How to prevent postpartum depression?

Between 15 and 20% of young mothers are affected by postpartum depression in France. Unlike the “baby blues” which regularly occurs during the drop in hormones observed after birth and only lasts a few days, postpartum depression is a more serious pathology, often debilitating and which lasts for several weeks. To prevent it as much as possible, midwife Anna Roy gives her advice in the episode “The explosion in psychic life” in the podcast “Sage-Meuf” produced by Europe 1 Studio.

Prevent postpartum depression before delivery. “I have very good news, most of these depressions are completely avoidable!” reassures midwife Anna Roy. Postpartum depression usually occurs two weeks after giving birth and can persist throughout the first year after birth. For midwife Anna Roy, the way the birth takes place plays a big role in what happens next: “It can give the young mother tremendous confidence, just as it can plunge her into a state of post-traumatic stress.” she regrets in the episode of the “Sage-Meuf” podcast. The most important thing, according to Anna Roy, is that the mother has control over her delivery, whether there are complications or not: “Have all the actions that the professionals do explained to you,” she insists. Before giving birth, also taking the time to think about where you want to give birth or even taking care to write a birth plan can help young mothers feel safe: “Remember that this moment will leave a big imprint on your head,” insists the midwife.

Prevent postpartum depression when the baby arrives. For midwife Anna Roy, helping the young mother with daily tasks is also essential: “A woman who has just given birth must be helped with housekeeping,” she insists. Sleep, as Anna Roy further clarifies in the episode of the podcast “Sage-Meuf”: “When will my baby (finally) sleep through the night?”, is essential for enjoying good mental health: “ the young mother must therefore have access to time where she is not responsible for her child,” advises the health professional. To promote good mental health, it is also important to maintain social connections with other adults: “Newborns are absolutely adorable beings, but unfortunately, they do not provide sufficient contact for a normal human being…” , specifies Anna Roy in this episode of the “Sage-Meuf” podcast. The midwife therefore advises surrounding yourself with as many people you trust in the first months of the child’s arrival: “Trust yourself, take the right advice and then throw the others in the trash!”. Finally, if the symptoms of postpartum depression eventually appear, this state is not definitive for young mothers: “You are mega powerful!”, reminds the midwife in this episode of the podcast “Sage-Meuf “, produced by Europe 1 Studio.