Psychologist warned about the risks of postpartum depression for mother and child

Postpartum depression is a serious psychological disorder that requires professional intervention and can have long—term consequences for the entire family. Angelika Yeremenko, a clinical psychologist at the Axon Mental Health Clinic, told Izvestia on September 11 about the danger of underestimating the ailment that affects every seventh woman.

"Postpartum depression is not a misdemeanor or a whim. This is not a mark of a lack of love for a child or a mark of weakness of character. This is a difficult ordeal, a disease that comes without asking to steal joy," she stressed.

The specialist explained that the causes of the disorder are complex and include hormonal changes, emotional exhaustion after childbirth, a conflict between expectations and the reality of motherhood, as well as the loss of a previous identity. Anxiety signals include a persistent feeling of depression, increased tearfulness, loss of interest in life, debilitating feelings of guilt and sleep disorders.

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Yeremenko paid special attention to the consequences of untreated depression.

"Ignoring postpartum depression is a ticking time bomb that hits the entire family system. When a mother is overcome with depression, a vital emotional connection with the child is severed. For a baby, it's like the sun suddenly went out: it's cold, scary and incomprehensible," the clinical psychologist warned.

The expert recommended seeking help from a psychiatrist for possible drug treatment and a clinical psychologist for therapy. According to her, this is the first and most important step in caring for the well-being and happy future of her child.

The psychologist also noted that modern methods of therapy allow not only to cope with depression, but also to gain a new integrity, turning the crisis into an opportunity for personal growth.

Pediatrician at SM Clinic Guzel Rakhimova said on February 13 that the composition of breast milk varies depending on the child's age, time of day and feeding phase. In particular, at the beginning of feeding, milk contains more water to quench thirst, and by the end— the fat and calorie content increases. No artificial mixture can reproduce such dynamics.

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