resource for mothers during the 4th trimester. By addressing pain, improving function, promoting healing, enhancing recovery, preventing future pelvic floor disorder, pelvic physical therapy can help mothers to feel their best and be at their best as they navigate the postpartum period. By incorporating pelvic health into the 4th trimester, mothers can receive the necessary support to ensure the best possible outcomes for themselves and their families. Whether it is through manual therapy techniques, exercise, or a combination of both, pelvic physical treatment is an essential component of the 4th trimester for all mothers. Consult with referring physicians to discuss who can refer you to a pelvic physical therapist and rehabilitation services or contact us at NayaCare, to talk about a plan that works for you. To learn more about the anatomy and physiology of pelvic therapy and what you can start doing right away in the 4th trimester, click here Postpartum Pelvic Floor 101 with Ashely Zimmerman, PT, Dpt.

Want more? Download a free copy of Dr. Sonal Patel’s bestseller, The Doctor & Her Black Bag: How old fashioned care tackles maternal mortality and benefits America’s economy old-fashioned.

Do fathers go through patrescence?

Do fathers go through patrescence?

by | Feb 8, 2023 | Blog

On an episode of the Golden Mic Podcast with Marc Cordon, Dr. Sonal Patel talked about the idea of patrescence as being a similar transformation as matrescence.

Patrescence is a term used to describe the spiritual, emotional, and psychological changes that occur in fathers during the postpartum period. The term patrescence was first introduced by Dr. Will Courtenay, a clinical psychologist, and has since gained recognition as an important aspect of postpartum care for fathers. It is important to understand the changes that occur during patrescence in order to better support fathers during this transition.

Just as mothers experience physical, emotional, and psychological changes during matrescence, fathers also experience changes as they adjust to their new role as a parent. During patrescence, fathers may experience a range of emotions, such as stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. These emotions can result from a variety of factors, including the adjustment to the responsibilities of parenthood, the pressure to provide financially for the family, and a shift in priorities.

  1. Changes in Identity: During patrescence, fathers may experience changes in their identity as they adjust to their new role as a parent. This can include feelings of loss of self, uncertainty about their abilities as a parent, and a shift in priorities. Fathers may also experience a sense of displacement as they navigate their new role and responsibilities. It is important for fathers to seek support from others during this time and to understand that these feelings are normal.
  2. Emotional Changes: The emotional changes that occur during patrescence can be intense and difficult to navigate. Many fathers experience feelings of anxiety, stress, and irritability. This can be caused by the pressure to provide for their family, the adjustment to the responsibilities of parenthood, and the stress of caring for a newborn. It is important for fathers to seek support from friends and family, and to talk to their healthcare provider if they are feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Changes in Relationships: The postpartum period can also bring about changes in relationships for fathers. Fathers may experience tension in their relationships with their partners, as they navigate the new roles and responsibilities of parenthood. Relationships with friends and family may also change as fathers prioritize their role as a parent. It is important for fathers to communicate their needs and to seek support from their loved ones during this time.
  4. The Importance of Involvement: Research has shown that fathers who are actively involved in the care of their newborn have better outcomes for both the father and the child. Fathers who take an active role in the care of their newborn experience increased bonding and a sense of connection with their child. They also report increased satisfaction with their role as a parent and better mental health outcomes. Examples can include changing diapers or skin to skin with their newborns.  Even with breastfeeding, if fathers view the outcome as providing optimal nutrition for their newborn, helping out with cleaning breast equipment, feeding the mother, and helping with the latch and hold are all great ways to be involved.  

Patrescence is an important aspect of postpartum care that should not be overlooked. Understanding the spiritual, emotional, and psychological changes that occur during this time can help fathers better navigate the postpartum period. It is important for fathers to seek support and care during this transition, and to understand that these changes are normal and a natural part of the patrescence process. If you are a father and are feeling overwhelmed, it is important to reach out to your healthcare provider for help or contact us to help navigate your needs and right care. 

By acknowledging and supporting fathers during the postpartum period, we can improve outcomes for fathers, mothers, and children.

Do fathers go through patrescence?

The answer is yes.

Want more? Download a free copy of Dr. Sonal Patel’s bestseller, The Doctor & Her Black Bag: How old fashioned care tackles maternal mortality and benefits America’s economy.