CBD for Postnatal Depression – Could it work?

Postnatal Depression affects 1 in 10 women. In fact, this number could be much higher. Unfortunately, it is believed that symptoms often go unreported and untreated. Due to this, they’ll not be counted in the health stats. Postnatal depression, like other types of depression, is often misunderstood. 

After having a baby many women report feeling down, anxious and tearful. However, these “baby blues” shouldn’t last more than two weeks after giving birth. If the symptoms carry on into the next week, and the next and the next, then it might be postnatal depression.

What are the symptoms of postnatal depression?

• Feelings of sadness
• Low mood
• Loss of interest and enjoyment 
• Trouble sleeping at night
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Withdrawing from other people and social situations
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Frightening thoughts 

These symptoms might not all happen, or happen all at once. In fact, they can develop over time if left untreated. 

Causes of postnatal depression

We can’t give one particular cause of this kind of depression. It is a combination of emotional and physical factors that occur after having a baby. Your change in hormones, as well as lack of sleep and exhaustion, can all contribute. Other factors that might determine whether you’re at risk of postnatal depression is family history, unplanned pregnancies and health, money and relationship stress.

Types of postnatal depression

There are a number of types of postnatal depression. These include:

• Blues 
• Anxiety
• OCD
• Panic disorder
• PTSD
• Psychosis

Could CBD help with postnatal depression?

Having low serotonin levels are considered to be linked to depression. While CBD doesn’t necessarily boost those levels, it may help your brain respond to serotonin in your body already. There was an animal study in 2014 that revealed that CBD’s effect on the receptors in the brain had antidepressant and anti anxiety effects. 

CBD may also help with other symptoms of postnatal depression, such as trouble sleeping and stress. CBD helps the body to relax and eases stress levels. As a result, this may help you to get a better night’s sleep.

If you are suffering from postnatal anxiety then you might be interested to know about how CBD has helped those with anxiety. In one study involving rats, CBD was found to reduce stress. The subjects saw improvement in anxiety signs, such as a reduced heart rate. Studies have also found that CBD shows promise for those with postnatal PTSD. 

CBD isn’t for me, what else can I do for postnatal depression?

There are other ways to naturally help your postnatal depression. Here are a few things you might consider:

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to enhance your mood as you will make more feel-good endorphins after getting your heart rate up. You don’t have to try to fit in an hour gym session, just a short burst of exercise can do the trick. Remember, if you haven’t long had your baby then you need to wait until your 6 weeks check up. 

Eat well

Diet can play a big part in how we feel. If you are low in B-vitamins, such as B6, B9 and B12 then your mood can destabilise. Foods you can find these feel good vitamins in include:

• Wholegrains
• Meat
• Eggs
• Dark leafy greens
• Legumes 

Improving your diet may also make you feel better as you take control of something.

Another crucial vitamin is Vitamin D. In England, we don’t get enough from the sun so it is certainly one look to supplement.

Are you or is someone you know showing signs of postnatal depression? Do they want to try something natural? Try OurRemedy. A CBD oil for women, designed by women.

Remember, we are not medical experts. Always see a medical professional if you are suffering from postnatal depression.