In most articles about having a baby, the first thing that is usually said is that having a baby is one of the most joyful occasions for a family. There is no doubt that this can be true. However, it is also important to acknowledge that the arrival of a baby is a stressful period as well. In particular, the mother can find this time to be quite challenging. Not only are the hormones still settling, but the exhaustion and disruption of usual routines can cause stress and anxiety. In some cases, it can even result in postpartum depression.
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
The weeks following the birth of a child are sometimes referred to as the “fourth trimester”. The next three months are marked as a period of adjustment. The baby hits milestones and begins to get to know the world around them. But it is not just the baby who experiences a new beginning. In a way, the mother also has to get to know life all over again. She experiences hormonal and physical changes. She also enters a new phase in life, which can be quite overwhelming.
It is completely normal to feel mood swings, worry, and even crying spells. Commonly called the baby blues, this period is a temporary psychological condition that happens in the first few days after childbirth.1 It can last up to two weeks. However, some people develop a more severe form of depression after having a baby. This is called postpartum depression (PPD). It is different from baby blues because it lasts longer and can be more impactful on the new mother.
PPD can manifest as extreme sadness, exhaustion, thoughts of self-harm or harming others, and the inability to bond with the baby. The main difference between baby blues and PPD is the severity and duration of the symptoms.
Prevalence of Postpartum Depression in Dubai
One in nine women in the world experiences PPD.2 It is difficult to pin down the exact figures in the region because there is still stigma surrounding PPD. Most of the time, it goes unreported. However, there is research that suggests its prevalence is around 15 to 25 percent among women.3 More studies are needed to get the exact numbers. However, it is clear that PPD deserves attention from families, medical professionals, and society as a whole.
Although PPD is a universal issue, there are considerations that are specific to the region. One of the identified risk factors is the “collectivist nature of the Middle Eastern society, where personal problems are overlooked in the interest of the larger family”, which may cause women not to prioritize their needs.4 Another risk factor is age. Women who are younger tend to be more at risk of developing PPD. On the other hand, the same studies have also shown that there are some factors that lower the risk of PPD. Among these are breastfeeding and having an adequate and appropriate support system.
Addressing Postpartum Depression
The time after giving birth can be a vulnerable time, so postpartum care is essential. In Dubai, there are postpartum care centers that aim to assist women who have just given birth. These can help ease the stress of adjusting to a new reality. But as I have mentioned, PPD is more than just stress or anxiety. In cases where women develop PPD, more specialized care is required.
Seek the help of a medical professional.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed after giving birth. Even the movies play up the stereotype of a stressed-out new mom for laughs. It is important for the new mother to pay attention. If symptoms last for more than two weeks or if they intensify, tell the primary health care provider. You can also ask for assistance from a mental health professional.
The family should also be involved. It can be embarrassing for a new mom to ask for help. She may not even be aware that anything is out of the norm. If a family member observes the symptoms of PPD, then it is best to seek help immediately.
Attend therapy and counseling.
Therapy is a common method of addressing PPD. Some examples are cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help identify negative patterns and formulate coping strategies.5 Family therapy can also be effective because of how crucial other members of the family, especially the partner, are in providing support.
In some cases, medication is prescribed in addition to therapy. There are neuroactive steroids that specifically address PPD. However, antidepressants are also used.6 Please take note that medication must be taken with the guidance of a licensed professional, especially when breastfeeding.
Practice proactive self-care.
While it is encouraged to seek professional help, new mothers must also not ignore the benefits of having a support system closer to home. In a recent study, researchers identified that 70 percent of mothers in the Gulf Cooperation Council primarily turn to their families despite the presence of other sources of support.7
Families in Dubai are typically close-knit. This can be an advantage for women with PPD. Friends and family can lend a sympathetic ear and offer reassurance. They can even offer to help with the chores or caring for the baby. Even simple things can go a long way for someone who is overwhelmed.
Aside from spending time with others, a new mother should be intentional in getting enough sleep and nutritious food. The lack of sleep makes depression symptoms worse. Sleep is a mood regulator and also helps improve cognitive abilities. Also, certain vitamins and minerals are thought to help fight depression. For example, some studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can ease symptoms of depression.8
Finally, techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help. Being aware of the symptoms and intentionally addressing them can improve a person’s postpartum mental health.
Conclusion: Postpartum Depression is a highly treatable condition
Women go through many changes after giving birth. Hormonal changes and new responsibilities can make it feel like a wave crashing down. Tears and stress are to be expected. But when these feelings become too severe, it could be PPD. This is a condition characterized by persistent sadness, sleep disturbances, and difficulty forming an attachment with the baby.
Research has shown that it is a significant issue in Dubai. Some studies indicate that up to 25 percent of women in the region experience it. Fortunately, it is a highly treatable condition. Medication, therapy, or a combination of both are often used. It is important not to ignore PPD. Reach out to a professional to find out the resources and assistance available to you to fully enjoy the experience of childbirth and an expanding family.
Cited Sources:
- Rezaie-Keikhaie K., Arbabshastan M.E., Rafiemanesh H., Amirshahi M., Ostadkelayeh S.M., Arbabisarjou A. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of the Maternity Blues in the Postpartum Period. J. Obstet Gynecol. Neonatal. Nurs. 2020;49:127–136. doi: 10.1016/j.jogn.2020.01.001. ↩︎
- Ko JY, Rockhill KM, Tong VT, Morrow B, Farr SL. Trends in postpartum depressive symptoms—27 states, 2004, 2008, and 2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Weekly Rep. 2017;66(6):153. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6606a1. ↩︎
- Hanach N, Radwan H, Fakhry R, Dennis CL, Issa WB, Faris ME, Obaid RS, Al Marzooqi S, Tabet C, De Vries N. Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among women living in the United Arab Emirates. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2023 Mar;58(3):395-407. doi: 10.1007/s00127-022-02372-1. Epub 2022 Oct 14. PMID: 36239744; PMCID: PMC9971080. ↩︎
- Haque A, Namavar A, Breene KA. Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression in Middle Eastern/Arab women. J Muslim Ment Health. 2015 doi: 10.3998/jmmh.10381607.0009.104. ↩︎
- Huang L, Zhao Y, Qiang C, Fan B. Is cognitive behavioral therapy a better choice for women with postnatal depression? A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2018;13(10):e0205243. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0205243 ↩︎
- Cornett EM, Rando L, Labbé AM, et al. Brexanolone to treat postpartum depression in adult women. Psychopharmacol Bull. 2021;51(2):115-130. PMID: 34092826; PMCID: PMC8146562. ↩︎
- Sircar, N. (2025, January 1). 7 in 10 new mums rely on family for baby care advice despite countless tips online. Khaleej Times. ↩︎
- Abdul Aziz NU, Chiroma SM, Mohd Moklas MA, et al. Antidepressant-like properties of fish oil on postpartum depression-like rats model: Involvement of serotonergic system. Brain Sci. 2020;10(10):733. doi:10.3390/brainsci10100733 ↩︎