Postnatal Depression

​Postnatal depression affects 1 in 9 new mums and involves a persistent low mood lasting at least 2 weeks. Symptoms usually occur within 1 month to 1 year after the birth.
But did you know that dad’s can also experience it? Around 10% of new dad’s experience symptoms of depression within 3-6 of birth.
There are many symptoms including: low mood, anxiety, lethargy, feeling worthless/hopeless, difficulty bonding with your new baby, lacking appetite, low motivation, frequent/long crying episodes, to name a few.
Whilst the exact cause is not known, risk factors include: family history, past traumatic event, hormonal fluctuations, traumatic birth experience, stress.
Conventional treatment may include medication and/or talking therapies.
Reflexology is an excellent support for new parents, to help reduce the occurrence of postnatal depression, or reduce the symptoms being experienced.
Reflexology helps to rebalance hormones, boosts immunity, helps with breast milk production, gives you some “me time” and relaxation, increases energy levels, improves sleep quality.
I have nursing experience in neonatal care, and have 2 (now grown up) children, so understand how challenging being a new parent can be.
Treatment can take place in my sanctuary or I can visit you at home. You may wish to leave baby with a family member/trusted friend, or you can have baby with you to help the bonding process.