Well, September is almost over and we officially have 3 months left in the year of 2026!
Before the month ends, I feel like it's a good time to discuss: Postpartum Depression (PPD). Whether you're planning to get pregnant, or if you are already pregnant. It's important to learn about PPD symptoms just as much as your partner, so you can prepare on how to manage care and heal. Statistics show that nearly 1 out of 4 women will experience PPD after childbirth. The worst part is that no one really prepares you for this stage of life; leaving many women vulnerable and isolated.
Postpartum depression affects many women worldwide regardless of background and culture. PPD symptoms is not just an emotional or mental stage, the symptoms can be related to biological, physiological, and environmental. The rate of women experiencing PPD after childbirth is high, not just because of the sleepless nights, but because biologically the body has not had an opportunity to find it's equilibrium back to normal with hormones changes, nervous system and nature of stress with breast feeding and more. Environmental changes alone at home, work, and family can also be contributing factors. And physiological changes can impact the health of a women mind, body, and soul.
Majority of women will get discharge from the hospital after a healthy delivery and will be giving resources that were just briefly introduce for support, but I can guarantee you most mothers are not even thinking about the resources. All they have in their mind is adapting to the newborns needs and being the main caregiver. And to be quite honest, the only real resource provided will be a pamphlet with license therapist and/or counselors for cognitive therapy and support groups. Which are great, but honestly, it goes far beyond a therapy session. The mind, body, and soul need to heal.
Here are some examples of PPD Symptoms:
- feeling depressed with prolonged crying spells
- feeling anxious about the responsibilites as a mother
- prolonged periods of feeling hopeless
- losing interest in simple activities or hobbies
- change in appetite (overeating or not eating enough)
- sleep problems and poor concentration
While western medicine has a well-structured system on how to treat patients, somehow there are gaps and barriers to fully treating mothers from a whole body-mind perspective. We have honestly lost the concept of tradition ancestral medicine that can help bridge the gap to healing women after childbirth. As a mother myself, I would have loved to see clinics and/or hospitals integrate Cuarentena postportum care. A practice that is done in Latin America for the wellbeing of the mother and child.
Your probably wondering at this point, What is Cuarentena? and no, I am not referring to Covid Cuarentena.
Cuarentena is an old practice in the Mexican culture known as a 40-day recovery (reposo) period after birth. A critical window specifically to support and protect mother from physical strain and environmental influences. While at the same time slowly and gradually introducing the baby to the outside world giving opportunity for healing.
In the Mexican culture we believe a Mother's womb is self-sacrificing and nurturing, mirroring the Virgin Mary. Therefore, a 40 day recovery is not a recommendation, it's a vital stage for mind, body, and soul.
There are stages of Cuarentena we should consider in Western Medicine as part of a mother post recovery plan of care:
Days 1-7 Tiempo de las purificaciones-Focus on cleansing and rest
Day 8-21 Construcción-building strength and lactation
Day 22-40 Integración-reintroducing mother and baby to more normal activities.
Another important aspect to Curentena is the importance of Dietary practices that help emphasize warm, easy to digest foods that will support with healing and lactation.
Traditional Mexican Home Food dishes
Caldo de res (beef broth)
Arroz con pollo (chicken rice)
Atole (warm corn-based drink)
Herbal teas and broths with ingredients like cinnamon, cilantro, and lavender are used for digestion and milk supply.
Ritual and Beliefs
Family centered care-mother, sisters, and the comadres (close female confidante) to share domestic and caregiving duties.
Music- to create a calm environment in the home
Herbal remedies-for mothers womb, stress, and to help with mil supply
Emotional and spiritual care
Body work and herbal baths
Physical
Abstaining for sex (a challenge for most male partners)
Light stretches and light exercise (ex: walking)
This journey will be different for everyone, but with a bit of knowledge in ancestral medicine, we can help mothers heal. Postpartum depression can last up to a year or more, so it's important to connect to resources such: doctors, therapist, support groups, birth centers, pospartum educators, doulas, midwives, spiritual and body workers. Most of all have a supportive partner/husband that will help the mother of the child heal. With that said, do not be afraid to reach out as there are plenty of mothers who have all been there.
Helpful Articles links:
www.health.harvard.postpartume depression
Helpful Book Resources:
Postpartum Action Manual: How to Provide Comfort, Encouragement, and Guidance to New Families
When She Needs You Most: A Dads Guide to Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Ordinary Insanity: Fear and the Silent Crisis of Motherhood in America
.PNG)
