As much as women, enjoy the feeling of a baby growing in their wombs for nine months, the post- pregnancy period is always a new experience for most of them.

To a number of them, this period is a dramatic change from the norm and instead of being happy that the belly is free, they suffer from postnatal depression.

It is also what is commonly called the baby blues and not easily understood by other people around the mother.

Recently a mother who is my relative refused to breastfeed her two-week baby, and it got really sick and helpless.

The husband and other people who know her felt disgusted by her behavior as a mum and none thought of the possibility that what she had was postnatal depression.

Apparently, a new kid is such a big responsibility for the first time mum both emotionally and financially and she is bound to feel weighed down, but it is an innocent being that suffer in the process.

Symptoms

Some mothers feel angry and irritable, weep easily and feel extremely low. I once was a neighbor to a young woman who got really depressed after giving birth, and as a consequence, her breasts lacked milk for the child.

As if this was not enough, she would leave both of her children for a whole day and it was me who the helpless child cried to.

In fact it cried even at night when nothing came out of its mothers breasts. She at times would respond by whipping the bigger child or calling it bad names.

As people near these mothers, we need to understand that the sudden change of lifestyle they undergo is not easy, and they need medical intervention, to be able to accept their responsibility to their babies.

Some mothers do not experience the baby blues during all the times they conceive, others get these repeatedly while a few endure it with some of their children.

Also postnatal depression may be intense or mild and sleeping more or separating from the baby for short periods until this feeling is gone can easily deal with the latter.

When we notice that a mums mind and actions seem detached from her baby, it would be advisable to encourage her to speak up her mind with you for this can ease her tension.

When the depression in mothers is severe, they suffer from psychological problem and hormonal changes are known to take a major contributory part.

The hormone that arouses the uterus to prepare for pregnancy is formulated slowly in some women bodies and postnatal depression results when its levels fall suddenly just before delivery.

This is called progesterone. Also deficiency in zinc and essential fats can result to the same because a mum transfers most of her zinc to the baby ahead of giving birth hence the possible deficit.

Essential fats are not made by our bodies from any other substance except what we eat that should contain them.

Several herbs that may not interfere with breast milk can be taken by the mother to balance her hormone levels.

If she visits the doctor, who is very important, he or she will recommend medical prescription best to treat her case of depression.

It is not that such women hate their new babies but the condition they suffer from is triggered by many factors that she and her gynecologist can work out together and come up with solutions.