Postnatal depression is estimated to affect 1 in 5 women and is found in all cultural, social and age groups. There are different types of this condition experienced by mothers after birth. There is the 'Baby Blues' which usually occurs between the 3rd and 5th day and usually resolve by the 10th day. It is thought to be the response to hormone changes and the stress of giving birth and occurs in up to 70% of women.

Giving birth to a new child is one of the most positive events that should occur during your lifetime. However, Postnatal Depression or the 'Baby Blues' is more common than the general public would believe. Somewhere between ten and fifteen percent of mothers will suffer from this condition in some shape or form. It is not unusual for the drain and strain of giving birth to leave you feeling run down. The more sinister symptoms of Postnatal Depression however that develop normally in the first month after birth can last for months and be severe.

o Inability to be Comforted: The patient will always feel restless. There will be no comfort level for the patient. The patient will never be happy.

o Exhaustion: The patient will suffer from tiredness and exhaustion. She will feel like sleeping always.

o Emptiness: The patient will feel that something is missing in her life. She will not be able to enjoy the positive environment around her.

o Inability to Enjoy Things One Previously Enjoyed: She will dislike the things that she had liked earlier.

o Social Withdrawal: The patient will withdraw herself within her room and will not interact with anyone else.

o Low Energy: Energy levels will be low for the patients. She will always look as she has not eaten anything or she will look extremely tired.

It has been scientifically proven that certain activities do effect the chemistry of our brains, our moods and sense of well being. On the surface people only think of the joy of being pregnant; after all we are bringing life into the world; What could be more joyous than that? However, at least lately, woman are finally able to openly recognize some of the not so positive mental and physical aspects of pregnancy.

Omega 3 fatty acids seem to play an important role in mood maintenance. During pregnancy, the growing foetus will deplete its mothers DHA levels to support its own brain development. If your levels are being substantially depleted, you may increase your risk of suffering from postnatal depression. Include at least 2 serves of oily fish in your diet each week from either salmon, trout, mackerel, herrings or sardines.

Breathing Exercises/Meditation - I came across a book that detailed some breathing exercises in it. It was really helpful to just sit with my thoughts and for a few moments a day be at peace with myself. Natural Remedies- There are a sleuw of natural remedies that you can look into. They can be found in books and online journals.

Read about parenting tips and also read about baby massage and baby sleeping bags