Relationships after childbirth

So the relationship between a man and a woman begins its transformation into a relationship called family life.
And at first, the young couple feels only delight and happiness: love, understanding, trust, sex - everything is fine.
And then a child appears - happiness, which, as a rule, both spouses are waiting for.
But the relationship and the former way of life change dramatically, a bunch of some incomprehensible duties for a man appear, and the wife after childbirth changes so much that it seems to be a different person.

“After childbirth, my wife became irritable, nervous, she always finds fault with everything, she needs help. I can’t calmly go out to drink beer with the guys, she yells all the time. I don't talk about sex at all. She apparently forgot that I am a man and I need sex: she is absolutely cold, inattentive, indifferent. All her attention is only on the child ... Relations with his wife after the birth of the child became unbearable.

This is a small excerpt from one of the stories that are pouring in to our Love-911 Coaches from young dads who want to build a relationship with their spouse.
Of course, the nuances of the existing relationship with the wife after the birth of the child are different, but the outcome is the same - the loss of mutual understanding and, as a result, conflicts and quarrels in the familyleading to a break.

Let's, dear men, try to figure out why women become bitchy, nervous, demanding and cold:

Let's start with the hospital.

When a child is born, already in the maternity hospital, a woman begins to experience stress. No, not childbirth. Childbirth is a process not controlled by a woman and the body adapts so much that the experienced stress or shock then seems like a terrible dream and not one woman can understand how she was able to survive it.
Now it’s not about that, but about the fact that after about four hours after this, the woman should begin her direct, already maternal duties. And no one will feed, swaddle, lull, soothe the child for her, despite the fact that she stands with difficulty. For three days in the maternity hospital, she sleeps for about two, maybe three hours, her body is depleted and completely exhausted.
Maybe if you look at the recording, you will see that if your wife was wearing makeup when she was discharged from the hospital, then this did not really help her. She still looks terribly broken.
And if your wife did not give birth in some kind of mother and child hospital, but in a simple city maternity hospital, then this is exactly what happens.

Now home.

At home, the following picture occurs: You work, provide for your family. Of course, you get tired, but you are warmed by the fact that on weekends you can relax and devote time to yourself.
And you relax, someone drinks beer with friends, someone goes hunting, someone finds other ways to relieve stress.
Having rested, you are full of strength and energy, and a tired, angry, neglected wife is waiting for you at home.
The wife, being at home, works, the process of work is not visible and not heard, since you are at work. And the wife at this time goes shopping, ironing, washing and cleaning. In addition, there is a child who needs to be monitored, given time to him, take care of him, change diapers, feed, play, and so on.
In the evening, the remaining strength is enough to meet you, feed you, and, in fact, this is where her attention to you ends. As for sex, she is not something to do, she cannot even think about it, because during the day she was a laundress, a cleaner, a nurse, a cook. After all these professions, she does not feel like a woman, but a plowman, a horse and many others who do not even remotely look like a woman.
The outcome of all this fatigue of her are breakdowns, tantrums, screams and anger.
And you think: "God, why did I get married?!"

Now the solution:

For starters, even at discharge from the hospital, the wife needs help. Take a child and create for her comfortable conditions so that she can calmly come home, without being nervous and without worrying about where to put her parents, relatives and others. Therefore, if you meet a wife from a maternity hospital, then all relatives say goodbye to a young mother in the same maternity hospital.
Create conditions at home for normal sleep on the first night after discharge from the hospital. If you want, invite your mother in the evening to help you in caring for the child due to your inexperience.

And then arrange so that you and your wife take turns resting. One weekend you, the other - she, or one day you, the other - she.
During the rest, she will be able to feel like a woman. She will be able to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the home and, preferably, she comes to an uncluttered apartment, but to the same one that she saw last time. It is important.

And the last push.

Of course, that's not all.
Look, you work about 13 hours a day. Lot? Yes very.
A woman, on the other hand, works at home with a small child all the time, except for hours of sleep.
Therefore, when you come home, it would be nice to help her with something, you don’t have to take on all the responsibilities. Just a little attention, to be with the child while she cooks, or to wash the child. As a rule, it is this procedure that is rather difficult for a woman, since the child must be held and washed at the same time. Therefore, she needs help in this matter.
With this approach, she will not forget that she is a woman, because you will give her this opportunity. And in return you will get an attentive, caring, self-confident woman who, thanks to your help, will be able to please you and not only think about sex, but also make love to you with pleasure.
She will think of you as the man of her dreams, her feelings for you will not doze off, but will grow stronger in a new capacity, as the father of her child, and this is much stronger and more significant for your relationship.

Once again, we want to repeat that, of course, the nuances of disagreements are different for everyone, but those men who were worried about the problem in the relationship in time and began to solve it correctly were able to save this most wonderful moment of their lives.

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The appearance of a desired child often brings emotions to the mother, which, it would seem, should not be. Instead of tenderness and pride, a woman feels anxiety, fear, irritation, she wants to cry. How to deal with it? After all, a child needs a healthy and happy mom, and she herself wants to feel the joy of the new situation, and not just hardships.

Read in this article

Why instead of happiness - stress, tearfulness and nerves after childbirth

The bad mood, fears, irritability of the newly-made mother are explained by the presence of several factors:

• Hormonal changes. After childbirth, the composition of these substances changes. The volumes of estrogen and progesterone, which give the pregnant woman peace and confidence, are reduced to normal values. At the same time, the concentration of prolactin increases.

You need to get used to the new balance of substances, and adaptation causes an increase in the load on the nervous system.

• Experienced physiological stress. Childbirth can be a difficult test for the nerves. Especially if the woman was not psychologically prepared for them, faced with the rudeness of doctors, or the process did not go as expected.
• Physical fatigue. With the advent of the baby, the load increases, because the young mother now has many responsibilities. And her body has not yet recovered. And if there is no way to sleep, relax, share labor with loved ones, the nerves can not stand it.
• Fear for the child. It is characteristic of almost all women, because the baby cannot say that it hurts, what he wants. And crying raises thoughts about the child's health problems, even if the doctor assures the mother that everything is in order.

How to calm nerves after childbirth with home remedies

If the negative in the life of a young mother outweighs the positive, this must be fought. Otherwise, you can get depression, which will be more difficult to cope with. What are the steps to help you stop worrying?

Treatment of nerves after childbirth with medications

If it is not possible to normalize the emotional state with psychological methods, medications are needed. Only a doctor should prescribe them and choose the dosage. At the beginning of therapy, it can be ordinary valerian tablets. The drug will reduce irritability, excitability, relieve insomnia.

Vitamins of group B will have a supporting effect on upset nerves. They are also allowed during breastfeeding.

The benefits of vitamins for restoring peace of mind is that these substances contribute to a surge of energy, improve overall well-being, and strengthen the central nervous system.

For more severe symptoms of a nervous breakdown, a specialist may prescribe antidepressants. Some of them (Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Fluorocyzine) are also acceptable for use during lactation. Preparations of this series will help increase the production of substances responsible for emotional balance. They also block the production of components that evoke negative nerve reactions.

It should be borne in mind that the effect of antidepressant therapy is felt 2 to 3 weeks after the start of treatment. Therefore, you should not cancel them yourself for more early term treatment. It is forbidden to adjust the dosage without a doctor.

Watch a video about postpartum depression:

Strengthening the nerves before childbirth - prevention of a happy family life

The fact that young mothers can worsen the emotional state is known to many. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the prevention of nerve disorders:

• Prepare for childbirth physically. If a woman is confident in her own health, it is easier for her to get rid of the psychological stress associated with the expectation of pain and difficulties in the process of the birth of a child. And for this you need to have strong muscles. You will be able to prepare if you plan a pregnancy. A woman will have the opportunity to get rid of health problems in advance, to take time.
• Take classes for pregnant women. They will teach you how to breathe properly, to make it easier to endure childbirth, to do self-massage. Knowledge will come in handy later and will give the expectant mother confidence, will not allow her to be nervous.
• Prepare psychologically for the birth of a child. This means that you need to listen and perceive the positive experience of specialists and women who have already gone through childbirth. Books for expectant mothers, the help of benevolent people will help here. Do not listen to "horror stories" about childbirth.

Peace of mind is important not only for the woman herself. The kid also acutely feels the psychological state of his mother, begins to worry if it is filled with negativity. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of stress for the sake of the child.

Pregnancy is a difficult period for every woman. Bearing a fetus leaves its "imprint" on the psycho emotional state future mother. After pregnancy, problems are also possible. According to statistics, every third woman experiences postpartum stress.

Psychologists believe that the main cause of postpartum stress is the birth itself. In addition, the state of the body is affected by the emotional and physical stress that a woman faces both before and after childbirth.

Postpartum depression occurs in 15% of mothers

Features of postpartum stress

Every mother-to-be, who is looking forward to the birth of her baby, is going through a lot of stress. The experience is caused by several factors at once: weight gain, changes in the hormonal level, a decrease in the level of estrogen and progesterone. It is because of this that the expectant mother becomes irritable and changeable in mood.

Childbirth itself is one of the most powerful stress factors.

The fact is that during childbirth, a woman experiences enormous physical and emotional stress. In most women, this causes cases of depression, which disappear after 1-2 weeks. But sometimes this condition of a woman is delayed and becomes chronic. Psychologists are sure that it is very difficult for a young mother to cope with the signs of stress on her own.

Sometimes you need not only the support of loved ones, but also psychological help.

Causes of stress in women after pregnancy

With the advent of a baby, a woman's life changes completely. She needs to get used to a new social role. Everyone adapts differently. Some have a negative psycho-emotional state takes place on the first - third day after the birth of the baby. In others, it worsens and becomes chronic, becoming one of the causes of possible stress.

depression from chronic fatigue

No less often stress occurs:

• Due to the unpreparedness of young girls for the process of childbirth. More often this applies to those women who give birth to their first child. The unpreparedness of a psycho-emotional nature, as well as the unpredictable scenario of the birth itself, contributes to the emotional burden.
• Health problems in a woman or baby.
• Lack of experience in handling a newborn, which is often present in new mothers.
• Problems with parental responsibility associated with the fact that the human psyche is not ready for a new role.
• Experiences due to problems with excess weight and a changed figure.
• No less rarely, a tense situation in the family can affect the emotional state of a young mother.

The first weeks after the birth of a baby are the most difficult for his parents. The child often cries and does not sleep at night. For his parents, this is a period of lack of sleep, nervousness and conflicts arising from nerves. As a result, the girl gets a lot negative emotions from the outside, already suffering from the stress of postpartum.

Psychologists tried to draw "parallels" with the stressful state of young mothers and their psycho-emotional state before pregnancy, during menstruation. According to the results of numerous surveys and experiments, it was possible to find out that those girls who suffered from stress during menstruation before childbirth were in this state after pregnancy.

Symptoms of stress

Stress after childbirth often manifests itself as early as the second week after the birth of a child. The first symptoms of stress are:

• irritability;
• changeable mood;
• apathy;
• fatigue.

Symptoms of postpartum stress

Psychologists say that such signs in the mother are considered mild and disappear within the first 2-3 weeks. A new emotional load is gradually becoming part of real life girls. She manages to overcome difficulties, and she gets used to the new regimen and activities. But, if this condition drags on, other symptoms of stress may appear, which experts call severe:

• depressive state;
• bouts of aggression;
• dislike for the child.

Hair loss after childbirth

When a young mother enters a depressed state, her maternal instinct fades away. She is unable to cope with difficulties, so she wants to "run away" from them. This condition is comparable to a nervous breakdown. The girl systematically throws tantrums, behaves selfishly and aggressively not only in relation to her husband, but also to the child.

Attacks of aggression - a symptom

Consequences of postpartum stress

Cases of depression, like other signs of postpartum stress, do not go unnoticed. The body of a woman suffers from changes in hormonal levels. And this is also reflected in the baby, who is on breastfeeding. The fact is that the synthesis of enzymes contained in milk originates in the pituitary gland. With stress, adrenaline is released into the blood, which makes this part of the brain rebuild, work according to the “new program”.

The result of this influence is obvious. With a change in the hormonal background, the quality and quantity breast milk decreases. Such signs should make the young mother change her emotional background. In case of inaction, the option is not excluded that the milk will completely disappear, and the baby will need to be transferred to artificial feeding.

There is also a threat to women's health. Often, the consequences of a negative psycho-emotional state are lactostasis and mastitis.

The reason is the uneven contraction of the ducts and problems with the outflow of the secret of the mammary gland.

Laktostasis and mastitis

If you have problems with milk

If it was not possible to cope with the new emotional load, there is no time to waste. It is necessary to take appropriate measures to establish an emotional background and normalize milk production. The first thing to take care of:

• Relax and stop worrying. Here you should ask for help from relatives.
• You should limit yourself from household chores.
• Nipple stimulation. It is necessary to apply the baby to the breast as often as possible or use mechanical or electric breast pumps. While the stimulation is going on, the milk will not disappear.

It is necessary to tune in only to a favorable result, without being nervous and without being subjected to despair.

The main thing is to prevent the re-release of adrenaline into the blood, which can destroy attempts to restore lactation. It is important to restore the maternal instinct, which becomes weak under stress. It is important to be close to the baby as often as possible, to hold him close to you, to rest nearby, etc.

Husband's support is very important

You can also contact the doctors. Today, nutritional supplements and vitamins that help restore lactation are widely used. But their use will not be effective if the girl does not limit herself from intense nervous activity.

How to deal with postpartum stress

When a young mother is suddenly overtaken by stress, one should calm down and get rid of negative emotions as soon as possible, otherwise it may affect both the health of the mother and lactation. Therefore, in such situations, psychologists advise:

• establish a comfortable environment at home (relatives should support the girl);
• take a warm bath or shower;
• drink a glass of mulled wine;
• relax more next to the child, especially for sleep;
• do yoga or breathing exercises that help to relax the body;
• make time to go out with your family.

The main goal of these measures is to get rid of the influence of stressors on the body. And the sooner this is done, the better for the mother and her baby. You don't have to be afraid to cry. After all, tears are a protective reaction of the body. With the help of them, he fights against an external threat. It is not worth resisting.

Psychological consultation is very helpful

The only thing forbidden is sports. After pregnancy, training can negatively affect lactation.

If it was not possible to overcome stress on your own or prevent it, then you should not be upset. You can go to a psychologist who will find out the main reasons for the woman's experience and help her return to a normal psycho-emotional state. Most often, only one appointment with a psychologist is required, since young mothers do not have time for long sessions with a specialist.

yoga meditation for depression

1. Find a hobby that will help a woman relax, but not forget about her child. A good example is a photo collage made up of pictures of a baby with his mother, father and relatives. During the manufacture of such a collage, a woman will be able to relax and pay attention to her child.
2. Move more. Walking on fresh air useful for both the baby and his mother. Walking releases endorphins (pleasure hormones).
3. Laugh more. If circumstances do not encourage a woman to laugh, you should take the time to watch a comedy or TV show.
4. Rearrange your mode. The main causes of stress in women after childbirth include difficulties with organizing time. Before the birth of a child, a woman is used to one regimen, and with the advent of a baby, everything changes. You have to adjust to the child.
5. Adjust the menu. Vigor of a person depends on his regimen and nutrition. It is necessary to remove confectionery and semi-finished products from the diet. It is better to eat carbohydrates (cereals, pasta and vegetables) and protein (meat, cottage cheese, etc.). The main thing is to reduce the consumption of fatty foods.
6. The more a young mother devotes time to herself and her child, the stronger her resistance to stress will be. This means that she can easily overcome all difficulties and even avoid them. The more time a woman spends with a baby, the more she feels like a mother, responsible not only for herself, but also for another person.

No need to bear the burden of responsibility and try to overcome difficulties on your own. Dads should also be involved in this.

‚Moments of rest and relaxation

Their support is invaluable. Therefore, you should spend more time with the whole family, talk to each other, play with the child, feed and bathe him. And with such a favorable emotional background in the family, stress will not be so frequent and strong. In addition, the mental health of the baby will also be normal, because he will grow up in a family where he is loved and appreciated, and his parents never swear.

Conclusion

The risk of postpartum stress and lactation problems is huge. And this is no coincidence, because a young mother is subject to physical and emotional overwork, because she adapts to a new role for herself.

In order to avoid problems with your own health and the health of the baby, you need to tune in exclusively to positive emotions. Close people should only contribute to this. It will also help the mother's care for the child, which will force the brain to tune in only to the maintenance of the newborn, his care and feeding. If you cannot protect yourself from stress on your own, you should seek help from a psychologist.

The expectation and birth of a baby is a joy for everyone and a special event for his mother. But it happens that this joy is overshadowed by a heavy emotional and physical condition women in labor, especially if she became a mother for the first time.

Neurosis after childbirth - a very wide palette of emotions and experiences negative character, the so-called type of depressive state. Postpartum neurasthenia affects not only the psyche, but also negatively affects normal work internal organs person.

Most often, neurasthenia develops 1-2 weeks after the baby is born. Why do these disorders occur?

• a young mother is faced with a huge burden associated with the care, feeding and health of a newborn baby. If she does not have experience in motherhood and caring for a baby, then such problems as abdominal cramps, massage, bathing, diathesis fall on the shoulders of a young mother with a large, and sometimes overwhelming burden;
• even if she already has experience caring for children, then often after the birth of a new baby, a woman feels the maximum responsibility not only for him, but also for her husband and other children;
• constant household anxieties and often unreasonable fears about caring for the baby are mixed with strong feelings for any reason - whether the baby has eaten enough, why he breathes quietly during sleep, why he screams or, conversely, cries a little.

Symptoms and signs of anxiety

One of the manifestations of neurasthenia in a young mother is causeless irritability, tearfulness, and depressed mood. She is also often haunted by suspiciousness, for example, she does not take well the advice of others on caring for a child, thinking that everyone considers her a bad mother.

Much less often, but still there are situations when a hysterical neurosis begins to develop in a young mother. A few months ago, she was in the center of attention of the whole family - for almost a year she was surrounded by the care and guardianship of her husband, parents and friends. But after giving birth, the crumbs overnight turned into a “free” application for the baby. She ceased to belong to herself, and also lost her pleasant place in the center of attention. So the person has regular tantrums, which are directed at her husband, grandparents, and sometimes even at a newborn baby.

Psychologists emphasize that all anxiety disorders in mothers can proceed in two directions: either they are regularly in an irritated and restless state, throw tantrums, any word or household trifle causes them dissatisfaction, or they withdraw into themselves and almost do not respond to external stimuli, even the crying of children.

In any case, a mental disorder negatively affects the well-being of women and reduces their lactation, which is extremely important for newborns.

Classification of anxiety disorders

Neurasthenia appears in a woman not only after the birth of a baby. The first symptoms of such a problem may appear even during pregnancy. Neurosis during pregnancy is most often observed in impulsive ladies who have difficulty adapting to changes in themselves and in the world around them. Balanced representatives of the weaker sex with a normal psyche endure pregnancy quite easily.

Neurosis in pregnant women tends to be protracted and can cause a significant deterioration in the quality of life. It is difficult to find out the exact causes of such a problem, the most likely of them are:

• hormonal changes in the body, which occurs from the first days of pregnancy;
• psychological discomfort, especially during an unplanned pregnancy. Future mom is under stress, she always feels the oppression of anxious thoughts about the upcoming birth and future life;
• neurosis can cause physical inconveniences, such as constant toxicosis, changes in the body, loss of control over one's body;
• it happens that working expectant mothers are forced to endure daily psychological or physical stress in the workplace, which also often provoke neurosis.

Against the background of neurasthenia, a woman's chronic diseases often worsen, which often leads to a deterioration in the baby's condition. These complications are associated with changes in the overall reactivity female body and a decrease in immunity, in no case should they be left without the attention of a specialist.

In most cases, drug treatment while waiting for the birth of a baby is strictly contraindicated. The doctor can only recommend an alternative to pharmacological sedatives in the form of herbal preparations and medicinal tea.

How does psychosis progress after childbirth?

Psychologists distinguish the following main manifestations of neurasthenia in young mothers:

• constant sweating and palpitations, which often appear for no reason;
• restless and sensitive sleep, even severe fatigue prevents a woman from falling asleep quickly;
• appetite problems. She is very hungry, but she cannot eat anything. Even drinking causes nausea;
• dejected and depressed state - she is not happy with either the child or other positive moments in the life of the family.

Causes of pathological borderline conditions

Neurosis after pregnancy and childbirth can be caused by various reasons. Chief among them is a new responsible role for the life of a dear little man. And if additional, often aggravating factors are attached to it, then women who have experienced difficult childbirth, stress and hormonal shake-up very often show signs of psychosis. The most common contributing factors are:

• the appearance of the disorder is influenced by the warehouse of the woman's character. Daily anxiety, excessive emotionality and suspiciousness during pregnancy and childbirth are often doubled;
• too young age of a young mother;
• often postpartum psychosis manifests itself if there are various mental disorders in the anamnesis;
• difficult childbirth. Severe physical pain, moral exhaustion, associated complications can cause an unstable mental state;
• difficult family situation, in particular, quarrels with the baby's father, domestic disorder or problems with housing;
• chronic physical fatigue;
• taking various sedatives that are contraindicated while waiting for a child.

The postpartum stage of life greatly depletes a woman, and she has practically no time for a full recovery. Pregnancy and childbirth are a serious test for the female body, which affects the hormonal balance, takes away physical and moral strength, weakens the emotional and mental sphere.

How does the problem manifest itself after childbirth?

Under the influence of certain hormones that are produced by a woman in labor in the first hours after the baby is born, she has a feeling of euphoria and a strong maternal instinct wakes up. But after these happy moments, problems and troubles pile up on the mother, which, against the background of lack of sleep and physical fatigue, can quickly develop into a mental disorder.

After being discharged from the hospital, many young mothers experience a feeling of depression, and instead of joy at the birth of a baby, they experience other emotions - from complete indifference to the baby to its rejection. Under the influence of a psychological state, they often begin to be burdened by the question - why do we need this constantly screaming lump, was it necessary to get pregnant at all.

Alarm diagnostics

Each person reacts differently to life's difficulties and perceives them individually. Therefore, if a young mother behaves with her baby in some unusual and unusual way, it is worth taking a closer look at her. It is worth noting that it is very difficult to cope with the problem without the help of a specialist. Such neurasthenia can negatively affect the life of the mother and child.

If the husband or other family members are worried about something in the behavior of the woman in labor, then it is better to talk about this with the local gynecologist, who, if necessary, will refer her to a psychologist or psychotherapist.

Therapy that helps to cope with the nervous state after childbirth

Is it possible to deal with the problem on your own? To treat neurosis in pregnant women or in women after childbirth can only be a specialist with the appropriate medical education. After childbirth, in most cases, drug therapy for mental disorders is indispensable.

Depending on the severity of the condition and whether the baby is breastfed, the doctor may prescribe appropriate antidepressants, sedatives, or herbal remedies to the woman in labor. Also, the doctor will try to regulate sleep safe means Patients may be prescribed various nootropics or vitamin complexes.

In each individual case, postpartum psychosis is treated individually by specialists. In many situations, effective tool with neurosis is to visit support groups and communicate with the same patients who are experiencing or have already coped with a similar problem.

Support for family and friends

It is good if there is someone to share with the young mother all the hardships and worries associated with the birth of the baby. The main guarantee of her normal mental state is sufficient rest and the help of household members. It is desirable to distribute responsibilities in the family, at least for a while, while the child is small, and the woman who has recently given birth is adapting to new living conditions. People around her should help her set aside a few quiet hours every day for sleep and rest, for a relaxing bath or other pleasant activity.

Psychologists say that with the support of loved ones who provide assistance and support to the family in an acute period, neurosis during pregnancy and mental problems go much easier and faster.

The diet of the woman in labor also plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of borderline conditions. Food should be healthy, fresh, rich in vitamins and microelements, and also as simple and quick as possible to prepare. Therefore, the house should have modern appliances that will make life easier for the whole family - a slow cooker, a bread machine, a yogurt maker, etc.

We must not forget about the normal psychological situation in the family - this is the most important component of the treatment and prevention of the problem.

As medical statistics show, in most cases, postpartum disorders end safely and without consequences for the health of the mother and baby.

Childbirth is a colossal stress for the body, physical overload for organs and systems. The postpartum period has many difficulties for a young mother: the formation of lactation, rapid involution (reverse development) of the reproductive organs, restructuring of the endocrine glands, painful sutures and ruptures, and the consequences of blood loss. After natural childbirth or operations cesarean section the woman feels weak and tired. But she does not have the opportunity to rest, relax, recover: infant requires maximum attention and care 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Lactation depletes the mother's body, valuable nutrients and biologically active substances are excreted from the body with milk. A young mother is forced to follow a strict diet, to deny herself her favorite dishes. She feels an increased responsibility in connection with motherhood. A woman may not get enough sleep for a long time; not be able to lead a normal life: meet friends, devote time to your appearance, travel; forced to forget own desires and needs for the good of the child. The kid is not yet able to appreciate all the mother's sacrifices: he cries, is naughty, sometimes falls into hysterics. All these factors negatively affect the state of the nervous system of a young female body. If the health is strong, the psyche is stable, then there are no problems. Otherwise, postpartum neurosis develops, which, if the situation worsens, can develop into psychosis.

Previously, in maternity hospitals, the separate stay of the mother and the newborn was practiced. The woman had the opportunity to recover after childbirth, take care of her well-being and hygiene, get enough sleep, and calmly communicate with relatives. Now co-habitation is practiced. The baby is brought to the mother a few hours after natural childbirth. Milk arrives only for 2-3 days, before that, babies may experience hunger and scream and cry for a long time.

Important! If a woman in labor feels overwhelmed and tired, it is better to temporarily entrust the newborn to nurses who will bring it only for feeding.

There is no need to be afraid of the condemnation of others, the child needs a healthy and full of strength mother. Nervous strain leads to sad consequences, and the mother's neurosis and psychosis affect the health and development of the baby.

Classification of neuroses

There are the following clinical forms of neurosis:

1. neurasthenia - increased irritability against the background of weakness and fatigue;
2. hysteria, the state is accompanied by violent external reactions: screaming, tears, tantrums, the desire to cause physical pain to loved ones;
3. obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by anxious thoughts, obsession, fears, behavioral disorders, inadequacy in actions.

Most of the neuroses are mixed. Often a young mother cannot critically assess her condition and admit her illness. Only the attentive attitude and support of family members helps to cope with neurosis, which, with timely correction, is a reversible condition.

Features of the course of neurosis after childbirth

The main symptoms of postpartum neurosis: increased anxiety, fear, sleep disturbance, loss of appetite. A young mother is emotionally worried and winds herself up for the slightest reason, it is hard for her to endure the crying of a baby. If the baby is sick, then fears go off scale.

A common form of neurosis is neurasthenia. The woman becomes whiny, irritable, it is difficult for her to cope with caring for the baby and routine housework. Over time, asthenia develops - exhaustion, the patient loses weight dramatically and looks exhausted.

Important advice for new mothers! Use the baby's sleep time for your rest. Simplify your daily homework by preparing simple meals and convenience foods. Walk as much as possible with the baby in the fresh air. Use the help of a husband, older children, relatives and friends. Take a break from your child at least once a week.

Classification of psychoses

Psychoses are serious disorders state of mind which bring great suffering and are difficult to correct. Some forms of pathology are not cured completely and require the regular use of potent drugs.

Depending on the provoking causes, psychoses are divided into 2 groups:

• exogenous, caused by external causes: the intake of toxic substances (alcohol, drugs, potent drugs), infections, stress and psychological trauma;
• endogenous, caused by disorders in the functioning of the nervous or endocrine system, tumors in the brain.

There are acute and reactive psychosis. acute form develops at lightning speed and requires stopping in the dispensary. Reactive - is formed gradually as a result of a long traumatic situation.

Severe forms of the disease are referred to as genetic psychotic disorders. These are: schizoaffective psychosis, manic psychosis and schizophrenia. Motherhood for women with these diagnoses is an unbearable burden.

Features of the course of psychosis after childbirth

Psychosis after childbirth often develops in women who have a burdened history of this pathology. It can be exacerbated in the chronic course of the disease. Many drugs that are used in the treatment are potent and are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women take them for a long time and cancel them at the planning stage of conception, which is a factor that provokes an exacerbation.

Primary psychosis is called symptomatic, it develops as a result of infection of the birth canal. Postpartum psychosis often has an endogenous character and develops as a result of rapid endocrine changes in the body.

Speaking of postpartum psychosis, they mean a disorder that manifests itself during the first few months after childbirth.

Important to remember! A mother in a state of psychosis is potentially dangerous for the baby; for health reasons, she cannot always control herself. Relatives are obliged to take care of the safety and adequate care of the baby.

Symptoms and signs of mental disorders

Symptoms of neurosis after childbirth include mental and somatic manifestations. Mental symptoms include the following:

• emotional instability: tearfulness, irritability, resentment;
• sudden mood swings for no apparent reason;
• excessive anxiety, fearfulness, phobias;
• obsession with a situation that traumatizes the psyche;
• decreased efficiency, attention, brain activity;
• violent tantrums;
• changes in behavior, isolation, indecision, difficulty with the formulation of thoughts;
• sudden weight loss;
• indifference to the child;
• intolerance to certain sounds, photophobia;
• sleep disorders: insomnia or drowsiness;
• lethargy, apathy, depression.

Somatic disorders are added to mental and behavioral disorders. A young mother is concerned about: pain in the heart, temples, symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia (dizziness, convulsions, pre-syncope), disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting).

With psychosis, more severe complications are added to the described symptoms:

• strange phobias and thoughts: about a possible substitution of a child, about your incurable illness, about a conspiracy or a special mission;
• loss of interest in the newborn up to the complete refusal to care for him;
• visual and auditory hallucinations - "voices";
• megalomania;
• obsessive thoughts about suicide;
• amental clouding - the sick person does not realize where she is, speech is disturbed, she falls into a "stupor";
• periods of depression for no apparent reason are replaced by excitement and activity.

The condition affects appearance, a young mother becomes unkempt, does not look after herself and does not notice this. She stops leading household, housing looks run down. The social circle is sharply narrowed, in a number of cases, a sick mother stops going out and “falls out” of society.

It is important to know! A woman is often unable to adequately assess the severity of her condition. The initiative for diagnosis and treatment falls on the shoulders of close relatives.

Running mental and nervous disorders lead to serious complications. Protracted neurosis develops into psychosis, which is dangerous for the life of a woman and her child. A young mother exhausts herself with fears, she has thoughts of suicide, which can be accompanied by active actions.

Diagnosis of mental disorders in home and clinical settings

Relatives may notice the first alarming symptoms immediately after the young mother is discharged from the maternity hospital. The woman complains of weakness, feeling unwell, it is difficult for her to take care of the baby and perform household chores. The patient expresses many concerns and fears about the newborn. Apathy may occur, the mother stops approaching the child, even if he cries heart-rendingly. If relatives notice changes in behavior, the woman should be referred to a psychologist or psychotherapist.

Important information! The sooner you apply for medical care, the easier it is to get rid of the obsessive state. With alarming symptoms, you can self-diagnose using online tests. Frank answers to questions help identify disorders and assess their severity.

When contacting a medical diagnostic institution, a comprehensive examination is carried out. The doctor examines, listens to complaints, prescribes tests and tomography of the brain. You should contact narrow specialists: a neurologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist.

In the arsenal of a psychologist, there are techniques for identifying and relieving anxiety. For example, color diagnostics. If a woman repeatedly chooses gray, black and brown from a range of colors, this indicates a neurological personality disorder. The classic test - "Rorschach blots", was created more than 100 years ago but is still relevant and informative. The subject is offered 10 cards with ink blots various shapes Some of them are in color, others are black and white. Cards can be flipped. The patient examines the blots and answers questions related to the associations seen. The test allows you to identify the mental characteristics of the individual and identify pathological changes. The interpretation of the results should be made by a specialist psychologist who calculates the scores and draws conclusions.