by Melissa Murphy

Created on: July 07, 2010

Because the birth of a child is considered one of the most wonderful times in a persons life, it is hard to imagine that up to 75% of all women experience postpartum depression or "baby blues". Even more troubling is the fact that about 15% develop clinical-level depression.

The Culprit?

A revealing study has uncovered an interesting phenomena that occurs in a woman's brain surrounding the time of childbirth. Within the first few days after childbirth, estrogen levels can dip significantly-even as much as a thousand fold. This dip coupled with a simultaneous increase of the enzyme mono amine oxidase A (MAO-A) can cause a major problem. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging shows that MAO-A levels are about 43% higher in women who have recently given birth.

The Problem with MAO-A

MAO-A is an enzyme that is responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters- namely, dopamine, serotonin and nor-epinephrine. This causes a problem because those are the neurotransmitters responsible for making us experience a general sense of happiness and well being. Since these neurotransmitters have such a profound influence on our moods, a sustained deficiency in them can lead to feelings of sadness and can ultimately result in severe clinical depression.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Some of the major symptoms of postpartum depression are as follows:

• Abnormal and extreme mood swings

• Severe anxiety

• Sleeping difficulties

• Loss of appetite

• Extreme irritability

• In severe cases, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Natural Treatment of Postpartum Depression

Addressing postpartum depression when symptoms first appear is the best approach since many physicians are concerned that common "baby blues" can lead to a much more serious depressive condition. The mainstream protocol involved in treating depression consists of prescribing patients medication that either work to reduce elevated levels of MAO-A or elevate levels of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Given the need to treat women that may be breastfeeding, these treatments may not be desirable and, in fact, may not be safe for an infant.

Natural dietary supplements are the focus of many health professionals in the treatment of postpartum depression. Tryptophan and tyrosine are two naturally occuring amino acids which the body can convert into "feel good" hormones. Increasing intake of these amino acids has been shown to decrease the symptoms of depression. Here are some foods to incorporate in your diet to raise levels of these important amino acids:

• Whole grain bread

• Chicken

• Tuna

• Turkey

• Beans

• Fresh vegetables

• Bananas

Exercise has also been shown to alleviate the symptoms of depression. In some studies, forty minutes of light to moderate exercise such as walking was enough to elevate mood dramatically. Many professionals believe that regular exercise is as effective as psychotherapy or drug therapy.

Consult your doctor if you have any of symptoms of postpartum depression. Your doctor can most likely help you find natural ways to manage and eventually eliminate your postpartum depression and it may be easier than you think.

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