Supplements for Postpartum Depression: Can They Really Help?

When you hear your newborn crying endlessly, do you experience a moment of mental fog and wonder if you’re truly cut out for this? You’re not alone. Sometimes, it can feel like everything is crashing down, even with that beautiful little bundle of joy in your arms. Here’s the comforting truth: what you’re feeling is more common than you think. Postpartum depression (PPD) is increasingly becoming common, with research showing that 1 in every 7 women in the USA experiences PPD in their lifetime. In this article, we will read about supplements for postpartum depression and how they may help support new mothers’ mental health and recovery after childbirth

Symptoms of PPD

PPD exhibits severe depressive symptoms for at least 2 consecutive weeks (onset of symptoms from pregnancy to 12 months after childbirth). They can be:

• Feeling extremely sad
• Frequent mood swings
• Changes in sleep pattern (less or more sleep)
• Extreme fatigue
• Difficulty in thinking and making decisions
• Feeling anxious about taking care of the baby
• Suicidal thoughts or fear of harming the baby
• Loss of interest in activities

Sometimes, delusions and hallucinations are also common among women with PPD. These symptoms can affect both the mother and baby in several ways. Trouble bonding with the baby can lead to bad parenting and affect the child’s psychological development in later stages of life. With these potential symptoms in mind, you may ask what treatments can help. With PPD becoming increasingly common, it is imperative to know more about the condition and available resources to help you navigate the journey of motherhood. New mothers are constantly searching for supplements to help deal with the condition. 

Supplements for postpartum depression really work? 

Supplements may help either prevent or reduce PPD symptoms, but they are not a universal solution, and results can vary based on individual needs.

“Supplements often work best for women who need just an extra boost of energy and support in postpartum recovery, and many adaptogenic and nutrient-dense herbal formulations can provide that”

  –Ana Aleksic, MSc (Pharm), founder of the herbaldoula.com natural-remedies database.  

Dietary supplements

Dietary supplements are essential for a well-balanced diet. Make sure you include them along with fibre, fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and proteins for maximum benefits. Ana adds, “Diet also plays a critical role, and many cultures place emphasis on warm, nourishing foods in the first 40 days. Yet, postpartum lasts for much longer than 40 days, and you need to take as much time as you need to replenish your body.” The following are vital to your daily diet for optimal mental health in PPD:

• Vitamin B-complex (eggs, leafy greens, legumes)
• Vitamin D (oily fish, milk, cheese)
• Iron (lean meat, seafood, nuts)
• Tryptophan (soybean, nuts, pumpkin, chia seeds)
• Antioxidants (all berries, tomatoes, dark chocolate)
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseed, nuts).

A recent study found that vitamin B6 may help reduce the risk of postpartum depression in women who are already at higher risk. Those who took vitamin B6 for 6 months exhibited lower depression scores when compared to the control group. Low levels of vitamin D and iron have been linked to a higher risk of developing PPD in women, though the exact mechanism behind this is not known.  Tryptophan is important for mood regulation and sleep. A report indicated that low tryptophan levels lead to baby blues, which can more likely develop into PPD at later stages. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is vital for the development of the brain in infants, and low levels can lead to major depression in mothers. 

“If you’re breastfeeding, make sure that the supplement you plan to take is breastfeeding safe.”  

                                                                                                                      -Ana Aleksic  

Herbal supplements

Ashwagandha and St. John’s wort are herbal supplements that help ease the symptoms of PPD. Turmeric is a powerful supplement that’s commonly found in our kitchens. It has been reported that first-time mothers who took curcumin showed a significant reduction in both depression and anxiety compared to the control group. A recent study by CAMH, Canada, confirmed that a natural supplement reduces postpartum blues and PPD symptoms.

Ana further talks about the role of herbal supplements, “Some examples of herbal supplements for mental and physical postpartum support that are likely safe or can be used with caution during breastfeeding include moringa, ashwagandha, shatavari, and turmeric. Many of these herbs target not only emotional and mental well-being but also provide antioxidants and nutrients that contribute to a healthy inflammatory and immune response postpartum.”

Latest advances in PPD treatment

Apart from supplements, traditional antidepressants, such as serotonin-selective inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are used for treating PPD. However, they take longer to work and typically need to be taken for about six months. The FDA has approved two drugs to date for treating PPD. Zulresso (Brexanolone) is given by IV infusion over 2.5 days with increasing doses, while Zurzuvae (Zuranolone) is an oral pill taken once daily for 14 days.

Both drugs treat the symptoms, but Zurzuvae works faster, is more effective, and doesn’t require hospitalisation. There are side effects, as with any other medication, but they are manageable.

Conclusion

While these supplements can help manage your distress, they cannot replace therapy and work best when paired with the right support system. Whether it’s your partner, a best friend, or a helpful neighbour, surround yourself with people you can talk to without fear of judgment.

Ana says, “For new mothers who feel overwhelmed, finding community and having a family support system goes a long way. You were not meant to do this alone; it truly takes a village.”

It’s always recommended to consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

An integrative approach, combining self-care, meditation, supplements, therapy, and medication, can truly help nourish your body, lift your mood, and overcome PPD.

Disclaimer

The information on HealthOdysseyHub is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date, but healthcare knowledge changes quickly. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions based on our content. Some topics may cover alternative or complementary medicine. These may not align with conventional practices. Approach such information with caution and seek multiple opinions before any medical intervention.