Postpartum Depression Treatments: Natural Methods For Healing After Birth

Postpartum depression is a mental health condition characterized by a complex combination of physical, emotional, behavioral, and mental changes that can arise after giving birth or adopting a child. While not uncommon among depressive disorders, postpartum depression can be isolating and uncomfortable for new parents. Finding treatment for this condition can be vital to the health of the parent and child. 

Different parents have different needs, and every treatment plan can be unique. Whether you pursue natural healing methods or choose a traditional route, it can be vital to you and your child’s well-being to seek support if you think you may be living with postpartum depression. 

What is postpartum depression?

“Postpartum” refers to the period after childbirth or adoption when the bodies and minds of new parents are recovering and readjusting. Thus, postpartum depression is a depressive disorder that occurs most often after pregnancy. 

In a timeframe of approximately three to five days after pregnancy, it can be normal to experience minor sadness and low energy. However, if symptoms are severe and last longer than two weeks, you might be experiencing postpartum depression. Anyone can experience this condition, including a non-gestational parent, partners of any gender, and adoptive parents.

The symptoms of postpartum depression, sometimes called perinatal depression, involve a generalized sense of apathy, a lack of connection to the new child, thoughts of self-harm or harm to your child, believing you’re a bad parent, and other symptoms characteristic of a depressive disorder.

Causes of postpartum depression 

Postpartum depression can occur for various reasons, and some parents may be predisposed to symptoms due to genetics. People with gynecological reproductive systems may be more likely to experience postpartum depression because of hormones. 

During pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen levels are high. After birth, these hormones drop steeply and dramatically. This drop is more pronounced in some individuals and can set off postpartum depression symptoms. A drop in thyroid hormones after birth may also be a core cause of postpartum depression since low levels of these hormones are known to cause depression symptoms under other conditions.

Natural postpartum depression treatments

Different parents find healing through different treatment methods. While some cases of postpartum depression require medical treatment, some individuals may find success with all-natural treatments. While using one of these treatments can elicit powerful change, combining a few as part of a postpartum depression treatment protocol could be more effective. 

With the help of your doctor, therapist, or other licensed professional, put together a natural plan for overcoming the symptoms of postpartum depression. However, consult a healthcare professional about your symptoms and pre-existing treatments before starting any new treatment, even if it is natural. Below are a few natural treatments to discuss. 

Acupuncture for postpartum depression

The ancient Chinese healing method of acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in Eastern medicine to treat various ailments, including postpartum depression. Acupuncture differs from Western medicine regarding how its practitioners view illness. However, its effectiveness can be high. 

This treatment operates on the idea that the body’s illnesses are related to an energetic imbalance that can be corrected with the use of needles or stimulation on specific points of the body. Depressive disorders, including postpartum depression, can sometimes occur due to imbalances in the body. Acupuncture also utilizes knowledge of the four humors and carefully considers the flow of energy through all body systems. Thus, acupuncture acknowledges the effects of not only physiological influences on postpartum depression symptoms but also emotional or spiritual influences.

When combined with therapy and a healthy diet, one 2014 study demonstrated that acupuncture can be as successful (if not more successful) than antidepressant medications in treating postpartum depression. In addition, acupuncture doesn’t have as many side effects as medication and may offer users benefits like a boost of energy and mental clarity.

Light therapy for postpartum depression

Light therapy is a modern treatment with a high success rate in treating postpartum depression and other depressive disorders. Light therapy comes in many forms. However, it assumes that different light wave frequencies can treat various conditions, including postpartum depression. Bright light therapy has successfully treated seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for many years. Still, researchers are starting to investigate the effects of light on other forms of depression, such as postpartum depression.

During light therapy, clients sit near a lightbox of 10,000 lux continuously over a few weeks to achieve notable, sustained effects. Since light therapy can take time to show effects in reducing the symptoms of postpartum depression, it may be most effective when used as part of a protocol. While it may take more time for noticeable effects to occur, some new parents with postpartum depression report being more awake, balanced, and clear-headed after a few sessions with the lightbox.

Healthy lifestyle choices for postpartum depression

Although it might be difficult for people with postpartum depression to maintain healthy lifestyle practices, it can be a natural way to ease symptoms. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and adopting an easy-to-follow schedule are a few critical components of a healthy lifestyle. Adopting these new habits can help those with postpartum depression be more balanced and healthier while they pursue other treatment options. 

Meditation or hypnosis for postpartum depression

Some people with postpartum depression face underlying psychological issues that could be treated with guided meditation or hypnosis techniques. Hypnosis is an alternative treatment that has become more popular in recent years as a treatment for not only postpartum depression but other mood disorders, stress, substance use, and relationship challenges. 

Postpartum depression has various causes, and while physiological issues may explain some symptoms, there may also be subconscious thoughts impacting one’s emotional state. Hypnosis could uncover underlying trauma or distress that could be causing symptoms, helping the client work through these challenges in a safe environment. 

Parents with postpartum depression can have hormonal shifts after pregnancy and emotional or psychological struggles. These emotional and psychological influences can lie under the surface of the conscious mind. As such, hypnosis has proven successful in helping individuals overcome these influences and recover from postpartum depression.

Therapy for postpartum depression

Certain types of therapy may be considered a natural treatment for postpartum depression. Being able to talk openly about emotions, thoughts, and experiences with an experienced professional who can offer advice and support can be essential to the healing process. Some parents may experience pressure from society to feel the “right way” after giving birth, and those with postpartum depression may benefit from additional support from a therapist with knowledge and expertise in this area. Combined with other treatments, therapy can be a powerful aid in an individual’s recovery.

If you or a loved one is experiencing postpartum depression, you’re not alone. As a new parent, you may struggle to find time to see a mental health professional, as most of your time could be going to your new child. You may also be worried about how you’ll afford mental healthcare on top of the cost of having a new child. While traditional therapy can involve long drives, waitlists, and high costs, you may be able to avoid these barriers with online care through a platform like BetterHelp.

With an online counseling platform, you can connect with a therapist anytime, anywhere. You can get matched with a therapist specializing in postpartum depression and set treatment goals upon signing up. Some online platforms offer extra tools like group sessions, webinars, and journaling prompts, as well. 

Online counseling can be an effective treatment option for parents experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). One study found that an online intervention successfully reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with PDD. Researchers concluded that telehealth interventions were sometimes more successful than traditional treatments.