What is ppa after birth?

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! You’ve probably heard of postpartum depression (PPD), but have you ever heard of postpartum anxiety (PPA)? It’s a condition that affects many new mothers, and can be just as debilitating as PPD. In this article we will discuss what PPA is, its symptoms, causes, and how to treat it.

Understanding Postpartum Anxiety

First things first – what exactly is postpartum anxiety? Essentially it’s excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life after giving birth. While it’s normal for parents to worry about their newborns’ health and wellbeing , postpartum anxiety brings these worries to an entirely different level.

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety

Symptoms of postnatal anxiety can vary in intensity from person to person. The most common symptoms include:

• Intense worrying or feeling anxious.
• Feeling restless or constantly agitated without any particular reason.
• Difficulty sleeping even when baby sleeps.
• Racing thoughts; mind doesn’t seem to stop thinking/worrying.
• A sense of impending doom accompanied by physical signs such as increased heart rate,
  shortness of breath, sweating etc…
  It goes without saying that these feelings are uncomfortable at best and terrifying at worst

The similarities between the symptoms of Postnatal Depression (PND) & PPA make diagnosis more difficult but there are subtle differences :

-A notable difference between depression & anxiety is social isolation.

-PND moms often detach themselves completely from people around

-The attachment style may differ significantly between women with adequate levels
of bonding reported among those suffering from ante-natal depressive symptomatology compared
with miserable levels thereafter.

Causes For Postpartum Anxiety

Like PPDepression which arises due varying factors,hormonal changes during pregnancy might contribute greatly towards developing this condition. Women who experience anxiety during pregnancy or have a history of anxiety disorders are at an increased risk for postpartum anxiety; Some other interesting factors that play role:

1. Lack of sleep: This is likely the top contribution to developing PPA
2. A difficult birth experience, medical complications, unexpected life changes ..
3. Psychosocial stressors- financial insecurity,new home/city-
   sudden responsibilities etc..
   4.A new human being.THe pressure to bond with your baby especially if it doesn’t come as naturally..

Diagnosing Postpartum Anxiety

If you suspect that you’re experiencing postpartum anxiety symptoms,it’s crucial to reach out to a mental health professional . Doctors usually diagnose PPA by checking for common physical and mood-related
changes frequently accompanying this condition

Testing includes-

• Blood Test
• Thyroid Function Tests
• Hormone Levels
  or any other relevant test.

A list of specialist will be given depending on the diagnosis so further attention can be sought.

Treating Postpartum Anxiety

So..you’ve been diagnosed ? Wondering what next? Don’t worry help is available just like in cases concerning PPDepression (PPD).
Primary treatment options include talk therapy(psychotherapy) and medication(Typically short term).

Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)

Psychotherapists provide emotional support through various techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT), family/marriage counseling,support groups among several others.
With CBT, individuals learn coping mechanisms and ways They explore them fears undermining their emotional buildup hence negating the effects of these triggers.

Medication

Pediatricians typically prescribe benzodiazepines/antidepressants depending on severity , Symptoms duration, allergy status & breastfeeding one’s needs.

When combined with psychotherapy though effective ideally its best only prescribed in consultation between patient & physician.The use of medication is not a one-size-fits-all process hence patience with the trial-&-error approach to identifying best-fit option is key.

Self-Care

PPA treatment programs are inherently good at grooming sustainable habits that prevent relapse/self-triggering-
As they say, “Prevention is better than cure.” Grooming your own self-care practices even as you work through PPA

TIPS

1. Try sleep when baby dose
2. Ask for help-share duties with partner, family or friends to cut down on time
3. Exercise gently
4. Limit caffeine & alcohol intake; opt for healthy nutrition instead.
   5.Routine self-care like taking out some personal time daily rejuvenate body and mind.

Remember it’s okay to be carefree even with this journey so take advantage of relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or yoga, pretty helpful in staying joyful and relaxed.

Even more important ,avoid being too harsh on yourself as most women will experience similar feelings and symptoms during their initial days after giving birth..

Tell Your Support Team

Don’t keep postpartum anxiety under wraps! Goodness Me!>|NEVER EVER☹️!

Discuss your experience openly -firstly with professionals then Trusted figures around you This includes partners,friends,family/ religious support whose feedback & guidance may prove invaluable over .

When these strategies don’t seem enough don’t hesitate . seek professional help again..Your mental health specialist work together map out tailor-made coping mechanisms whether Medication-assistance(emergency situations) , In-patient/outpatient evaluations among several other interventions

In fact many Mothers usually fear admitting vulnerability associated by PPD(and equally PPA) symptoms as it amounts to questioning their parenting capabilities.Remember though,it’s necessary that both mother n child enjoy a conducive environment not interfered by suboptimal parent-infant bonding accompanied by episodes of anxiety

PPA should not be taken lightly, as it can have serious consequences if left untreated.Some women may fear that seeking help means they are weak or a bad mother. But in reality, one is exhibiting strength & protecting themselves and their baby from further harm .

Don’t suffer alone with this – pick up the phone to a support group or book yourself an appointment with an obstetrician ,there’s no need to let PPA get in the way of enjoying motherhood!