What are strategies which I can use to combat postpartum depression? What red flags should I look for in my loved one?
The first step is to talk to your doctor. Postpartum depression is a medical condition and is not an indication of any failure on your part. Your doctor might prescribe sleep, social support, cognitive therapy, interpersonal therapy and/or antidepressant medications. Tell someone if you have thoughts of harming yourself, your baby, or are seeing and hearing things.
Build your community and ask for help. Parenting groups, check in calls from friends and family, and outings will all help combat feelings of isolation.
Pay attention to your physical health. Ensure new parents eat a balanced diet (don't just feed the baby, feed yourselves!), avoid caffeine and alcohol, go for walks or exercise with baby, ask for breaks and consider other ways to feed baby (bottle feeding via formula, expressed milk by someone else) so that you can sleep for longer periods of time.
Koble series:
Preparing for post-birth mental health challenges
Other resources:
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tn9165
https://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/frequently-asked-questions/