Many women get the baby blues after childbirth and it’s considered normal to experience these hormone-related mood changes after childbirth. However, it might start to be of greater concern when a new mother falls into depression to the point of detaching from her infant.
Statistics show that hundreds of thousands of new mothers in the US experience postpartum depression (PPD) every year. If you are going through a hard time emotionally after having a baby, you’re not alone, and you can get help to overcome it.
PPD has also become quite common with surrogate mothers after birthing a child for another couple. For surrogates, this can also be an extremely trying time as their conditions are significantly different from those of a traditional birth mother. Before starting your surrogacy journey, you will need to do some research beyond a simple “surrogacy programs near me” online search to be sure their values align with yours.
At Joy of Life Surrogacy, we ensure that our surrogates have the best care before, during, and after their pregnancy. This article provides some guidance on how to get help with postpartum depression, and how to support a loved one with PPD.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Beyond just baby blues, postpartum depression is characterized by undue anxiety, sadness, fatigue, irritability, and a host of other symptoms. This phenomenon is experienced by thousands of new mothers every year. Both traditional and surrogate mothers with PPD might also experience feelings of great loss. However, symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
PPD and Surrogacy
Even though it’s not clear what triggers postpartum depression, some research has linked it to postpartum hormonal changes. A gestational carrier might experience a deep feeling of sadness, crying spells, and a general sense of hopelessness after delivery, just as in the case of PPD in traditional mothers.
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with PPD, all hope is not lost, and there are several ways to get help. If you wish to be a surrogate California has some of the best surrogate support programs you can find in the country.
Getting Help for Postpartum Depression
Reach out to a doctor if you or your loved one are experiencing symptoms of PPD. Know that thousands of women are going through the same thing and you are not alone. It’s important to reach out to a trained professional during this phase to help you choose the best course of action.
Effective treatments for postpartum depression include psychotherapy and medication. After consulting with a physician, you will be prescribed with a treatment plan that is most suitable for your specific symptoms.
In some cases, you might be prescribed anti-anxiety medications to help alleviate PPD symptoms. However, it is possible to overcome postpartum depression with talk therapy or cognitive therapy without the use of medication. You might also find recovery with support groups for new parents dealing with PPD.
If you’re considering becoming a surrogate and have concerns about PPD, you can contact Joy of Life Surrogacy. Our staff prioritizes the health and education of our surrogates throughout their entire journey.
