Postpartum Depression and Hypnosis: Is Hypnotherapy Effective?

Having a baby is one of the most special moments in a woman’s life. Perhaps this is why there is still a big stigma around postpartum depression. This magical event is very exciting. However, it also creates significant changes in relationships, life routines, women's bodies, emotional stability, and many other aspects. In developed countries, approximately 15% of the mothers experience depression following birth.

Symptoms of postpartum depression include lack of sleep, prolonged sadness, anxiety, irritability, loss of appetite, and social withdrawal. Many mothers usually experience these symptoms as early as the first month or as late as 11 months. These emotions are really confusing for mothers because they truly love their babies with all of their hearts. So much so that their heart expands, every time they see their baby they release happiness hormones and they feel an infinite unconditional love towards their baby. But yet, they can perceive the baby’s actions very negatively or they may not even want to take care of their baby due to postpartum depression. This inner conflict and confusion can make depression even worse. 

Luckily, there are a variety of approaches to help women deal with postpartum depression. However, picking and choosing from these options can be challenging because using antidepressants may not be a good option during breastfeeding. This is where hypnotherapy comes into play. Recent research shows that hypnotherapy is a great holistic option to aid with depression treatment. Plus, it has absolutely no side effects.

Who is at risk of postpartum depression?

Many research studies show that postpartum depression is a risk for many different groups, especially people who were exposed to stressful life events in the past such as a history of depression, childhood trauma, low self-esteem, use of anesthesia during labor or labor induction, low social support, and so on (the full list can be found here). These past events can make mothers more vulnerable to postpartum depression.

Licensed psychotherapists usually use the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale to identify possible signals of postpartum depression. It is a self-assessment tool and usually scoring 10 or higher may signal that it is recommended to seek help from a professional.

How can hypnotherapy help with postpartum depression?

Hypnotherapy is a subconscious therapy tool that includes a therapeutic process along with hypnosis induction. During hypnosis people usually report feeling a deep calmness and relaxation which decreases the filtration process of the mind.

Recent research shows that hypnotherapy holds great potential to help postpartum depression sufferers. According to research that was published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, women who received hypnosis during pregnancy reported having a higher score of well-being on the 6-month follow-up in comparison to the control group. Moreover, hypnosis can be helpful in treating postpartum depression symptoms such as not being able to stand to baby’s crying or not being able to breastfeed.

Hypnotherapy helps mothers to release anxiety and adapt to changes as a new mother.

Hypnotherapy helps with anxiety release

Hypnosis by itself is a very calming and relaxing experience. Simply by taking the time for themselves and enjoying the hypnosis experience, women can feel empowered and more positive.

Anxiety and stress are created due to subconscious emotions and core beliefs. When life changes, these beliefs, and emotions need to adapt to life changes as well. During hypnosis, a variety of techniques are used to release the pressure and anxiety created by these changes. Since the subconscious mind is more active than normal, hypnosis opens up space for more radical changes than other therapeutic tools.

During hypnosis, people can change their perspective and look at situations from a calm stance. Calmness allows us to listen to our intuition and heart which usually leads to more fulfilling decisions and actions.

Hypnotherapy helps with adaptation to changes

The biggest challenge with maternity is embracing and adapting to the new role: being a mom. A new mom deals with lots of new responsibilities and new tasks along with all the existing roles perhaps as a wife, daughter, employee, or employer. Juggling around the responsibilities and adapting to a new role can be quite challenging.

During hypnosis, the transition process is facilitated via mental rehearsal or perspective shift in order to the mother to quickly and easily embrace the new life changes. During hypnosis, imagination is amplified. By repetition and imagery, the mind can be trained to accept, shift, and refocus on the new role as a mother.

Hypnotherapy helps motivating mothers to take care of themselves

If you are a mother, you already know what unconditional love means. Unconditional love means putting your loved one before everything else and this is exactly what new mothers do. Unfortunately, this may result in some mothers forgetting to take care of themselves.

As humans, we perform our best when we are in our best shape. Whether it is our physical fitness or mental health, the more we take care of ourselves, the better we can provide for the people around us. Imagine a mom who is always upset or angry because she is really overwhelmed with her life and doesn’t have time for herself. Would she be able to be the best mom for her kids? Or best wife to her husband?

Hypnotherapy helps mothers to take responsibility for their mental and physical health back. They learn about the importance of self-care. Moreover, an inner motivation to take action is created under hypnosis. By imagining themselves in a new positive perspective, they can be happier and more fulfilled. Therefore, they can be the best mom, wife, worker they can be.

Final words…

Postpartum depression can be very draining and challenging. That’s why it is crucial for mothers to recognize, accept, and seek help. If you’d like to try hypnotherapy to help you with postpartum depression, please consult with your licensed therapist before. As you understand and embrace the power of your mind, you will realize that getting back to your normal is not as hard as you may think!