Postnatal Depression & Homoeopathy: Bringing Light to the Darkness

Postnatal depression is truly a darkness in the light of a new life being born. As homoeopaths it is our duty to understand this condition and to treat affected mothers with compassion and understanding. By following these standards, we can remove the darkness, and bring these mothers into the joy and light a new life deserves.

Postnatal depression is believed to affect up to 20% of new mothers, although due to underreporting that figure may be significantly higher. It usually begins to manifest within the first few weeks after delivery, however it has also been known to begin during pregnancy, or up to a year after giving birth. PND as it is often referred to, can last for weeks, months, or longer if left untreated.

It is widely believed that this form of depression is caused through a combination of hormonal changes, the emotional adjustment to motherhood, and a lack of sleep, which is often all tied together with a traumatic birth experience. Even without a traumatic birth experience it is important to remember that at the exact same time a baby is born, a mother is also born. Until this moment of birth, a woman existed with her own complete sense of being, with the role of mother being something completely new to her, and therefore for some, the transition can be extremely challenging. This transition can be harder for a single mother, or for a mother whose partner is also struggling with her transition into motherhood.

The hormonal changes experienced by a mother after childbirth, particularly the rapid drop in oestrogen and progesterone can affect mood regulation, and if this is then coupled with previous mental health struggles, the likelihood of Postnatal Depression is increased.

Postnatal depression can take many forms. It is vitally important to seek treatment from a qualified health provider of your choice, and never to self-medicate.

These are some of the common symptoms associated with Postnatal Depression:

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions, which can lead to irritability and a feeling of being rushed and not understood.
• Feelings of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with the baby or household., which can cause a sense of guilt and of being unworthy to be a mother.
• Avoidance of friends and an aversion to social interactions, which can lead to a feeling of isolation and even to a feeling of being trapped.
• Difficulty bonding with the baby, which can lead to feelings of guilt or apathy. This is not uncommon, however it depends on the severity of the mother’s symptoms.

These are some of the mental and emotional symptoms associated with Postnatal Depression:

• A feeling of being disconnected or detached from the baby or family
• Feelings of inadequacy as a mother, with associated guilt or shame
• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Weeping without clear reason
• Restlessness with irritability
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Thoughts of self harm or suicide
• Intrusive thoughts about harming the baby

These are some of the physical symptoms associated with Postnatal Depression:

• Fatigue or a general lack of energy
• Sleepiness with an inability to awaken
• Insomnia
• Aversion to food
• Overeating
• Loss of libido

This is not a comprehensive list of symptoms, but it does cover the most common ones expressed by patients suffering from Postnatal Depression.

In my practice I have encountered mothers for whom, prior to homoeopathic treatment, their only relief from PND was to become pregnant again, with some mothers already on their third or fourth baby, whilst still suffering from the accompanying depression.

As postnatal depression can be a severe mental illness, which can occasionally accompany issues around self harm, infant neglect, and even harm of the infant, it is important that the homoeopath or chosen medical provider remains both vigilant and supportive of the mother. It is also important to remember that where there are two parents, the father (or the mother’s partner) will also need support during this difficult time.

These are some of the most common remedies used to treat Postnatal Depression. The remedy picture for each of the remedies is written to show which main symptoms of Postnatal Depressionare covered by the remedy.

SEPIA (Sepia)

This remedy is derived from the ink sac of the cuttlefish. It is renowned for it’s action with regards to hormonal and gynaecological issues.

Keynotes: The mother shows an indifference to loved ones. She feels overwhelmed by her responsibilities, with a desire to be left alone. She may exhibit weepiness, irritability, and feel exhausted.

Mental and Emotional Symptoms: The mother exhibits a strong sense of apathy or detachment from family, especially towards the baby. She may feel burdened by motherhood and often experience mood swings.

Physical Symptoms: The mother will often feel physical fatigue, with a sense of heaviness. She will often describe a dragging sensation in the pelvic region.

PULSATILLA (Puls.)

This remedy is derived from the Wood Anemone. It is often used for hormonal imbalance in women who have a need for comfort and reassurance, who are sensitive and easily moved to tears.

Keynotes: The mother’s moods will be very changeable. She will have a tendency towards weepiness, with a strong need for consolation. She will express feelings of abandonment, and be emotionally sensitive.

Mental and Emotional Symptoms: The mother will often express a feeling of being unsupported, possibly with feelings of abandonment. She may often cry without knowing a reason why. She will seek comfort and reassurance from others.

Physical Symptoms: The mother’s menstruation may be delayed or have become irregular since giving birth. She will often feel physically and mentally worse in a warm room, and feel better in the fresh air. Her symptoms usually ease from consolation, but return once this support has been removed.

STAPHISAGRIA (Staph.)

This remedy is derived from the seeds of the Delphinium Staphysagria plant. It is often used where the mother may have experienced feelings of being invaded during pregnancy. She may also have experienced feelings of humiliation during the birth process .

Keynotes: The mother will exhibit suppressed emotions, especially feelings of anger, humiliation, and emotional vulnerability.

Mental and Emotional Symptoms: The mother will often exhibit a feeling of being deeply hurt and possibly humiliated. She can often feel unsupported or misunderstood in her role as a mother. She may feel that the baby is taking over her life, and have a desire to escape the infant.

Physical Symptoms: The mother may experience trembling and headaches. Urinary tract infections. Cystitis with burning urination is also a common symptom.

CAUSTICUM (Caust.)

This remedy is derived from the combination of slaked lime and potash. It is often used where the mother expresses a strong feeling of the injustice of motherhood. She will be emotionally sensitive with sadness and often express anxiety or fear that she will get everything wrong.

Keynotes: The mother will express a feeling of hopelessness at being a mother. She may have a palpable sense of grief and a strong sense of injustice about motherhood.

Mental/Emotional Symptoms: The mother often feels oppressed by her situation and experiences deep sadness and grief. These feelings are linked to her feelings of injustice and helplessness.

Physical Symptoms: The mother may experience a paralysis-like weakness. Stiffness of the body is a common symptom, as well as a marked tendency to develop infections.

PHOSPHORIC ACID (Phos.Ac.)

This remedy is derived from Phosphoric Acid. It is often used when the mother had a very stressful pregnancy, or a long and physically debilitating birth. She will usually be apathetic towards the infant, emotionally detached from loved ones, and exhibit a deep sense of grief.

Keynotes: The mother will be emotionally apathetic. She will appear mentally exhausted, often with a deep sense of grief.

Mental and Emotional Symptoms: The mother will express a feeling of being drained, both mentally and emotionally. She will appear emotionally flat and detached. She may express a profound sense of grief or disappointment with motherhood or the birth.

Physical Symptoms: The mother will often experience physical weakness and exhaustion. She will often express a feeling of being completely worn out. There can may also be weight loss accompanied by hair loss or digestive issues.

This is not a comprehensive list of remedies that can be used to treat Postnatal Depression, it is an indication of how homeopathic treatment can help with this condition. Always seek advice and a consultation with a qualified Classical Homoeopath before embarking on the use of any homoeopathic remedies.

References:

1. Williamson, Bray, and Sarah Burnett. A Simplified Guide to Homoeopathy: Taking Out the Jargon, Making Homoeopathy Make Sense. B. Jain Publishers, 2026.