Mothers who have just given birth may want to try such as omega-3 fatty acids to keep postpartum depression at bay. Additionally, a new study suggests that exercise could also reduce a new moms risk of the mental disorder.
According to findings published in Physical Therapy, the journal of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), postnatal depression (PND) is an issue that affects more than 13 percent of new mothers.
The study examined 161 women who were being discharged from the postnatal ward and were either assigned to an exercise group or a learning group with their newborns for eight weeks. It was found that women who participated in the exercise group had reduced their risk for PND by more than 50 percent, exceeding the learning groups level of well-being.
“A group exercise program led by a physical therapist, who is an expert in improving and restoring motion to peoples daily lives, can help mothers who may be at risk for PND improve their well-being and enable them to better care for their children,” said researcher Dr. Mary P. Galea.