Having a c-section does not increase your risk of having depression. It is natural to feel sad or tearful for a few days after having a baby. This is caused by changes in hormone levels and is called 'baby blues'.
It is completely normal for new parents to feel overwhelmed with your new roles and responsibilities and tearful in the first few days after baby arrives (Shaw et al, 2006). Mums have another reason to cry. The levels of pregnancy hormones drop rapidly three to ten days after giving birth.
"Women who have a surgical birth are more likely to experience feelings of loss, grief, personal failure and lower self-esteem. ... Some women who experience a cesarean especially if was not a anticipated can suffer from post traumatic stress.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common experience for women following an emergency C-section, with research suggesting that approximately 1 in 5 women develop PTSD even when the baby is delivered safely.
Most new moms experience postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues usually begin within the first 2 to 3 days after delivery and may last for up to two weeks.
These mood swings are believed to be caused by hormone changes that happen in a woman's body after she gives birth. Levels of estrogen and progesterone needed during pregnancy suddenly drop, causing shifts in mood.
Postpartum 'baby blues'
You may feel tearful, impatient, irritable, restless or anxious. These periods are fairly short and don't last all day. The feelings come and then go away by themselves. You may also feel extremely fatigued (tired) due to a lack of sleep.
You may experience a range of emotions after your caesarean section (c-section). Some women feel ok, but some may feel depressed or have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is lots of support available from your maternity team, health visitor and GP.
Through two decades of clinical observations, Mao and Jing (2005) found that newborns delivered via Cesarean section did not like to be touched or hugged as compared with newborns delivered via natural childbirth. The neonates expressed stress regarding physical contact with their mothers.
During the birth, you may feel afraid, helpless or unsupported by those around you. After the birth, you may be left feeling guilty or numb due to events beyond your control. You could even suffer from panic attacks. If this happens, know that you're not alone.
Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) has adverse effects on maternal and child health. Cesarean section (CS) is suggested to be associated with PPD, but no study has examined the risk factors for PPD in women who underwent CS.
A natural caesarean is a “slowed-down section” with benefits that might include improved bonding between mother and child, easier breastfeeding and calmer infants.
1 Week Postpartum. The first week postpartum is the most intensive in terms of adjustment and recovery. You have just given birth, are taking care of a newborn, and may have experienced vaginal or perineum tearing (and stitches) or other delivery complications.
Most people find the first six to eight weeks to be the hardest with a new baby. And, although people may not openly discuss many of the challenges in these early weeks of parenthood (if at all), there are a number of common hurdles you may face at this time.
It's strong feelings of sadness, anxiety (worry) and tiredness that last for a long time after giving birth. These feelings can make it hard for you to take care of yourself and your baby. PPD can happen any time after childbirth. It often starts within 1 to 3 weeks of having a baby. It needs treatment to get better.
Further, the researchers found that the method of delivery independently predicted infant sleep duration, with infants delivered by emergency cesarean section sleeping approximately one hour less per day than infants born by vaginal delivery.
Long-term gynaecological complications include a scar defect which can be associated with postmenstrual spotting, dysmenorrhoea, caesarean scar ectopic pregnancies, and pelvic adhesions which are associated with chronic pelvic pain and a decreased fertility rate.
After a C-section, there might be a risk of developing an infection of the lining of the uterus (endometritis), in the urinary tract or at the site of the incision. Blood loss. A C-section might cause heavy bleeding during and after delivery. Reactions to anesthesia.
After C-sections that follow a difficult labor, some moms feel relieved. But others feel sad, disappointed, or even guilty about needing a C-section. Many of these feelings are normal, even for women who had a vaginal birth. Try talking with your partner, family, or friends about your feelings.
'Caesarean babies as they grow up tend to be both dependent and impatient. They don't know the rhythm of getting to know someone and sustaining a relationship. 'They have a feeling of not really being attached to any person or idea.
The 555 postpartum rule is a great guideline that suggests five days in bed, five days on the bed, and five days around the bed, adding up to 15 days of taking it easy and allowing yourself to recover gently during this time.
Prepare for the 5-5-5 rule: 5 days in the bed, 5 days on the bed, 5 days near the bed. This gives you a solid two weeks of focused intentional rest. It also helps to get your priorities in order when it comes to those eager visitors.
It can also help you recover safely to avoid postpartum injuries and reduce your risk of things like postpartum depression, anxiety, clogged milk ducts and mastitis. The basics of the rule consists of 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed and 5 days around the bed.