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Minerals and your baby

Minerals and your baby
Minerals and your baby

What minerals do for our bodies

Although the body needs only small amounts of each mineral, they all play important roles in our bodies. Calcium is the major mineral for our bones and teeth.

Iron is vital for our red blood cells and muscles. Other minerals maintain fluid balance, sustain a normal heartbeat, and transmit nerve impulses. Iodine is needed for the thyroid gland. Fluoride is necessary, especially in children, for strong teeth and bones, and it enhances the body’s uptake of calcium.

Types of minerals

Minerals fall into two groups: major and trace minerals.

  • The six major minerals are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and potassium. The last three are known as electrolytes, which are essential for sustaining the body’s proper fluid balance.
  • The thirteen trace minerals are needed only in small amounts-but they are nutritionally important, especially iron and zinc.

Sources to minerals

The six major minerals and thirteen trace minerals are found in a wide variety of foods: milk and dairy products, eggs, tofu, seafood, poultry, meat, beans, legumes, nuts and whole grain breads and cereals, and some vegetables.

Read also the article Vitamins for you baby.

How much minerals does my child need?

A varied and balanced diet usually provides adequate amounts of all essential minerals. However, infants and toddlers do have special requirements for iron, zinc, and calcium, which are needed to support the rapid skeletal muscle, bone growth, and expansion of blood volume during the two first years. 

A GUIDE TO MINERALS

The following charts outline foods that are quality sources of minerals for your infant or toddler. Remember to remove pits and seeds from fruits and vegetables and introduce them appropriately according to your child’s age.

What it does:

It builds bones and teeth and is essential for blood clotting and nerve and muscle function.

Sources:

6 – 11 months: Breast milk, infant formula, and calcium-fortified infant cereal; Cheddar, ricotta, Swiss, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses; cottage cheese; yogurt; tofu (processed with calcium sulfate); dried figs; and parsley

12 – 24 months: Milk, cream, ice cream, yogurt, cheeses, tofu (processed with calcium sulfate), dried figs, halibut, trout, beet greens, collard greens, spinach, basil, and parsley.

What it does:

It’s necessary for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells; hemoglobin carries oxygen to every cell in the body.

Sources:

6 – 11 months: Iron-fortified infant formula, iron-fortified infant cereals, egg yolk, lentils and dry beans, soy bean products, dried figs, dates, raisins, prunes, avocados, spinach, parsley, basil, green beans, and green peas.

12 – 24 months: Milk, cream, ice cream, yogurt, cheeses, tofu (processed with calcium sulfate), dried figs, halibut, trout, beet greens, collard greens, spinach, basil, and parsley.

What it does:

It’s essential for normal cell growth, wound healing, and sexual maturation. It is also an essential component in many enzymes.

Sources:

6 – 11 months: Zinc-fortified infant formula, zinc-fortified infant cereals, whole grains (except wheat), rolled oats, Cheddar cheese, ricotta cheese, lentils, split peas, chickpeas, lima beans, green peas, spinach, and parsley.

12 – 24 months: Zinc-fortified cereals, rolled oats, whole grains (except wheat), shellfish, meats and poultry, yogurt, Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, lentils, split peas, chickpeas, lima beans, green peas, spinach, parsley, and ground nuts and nut butters.

What it does:

It’s essential for normal function of the thyroid gland.

Sources:

Iodized salt, seafood, and seaweed.

What it does:

It strengthens bones and teeth and enhances the body’s absorption of calcium.

Sources:

Fluoridated water and tea.

(arsenic, chromium, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silicon, tin, and vanadium)

What they do:

They play a role in a variety of metabolic functions.

Sources:

A balanced diet will provide sufficient amounts of these trace minerals.

Avoiding Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and Iodine Deficiencies

Minerals are critical to sustain an infant’s growth. Fortunately, choosing the right foods will ensure your baby gets what he needs.

Iron

Iron plays a major role in a child’s development, so it’s particularly important that a baby’s diet include good sources of the mineral. The natural supply of iron an infant is born with is usually used up by the age of six months. At that time, breast milk and iron-fortified formula are still important sources of iron, but diet becomes a key  supplier of this nutrient. Let your pediatrician know you are preparing your own baby food. He may or may not prescribe an iron supplement.

For toddlers over one year old, 1 / 4 to 1/2 cup (55 to 115 g) iron-fortified cereal a day should provide an adequate amount of iron. Drinking vitaminrich juices such as apple or white grape juice or eating vitaminrich fruit including peaches, berries, and oranges with iron-fortified baby cereal enhances iron absorption.

After age two, growth rate slows, iron reserves begin to build, and the risk of iron deficiency decreases.

Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia in your baby include fatigue, weakness, and increased susceptibility to infections. If you suspect your child is iron deficient, call your pediatrician.

Calcium

Calcium promotes the growth of strong bones and teeth and prevents osteoporosis later in life. Both breast milk and formula provide all of your baby’s calcium needs for most of his first year. After that, diet will again playa key role in helping him meet his requirements.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers between the ages of one and three need about 500 milligrams of calcium daily, or the equivalent of two cups of milk or one cup of milk plus one to two ounces of cheese.

Lack of calcium in the diet can cause rickets, a childhood disorder involving softening and weakening of the bones. Always check with a pediatrician if you have any concern about your baby.

Zinc

Zinc is used by the body for growth and development, immune response, neurological function, and reproduction. Healthy, full-term, breastfed babies do not need additional zinc beyond what they get from breast milk, formula, or diet.

Some of the symptoms of mild zinc deficiency in infants and toddlers are diminished appetite, slow growth, increased infections and diarrhea, and a reduced sense of taste and smell. If you are concerned about your baby, check with your pediatrician.

Iodine

At one time in the United States, iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) was a serious problem, jeopardizing children’s mental health. Since the introduction of iodized salt, however, it is no longer a concern in this country.

Iodine is also found in seafood and vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil. Breast milk and iodine-fortified infant formulas are the best sources of iodine for infants.

Categories
nutrition and cooking

Vitamins for your baby

Vitamins for baby
Vitamins for baby

Vitamins for baby – what they do

Vitamins perform a wide variety of functions, from forming red blood cells to boosting the immune system to helping release energy from food. They also support the body’s metabolic processes. Thirteen vitamins are known to be essential for normal growth, development and maintenance of our bodies.

Types of vitamins for baby

Vitamins are divided into two categories: fat-soluble and water-soluble.

  • The four fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E, and K. Fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed with the help of fat from foods.
  • The water-soluble vitamins are vitamin C and the eight B vitamins: Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Vitamin B12, Biotin (a B vitamin), and Folic acid (a B vitamin).

Sources of vitamins

With the exception of vitamin D, which is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight the body cannot manufacture the other 11 vitamins, so you need to get them from the food you eat. All the essential vitamins are found in a wide variety of foods: fruits, berries, vegetables, grains, beans, legumes, dairy, fish and seafood, poultry, and meat.

Most of the B vitamins can be found in whole and fortified grains and cereals, as well as in dairy foods, meat fish and poultry, some leafy greens, and potatoes.

Vitamin B-12 can be a concern with strict vegetarians who do not eat any foods from animal origin. The only good source is from animals, including meats, poultry, eggs, seafood, and dairy foods.

Read also the article Minerals and your baby

How much vitamins does my child need? 

Only very small amounts of vitamins are needed, but symptoms from vitamin deficiencies may develop if vitamins are lacking in adequate amounts. On the other hand, when taken in excess, as with  supplements, some vitamins may be harmful.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, healthy children do not need vitamin supplements, provided they have a balanced diet of varied fruits and vegetables, whole grain complex carbohydrates, fat and protein.

What it does:

It promotes calcium absorption and builds and maintain bones and teeth.

Sources:

6 – 11 months: Most formulas are fortified with vitamin D. If you are breast-feeding, ask your pediatrician if you need to supplement your baby’s diet with vitamin D.

12 – 24 months: Toddlers who drink vitamin D-fortified whole milk will get an adequate amount of vitamin D. Natural sources include mackerel, salmon, sardines, and egg yolks. Fortified sources include milk and milk products, butter, cheese, and some breakfast cereals. In addition, careful and moderate exposure to sunlight without sun screen is a good source of Vitamin D.

Signs of deficiency:

Thinning and weakening of bones

What it does:

It helps bind cells together, helps heal wounds, and strengthens blood vessel walls.

Sources:

6 – 11 months: Guavas, kiwis, papayas, and cantaloupes; red, orange, yellow, and green bell peppers; parsley; raspberries, honeydew melons, pineapples, blueberries, grapes, and apricots; broccoli, kohlrabi, cauliflower, kale, snow peas, cabbage, and romaine lettuce; plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, bananas, apples, and pears; and broad beans, rutabagas, butternut squash, potatoes, mixed greens, okra, peas, parsnips, turnips, yams, sweet potatoes and plantains.

12 – 24 months: Guavas, kiwis, papayas, strawberries, oranges, lemons, limes, cantaloupes, grapefruits, and tangerines; red, orange, yellow, and green bell peppers; parsley; mangos, raspberries, honeydew melons, blackberries, star fruit, pineapples, blueberries, grapes, and apricots; broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cauliflower, kale, snow peas, cabbage, garlic, mustard greens, beet greens, spinach, romaine lettuce, and radishes, watermelon, bananas, cherries, plums, peaches, apples, nectarines, and pears; broad beans, tomatoes, Swiss chard, rutabagas, collard greens, mixed greens (loose leaf lettuce), basil, butternut squash, potatoes, okra, peas, parsnips, turnips, yams, sweet potatoes, plantains, asparagus, and artichokes

Signs of deficiency:

Bleeding gums and loose teeth; bruising; dry, rough skin; slow healing; and appetite loss

What it does:

It promotes calcium absorption and builds and maintain bones and teeth.

Sources:

6 – 11 months: Most formulas are fortified with vitamin D. If you are breast-feeding, ask your pediatrician if you need to supplement your baby’s diet with vitamin D.

12 – 24 months: Toddlers who drink vitamin D-fortified whole milk will get an adequate amount of vitamin D. Natural sources include mackerel, salmon, sardines, and egg yolks. Fortified sources include milk and milk products, butter, cheese, and some breakfast cereals. In addition, careful and moderate exposure to sunlight without sun screen is a good source of Vitamin D.

Signs of deficiency:

Thinning and weakening of bones

What it does:

It helps form red blood cells, muscles, and other tissues and prevents cell damage, and preserves fatty acids.

Sources:

Olive oil; whole grains; leafy vegetables such as Swiss chard, broccoli, spinach, mustard greens, and parsley; avocados; nuts and nut butters; and some seafood.

Signs of deficiency:

Blood problems in premature infants; and neurological problems in older children.

What it does:

It’s needed for normal blood clotting and helps maintain healthy bones.

Sources:

Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli; potatoes; whole grains such as oats, wheat bran; and soy beans.

Signs of deficiency:

Excessive bleeding.

Categories
Connect with your baby

Here’s why you should smile at your baby – a lot

Mother and Baby. Happy Family

Table of Contents

One of the first things a baby will share with its parent is a smile. For most adults, smiling with babies may simply be fun and endearing. However, according to psychologists, it’s much more than that. The relationship between the parent and child is very important for the baby’s development. In most cases, smiling is a huge part of how these relationships are formed, as illustrated in the shocking “Still face Experiment” that you will read about below.

Why is Smiling So Important?

Simply put, smiles are important because they aid parent-child relationships and overall development. Over the past decades, there have been theories about the relationship between smiling and the brain development of babies. However, most of this has been speculative up until very recently. Current studies and experiments have been able to show that there is indeed a cause-effect relationship between smiling and healthy mental development. In this article, we are going to discuss in detail the results of three widely-cited studies on why it’s important for babies to smile and be smiled to.

Read our article about the importance of having eyecontact with your baby.

The Still Face Experiment

The Still Face Experiment is a 1975 study carried out by Edward Tronick and some of his University of Massachusetts colleagues. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that babies can pick up on social cues. The study showed how the actions, reactions, and inaction of parents could affect the attention and countenance of babies.

In this study, Tronick states that babies can smile and recognize smiles at as early as six weeks old. He also states that they can recognize the relationship between expressions and emotions, as well as control their response to it.

The Still Face Experiment begins with a parent trying to gain the attention of their baby. This parent would talk, laugh, and point, all while closely watching the baby. When the baby is fully engaged in the parent’s actions, the parent suddenly turns away from the child. After a short moment, they turn back to look at their baby with a blank stare. The baby’s response to this action is then observed from here out. In most cases, the babies will dramatically try to regain the attention of their parent. In some other cases, the baby may even collapse uncontrollably.

The results of The Still Face Experiment simply show that babies are greatly affected by how older people (especially their parents) interact with them. It has been replicated so many times with similar results such that it has become a huge part of the study of child psychology. The experiment has proven how positive emotions and expressions could affect how babies develop social skills and vice versa.

 

Mother-Infant Interaction Study

This study takes a more analytical approach to understanding the importance of mother-infant interactions. The study was conducted with thirteen mother-infant pairs. Each week, the researchers observed face-to-face interactions between one of the mothers and their child. For each pair of mother and child, the researchers aimed to observe and compute the probability of the following scenarios:

  • Maximize the time of simultaneous mother-infant smiling
  • … the times where the mother would be smiling, but not the infant.
  • … and the times where the mother would not be smiling, but the infant would be
  • … the times of the mother and infant not smiling at the same time.

In order to compute these probabilities, the researchers followed three simple steps:

  1. Create and fit a predictive model of the period during which the mother is smiling.
  2. Hypothesize a likely goal for the infant.
  3. Compute the maximum time it takes the infant to recognize and react to its mother’s expression.
  4. Determine how well No. 3 fits the empirically observed smiling time.

The results of the study showed that the probability of the first scenario (simultaneous mother-infant smiling) was much higher than the other scenarios. In fact, ten out of the thirteen pairs had scenario one as the most probable. More details of this study can be seen here.

Baby’s Smile is a Natural High

In 2008, Dr. Lane Strathearn – a professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine – conducted this study. The aim of the study was to figure out this special relationship that everyone says mothers have with their children. In order to do this, Strathearn and his colleagues put together a group of first-time mothers. This group consisted of mothers with infants ranging from five to ten months old.

The mothers were placed in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner. From there, they watched images of their babies and other babies. The MRI machine would then show the slevel of brain activity each image evoked. After assessing all the images produced by the MRI, it was confirmed that the mothers’ brains showed the highest level of activity when they were shown pictures of their own babies smiling. The MRI also showed that the areas of the brain that were most stimulated were the striatum, the subtantia nigra region, as well as the frontal lobe. These are also the parts of the brain that are stimulated during recreational drug use. This study led most scientists to conclude that seeing your baby’s smile is like a natural high.

Upon careful assessment of the three studies discussed in this post, it is safe to conclude that smiling with your babies is important. Not only would this help to develop their social skills, but it is also beneficial to the parent in the long run. So, the next time that baby shoots you a smile, make sure to return the favor.

Categories
Connect with your baby

Newborn eye contact – Why it´s more important than you may think

newborn eye contact
newborn eye contact

Table of Contents

The Importance of Eye Contact with your Baby

 The importance of newborn eye contact can never be overstated. Your baby is beginning to communicate and slowly understand the world around them. Moreover, what’s more precious than engaging with a baby? As a parent, having the first eye contact with your baby, is one of the most treasured experiences. This moment of recognition is rewarding for the both of you and in countless ways.

Read our article Here’s why you should smile at your baby – a lot

Do you have a newborn? Eye contact with your baby: the proven benefits

The first time a newborn has eye contact usually occurs within the first 6 – 8 weeks of a baby’s life. It goes without saying that, from this moment on, a parent wants to engage their baby’s gaze at every opportunity. Whether you’re feeding them, having playtime, or singing a lullaby, eye contact with your baby becomes increasingly rewarding.

Previous research and studies have shown us that when a parent or caregiver looks into a baby’s eyes, they bond. In the below mentioned study, both babies and adults’ brainwaves were recorded and measured during 2 sets of controlled communication experiments. Although small, the study produced compelling results from both the babies and adults.

Do parents need a reason for more eye contact with baby? We think not, but here is a scientific one.

It´s a fact that, as humans, we have a brain that promotes group living. We are social beings. Studies have proven that as adults, our brain waves synchronize and share information during communication. A small study conducted in 2017 showed that eye contact with babies also increases the exchange of information between adult and infant brains. This helps your baby to develop their communication skills and for you both to foster a deeper social connection.

Eye contact with your baby: what the scientists say

The study was conducted to determine whether eye contact had a positive impact on babies’ brains in direct communication. We are very much aware (and scientists have established) that adults communicate better when there is direct eye contact. How many times have you sent an email or text message that has been misconstrued by the receiver? When we have face-to-face interactions, it makes it easier for us to interpret the message and comprehend the person’s intentions.

Our brains share a connectedness and synchronicity; they are primed to communicate with each other. This study proved the same processes take place between adult and infant brains. And is starts from the moment that your baby recognizes you for the first time.

Studies on eye contact with babies and their incredible results

In the first study, 17 babies were shown 3 videos of adults singing nursery rhymes. In the first video the adults were looking directly at the camera. whereas, in the second video the adults were giving no eye contact at all. The third had the adults gaze towards the camera, but with their heads turned to the side at a pre-determined and measured angle.

This study used an EEG (electroencephalography) to monitor the adult’s brainwaves during the recording of them singing and the baby’s brainwaves while they watched the videos. The fascinating results showed that direct eye contact with the babies solicited a dramatic increase in brainwave activity. However, there were no significant changes to the adults’ brainwaves as they weren’t directly in the baby’s company.

The second study took the experiment further by introducing 19 babies to the same scenario. This time with the adults singing in their presence. Conducted using the EEG and under the same strict 3 parameters, each baby was sung to directly, indirectly, and at a side glance. The results were even more astounding. Not only was there a greater increase in the baby’s brain activity, but there were increases in the adult’s brainwaves too.

Eye contact with your baby benefits you both

When the measurements were compared, they clearly determined that eye contact with baby positively increases brainwave activity. Furthermore, the increase in the baby’s brainwave activity was far greater when the eye contact was face-to-face. And adults reap the benefits too.

These results conclusively show that, from being newborn and that first moment of recognition, your baby is learning the systems and bonds of communication. These are essential connections their brains need to make for their continued growth and development. Such results infer that the increased brain activity in adults is a fundamental and necessary response for this to happen.

Why newborn eye contact and eye contact with your baby throughout infancy is crucial for communication and development

Not only did the above study record amazing measurable results from participants’ brainwave activity. It observed marked changes in actual behavior too. The study found that eye contact with babies while in the same room prompts more verbal responses. The researchers conducting the study concluded that direct eye contact between a baby and an adult increases and strengthens neural connections when communicating.

Conclusion

What is the best way for parents and caregivers to help the development of their newborn babies? The answer is: spending time engaging with them. Every moment you have to spend one-on-one time together will not only benefit you both, but help to build a strong bond and integral communication skills.

Categories
Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression in men

postpartum depression men
Young man suffering from postnatal depression near bed with baby at home

Table of Contents

Childbirth can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions in the parents, especially if it’s their first child. From feelings of joy and excitement to nervousness and anxiety, the arrival of a new member of the family can be a taxing endeavor. However, the one emotion that a new parent may least expect is depression, especially in the father. So, what is postpartum depression for men and what do you need to know about it? Let’s take a look down below.

What is postpartum depression in men?

You can define postpartum depression in men as an intense episode of major depressive disorder which occurs soon after the birth of a child. Postpartum depression (PPD) is most commonly associated with mothers, but it can happen to fathers as well.

Often the issue of postpartum depression in males is overlooked as mothers are more susceptible to “baby blues.” Unfortunately, the awareness surrounding postpartum depression for men is not as common as it is for women. In reality, PPD can catch up to any new parent, regardless of their gender.

Up to 1 in 4 men will experience postpartum depression, but only 10% of cases of postpartum depression in men  are reported. Unlike the normal stress that every parent faces after the birth of a child, PPD is a clinical condition.

Read the article Postpartum Depression symptoms – What you need to know!

Why does it affect men?

The reason that it affects men is that childbirth is a shared experience for both partners. One may wonder, if the mother is the one who goes through all the difficulties of labor, why does PPD affect men?

Several factors can contribute to postpartum depression in men. Some of these are:

  • Sleepless nights and a lack of rest after a child is born.
  • Change in hormones.
  • Poor relationship with spouse.
  • Excessive worry about becoming a new parent.
  • Poor diet or a history of drug abuse.
  • Unwanted or complicated pregnancy.
  • Relationship stress, with either the partner or the in-laws.
  • A lack of support from others.
  • A personal history of depression or other mental illnesses.
  • Economic issues or limited resources.
  • Lack of attention from your partner after the birth of your child.

Another factor that can contribute to PPD in the father is PPD in the mother. Half of the men whose wives are suffering from postpartum depression will undergo depression as well.

Although postpartum depression for men is a serious condition, fortunately it is also highly treatable. However, if left unnoticed, it can cause long-term damage and consequences to not only for the father, but for the whole family.

Symptoms in men

Symptoms of postpartum depression in men can be different from women. However, normal stress after childbirth does not automatically translate to PPD.

So, how can you tell if a new father is going through normal stress or PPD? Here are a few common symptoms of PPD in men:

  • Anger, irritability, or aggressive behavior.
  • A loss of interest in hobbies/activities.
  • Constant feelings of discouragement of frustration.
  • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or being overwhelmed.
  • Increased use of drugs such as alcohol or other addictive substances.
  • Significant weight loss or weight gain.
  • An increase in physical problems such as digestion problems or pain.
  • Increased conflicts with the spouse.
  • Risky or impulsive behavior, such as reckless driving.
  • Decreased performance at work or school.
  • Shortness of breath or panic attacks.
  • Feeling out of control.
  • Memory problems and difficulty remembering things.
  • Even when you’re exhausted, you cannot sleep.
  • Sudden shifts in mood and feeling overwhelmed all of a sudden.
  • Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

These symptoms may start to occur in men during the first year after the child is born.

Consequences for the family

Postpartum depression not only affects the father, but the whole family.

The impacts of PPD in men on the partner and child are considerable and sometimes lasting. Some of the common consequences might include:

  • A restriction in going out and partaking in leisure activities. Seeing other people less often.
  • A fall in the family income and economic status.
  • Considerable strain on the marital relationship between the two partners.
  • An increase in depression in the other partner.

Other than these, a child’s development is also hindered. A few common problems include:

  • Difficulties in interactions between the father and child.
  • Withdrawn or disengaged behavior for the child.
  • Intrusive and hostile communication between father and child.
  • Responding less sensitively to the needs of children.

Such behaviors of neglect and aggression can lead to the following deficits in child development:

  • Adverse effect on the child’s cognitive performance.
  • Poor emotional adjustment in children.
  • An elevated rate of insecurities later in childhood.
  • Disturbance in the child’s secure attachment with the father. This makes children more susceptible to developing mental illnesses such as depression in later years.
  • A higher chance for the child to be rated as behaviorally disturbed by teachers in school.

Postpartum depression, if not treated, can lead to problems – especially in the child’s development. It’s an issue that affects not only the person undergoing it, but the whole family as well.

Treatments for Postpartum Depression in men

Treatments for postpartum depression include therapy, medications, and some self-care tips.

Postpartum depression in men usually goes away on its own within three months of childbirth. However, if your symptoms seem severe and interfere with your daily functioning, then you should seek the advice of a therapist.

Often psychotherapy alone is enough for treatment. However, depending on your severity, your psychiatrist may prescribe you some medications. The option of hospitalization is also available, but only for critical cases.

In any condition, it is better to seek treatment as soon as possible so it doesn’t damage your health, relationships, or your child’s development. Let’s take a look at how these treatment options can help you.

Therapy

As PPD for men can be as severe as clinical depression, therapy can be of great help.

You don’t have to prepare anything special before therapy. Your doctor will discuss some topics related to your condition, such as what are your feelings? Are you overwhelmed? What beliefs do you hold about your new child? Do you have any history of mental illnesses? How is your life now? Etc.

After these questions are over, your therapy will start. The most common approaches used in talk therapy are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy.

In CBT, your therapist helps you to identify and correct your distortive thinking behaviors. Furthermore, they teach you new coping mechanisms that you can use to counter your stressful emotions.

In Interpersonal therapy, your therapist will help you to assess and improve your relationships. It will take you some time, but treatment will work wonders so you can start enjoying your new child.

Medications

Often your therapist will prescribe some short-term medications to boost the results. Antidepressants are designed to treat any sort of depression, including PPD in men.

Medications work especially well for treating sleep and diet problems as they will work to restore different chemical imbalances in your brain. If you don’t have any issues with meds, you can ask your healthcare provider to prescribe you some antidepressants.

Alternative treatments

If medicine is not your thing, you can always try alternative treatments which may benefit some people more. Such treatments include:

  • Yoga exercises: Yoga can help you move your body and calm your mind. This helps you to fight stress and stay calm and relaxed.
  • Relaxation techniques: Breathing or stretching techniques can help you immediately release tension and get back to feeling normal.
  • Meditation: Meditating can effectively help us control our thoughts and achieve calmness of mind.

Self-care tips for postpartum depression for men

After you’ve consulted with your doctor, here are a few things you can do on your own to help yourself.

  • Set aside time for yourself: Take some time off, go outside once a while, and do activities you enjoy. Taking occasional breaks will help you deal with burnout.
  • Share your feelings: Bottling up your emotions will make your condition worse. Share your feelings with your loved ones and get support wherever you can.
  • Stay physically tuned: Pay special attention to your sleep schedule. Make quality meals a priority and exercise to release stress and feel better.
  • Join support groups: Exchanging your feelings and experiences helps a lot – especially with people who are going through the same things as you. Support groups can help you unwind and find better ways of coping.

Conclusion

Postpartum depression is as real for men as it is for women. Some form of stress is always anticipated with the arrival of your newborn. However, if your depression isn’t going away even after a couple of weeks, then this could indicate Postpartum depression. If you find yourself in similar circumstances, remember that you can always reach out and get help from others. Doing so will make sure your depression stays at bay and you can go back to enjoying your blessing of becoming a father.

Resources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6659987/

http://postpartummen.com/postpartum-depression/

http://postpartum.org/services/dads/signs-of-ppd-anxiety-in-men/

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/postpartum-depression#support

https://www.postpartumdepression.org/postpartum-depression/men/

https://www.alustforlife.com/tools/mental-health/the-difference-between-baby-blues-and-post-natal-depression?gclid=CjwKCAjw8df2BRA3EiwAvfZWaA128CnCns8xZo22RuMwtaSR075VJYvbn3YWXsvyNly2_hjc2vvw9hoCBmUQAvD_BwE

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/children-suffer-when-mothers-have-postpartum-depression

https://www.parents.com/baby/health/postpartum-depression/how-depression-affects-your-family/

https://family.jrank.org/pages/1297/Postpartum-Depression-Impact-on-Family-Life-Parenting-Child-Outcome.html

https://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/help-for-dads-with-postpartum-depression.aspx

https://www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-depression/therapy-postpartum-depression#1

https://www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-depression/understanding-postpartum-depression-treatment#1

https://www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-depression/alternative-treatments-postpartum

https://www.alustforlife.com/tools/mental-health/the-difference-between-baby-blues-and-post-natal-depression?gclid=CjwKCAjw8df2BRA3EiwAvfZWaAJQ7KBnnn3LPNpLdxlxHOD75tcjL5PBZEIHwNKwp4riuUkceIKlwxoCMpwQAvD_BwE

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