A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years and in your heart till the day you die. – Mary Mason
There are different reasons why depression makes its way into our lives. Many times, people have a million things to blame it on, from hormones to diet and life circumstances.
Ayurveda believes that the reason for depression is a big imbalance among the three doshas, or being unaware of the inner self.
The majority of postpartum depressions are believed to be caused by Kapha imbalance, which eventually leads to the other two elements of Vata and Pitta becoming out of balance. Due to these imbalances between the basic body elements, feelings of negativity and hopelessness are generated. This leads to abnormal functioning of the nervous system, which in turn causes depression. Also, the deficiency of certain nutrients in the body can give rise to depression.
I was alone in my journey through pregnancy as my family still lives in Bangalore. Therefore, I did not have the luxury of my mom being with me for my first and third pregnancies.
Ayurveda suggests prevention is better than the cure. Here are some tips I followed for curbing postpartum depression before it could spring up and surprise me.
Be prepared
During the last few days of pregnancy, you spend a lot of time running to the potty or feeling heavy. This is actually the best time to prepare all that you need for later. As mothers, we love taking care of all that a baby needs – from blankets to diapers – so we are completely ready for the newcomer. This would be a great time to invest in yourself too.
Take delight in fresh flowers
Arrange for fresh flowers every day. Make a list of flowers you like after you have delivered the baby, and give it to your partner or family members so they will know what to provide. Having fresh flowers to wake up to in the morning or after naps leaves you with a fresh feeling and really lifts your mood.
Use aroma oils
Pick out a new bed sheet and comforter and soak them in your favourite aroma oil. Ask your partner or helper to change the bedding before you arrive home with the baby. Finding your old bed made up with new, clean sheets gives a feeling of newness from within and helps you get some deep sleep on your new-looking bed. You will enjoy the clean feeling and sleep better.
Have a relaxing bath
Stock up on essential aroma oils for their relaxation and calming qualities. Whenever your baby is asleep during the day, it’s less likely that you also would go to bed. Instead of watching tv or worrying about your chores, here is a chance for you to jump into the tub to spend some time with yourself. Ayurveda emphasizes that you should keep the water temperature warm to hot. It’s helpful in sweating water retained during pregnancy and also in keeping you warm without increasing Vata.
Opt for an oil massage
Give yourself a warm sesame oil massage. This doubles the state of sleep, and your body enjoys the love and compassion you show after it has served you in creating your bundle of joy. You are most likely super tired between feedings, and massage helps make it easier to slip into deep sleep before the baby wakes again to be fed.
Have a healthy diet
Avoid any processed frozen food. Without prana, it creates negativity. Avoid refined sugar, coffee, and fast and junk food. Make sure to have a good breakfast. Research has shown that skipping breakfast can increase the chances of depression. Do not avoid good carbohydrates and starch as it is vital to keep serotonin levels normal. Skipping carbohydrates can leave an empty feeling.
Divert your attention
Everybody goes through a little duration of blues, so instead of making it a huge deal, sit with yourself and feed in positivity. This could be a great time to write down your memories or do some scrapbooking.
Rest with the baby
Sleep when the baby sleeps. Nature is designed to accommodate us, mothers, to rest and relax! After you feed the baby if you are tired just co-sleep with the baby. Your warmth is familiar to the baby and this makes him or her feel secure, thus giving you a longer dosing time.
Have adequate rest
During the initial days after giving birth, keep yourself to your bedroom. Too much walking is not advisable, since your body is recuperating. You can choose to walk outdoors, once you feel better.
Take help from nature
Open all the windows and gaze out, sipping warm water. Nature is always the best remedy to avoid any form of depression. Just gazing at the blue sky helps you unwind and changes your mood.
Meditate
Meditate at least five minutes a day, or even do mantra chants. This minimizes all those negative thoughts that you could create without awareness, thereby increasing the joy of enjoying your blessing.
Play
If you also have a toddler or older child, get down to play a little. Losing yourself in being a child again takes you away from thoughts that could haunt and hurt you.
Replace negativity with positive thoughts
Instead of creating thoughts, looking for reasons to be sad, and wondering what’s wrong at this moment, replace those thoughts with positive thoughts. Ask, “What is that one thing I am happy about in this moment?” This helps in bringing a new perspective and leaves you to count your blessings and feel gratitude.
Keep your dear ones near
Enjoy the company of friends and family occasionally. When you are feeling alone, just a phone call can bring a few moments of laughter. Or ask someone to drop in to check on you. This will be a good time to ask them to bring some fresh flowers so you can fill your vase with new colors.
Do yoga
Practice some yoga and breathing. Take a class beforehand, or buy CDs that teach a few beginners’ poses that are easy to do yourself. This will also help you along the journey, leaving you satisfied in having done something for yourself.
Take care of your needs
Do not neglect your needs. Always be aware of how you are feeling. Any time you catch yourself in a loop of negative thoughts, write down some things for which you are happy and thankful.
For those women who do not reach their finish line in the journey of pregnancy; I understand how devastated you feel. There are grief and sadness around you. As a nine-year-old, I saw my mom go full-term into labour but not return with a baby three separate times. I have understood the pain it can leave an entire family with. Sometimes the universe puts you in a pause mode, and you cannot find ways to move ahead. Enjoy self-love and appreciating your body. Your body hears everything. Give your body a heads-up with nourishment. Eat fresh, nutrient-rich food to regain the confidence and strength to prepare again. Show lots of love through massages, meditation, and a healthy lifestyle. Instead of creating “why me?” thoughts, pick yourself up and move on. You never know how life can surprise you again!
