© 1994
Advanced Hypnotherapy & Specialist Courses UK & USA
Academy For Continued Hypnosis Education (International)
Pre & Post Partum Depression
There may be many emotional problems and concerns, females that are clinically depressed
prior to becoming pregnant, whose depression seems to subside when they do become
pregnant and others whose depression becomes worst during pregnancy. For the latter,
the biggest concern and problem is anti-depressant medication, as most anti-depressants
are contra-indicated during pregnancy. This can only create further problems, when
they discontinue medication who have underlying anxiety states, panic attacks, psychosomatic
disorders, fears, phobias and insomnia. Many consult with a general fear and anxiety,
poor perceptions that create further anxiety due to hormonal shifts. Headaches, essential
hypertension, nausea, pain. Fears of scans and phobias of hospitalisation or needles,
concerns regarding their social interactions with others, the way they look with
body image. Perfection may be part of anxiety, not being able to perform adequately,
devaluating themselves when their expectations are not met and then produce feelings
of helplessness.
Complications, bad experiences with previous pregnancies and child birthing, or even
poor quality midwifery or obstetric services can create negative assumptions for
the next time around, maybe unable to speak up for herself, feeling out of control
of the situation, and previous poor pain management. Unable to bond with their baby
afterwards, or suffered post partum depression.
Post natal depression can begin within the first two weeks and most cases recover
spontaneously, however, there are many who continue being depressed which continues
for a year or more. Left untreated depression becomes distressing not only for the
mother, but also for her partner and child / children. Intervention is imperative
for the whole family, and certainly those with suicidal ideology.
Causes are generally not known, they are multi factorial, a combination of biological,
psychological and sociological factors. Signs and symptoms are varied, tearfulness,
despondency, inability to cope, feeling inadequate, hopeless, helpless, anxiety,
rumination of negativity or worry. Poor perceptions of caring for her baby, insomnia,
tiredness and lethargy, inability to experience love or pleasure. The Edinburgh Postnatal
Depression scale is often valuable to utilize for assessment.
Anti-depressant medication can help, but for the breastfeeding mother particular
care needs to be given. Stopping breastfeeding can add to the mother’s guilt. Frequently
anti-depressant agents only suppress underlying problems, they do not allow the depressed
female to think and feel differently.
Intervention using cognitive behavioural and interpersonal related skill therapy
is a very effective ‘brief therapy’ treatment. Gradually bringing her out of depression,
reducing anxiety, insomnia, OCD, or many of the other issues she has difficulty with.
By providing her with more coping skills, bonding skills and a more positive outlook,
breaking up any ruminations, poor conceived ambiguous perceptions, can allow her
to feel much better now, and more importantly for her future. Read through the clinical
hypnosis sessions, notice parts that may be relevant for your client and utilize
or incorporate your own into them.
