Many postpartum mothers experience memory decline, leading to various inconveniences. If forgetfulness persists, it can significantly affect their daily life and work, sometimes even resulting in postpartum depression. What causes postpartum memory decline, and how can it be remedied?
1. Causes of Postpartum Memory Decline
1.1 Hormonal Imbalance: Estrogen
The imbalance of estrogen is the primary cause of postpartum memory decline. Estrogen, apart from being a female-specific hormone, plays a crucial role in altering neural stem cells in the central nervous system, regenerating the hippocampus, and reshaping the brain, thereby contributing to memory formation.
During pregnancy, estrogen levels peak in the first and second trimesters, then gradually decrease in the third trimester, returning to normal about three months postpartum.
After childbirth, the sudden drop in estrogen levels causes the mother's body to struggle to adapt, resulting in memory decline and slower brain function. Some research indicates that women who have given birth, especially those who have had multiple children, tend to have poorer memory compared to their peers.
However, the extent of postpartum memory decline varies among individuals. Additionally, oxytocin, a hormone produced in large amounts during breastfeeding, indirectly lowers estrogen levels and contributes to postpartum memory issues.
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Bài dịch từ: webmd.com
1.2 Depression
Depression is another significant cause of postpartum memory decline. Welcoming a baby brings substantial changes to a woman's life. Balancing the roles of being a mother and a wife, dealing with physical changes, or lacking attention and support from a spouse, coupled with the demands of caring for a crying baby, can be overwhelming.
Moreover, postpartum mothers often struggle to reintegrate into work after a long break and may suppress their emotions. These cumulative pressures can lead to postpartum depression, making it difficult to concentrate and causing memory loss.
1.3 The Pressure of Handling Multiple Responsibilities
After giving birth, many mothers face the dual burden of raising and educating their children while also managing household finances and caring for the family. This often results in exhaustion and extreme fatigue. The nervous system becomes overworked, unable to focus due to divided attention, leading to gradual memory decline.
1.4 Nutritional Deficiency
During pregnancy, even with a sufficient diet, much of the mother's nutrition is shared with the baby. As a result, the mother's nutritional needs are often unmet. Postpartum breastfeeding further exacerbates this, as the mother's dietary intake might not be enough for both her and the baby. This nutritional deficiency can lead to anemia, insufficient nourishment for the brain, and consequently, memory decline.
1.5 Sleep Deprivation
Sleep is critical for the body to regenerate, especially for the brain to rest, organize, and store memories. Postpartum mothers often suffer from severe sleep deprivation due to disrupted routines and frequent nighttime awakenings to care for the baby. This leads to temporary memory loss, where newly acquired information fails to register before being forgotten.
2. Remedies for Postpartum Memory Decline
2.1 Sharing with Your Partner and Family
Women should not stay silent but share their difficulties and problems with their partners and family members.
The husband's role is particularly vital. He should provide emotional support, converse frequently to show love and care, and avoid criticism or blame. Sharing responsibilities helps reduce stress and lowers the risk of postpartum memory decline.
2.2 Ensuring Proper Nutrition
- Include foods rich in natural estrogen, such as soybeans and seeds like cashews, peanuts, sesame, and sunflower seeds.
- Avoid stimulants like alcohol, strong tea, coffee, and cigarettes.
- Take iron supplements during pregnancy to prevent anemia caused by iron deficiency.
- Consume foods that benefit brain health, such as those rich in Vitamin B6 and folic acid, including cereals, oatmeal, spinach, broccoli, strawberries, apples, and almonds.
- Divide meals into smaller portions throughout the day and avoid skipping meals.
2.3 Getting Adequate Sleep
Sleep allows the brain to rest and enhances memory. Postpartum mothers should develop habits like napping for 20–30 minutes in the afternoon and ensuring at least 8 hours of sleep at night. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule for the baby can help mothers get the rest they need.
2.4 Organizing Work Reasonably
Postpartum mothers eventually return to their usual routines. It is essential to manage work efficiently, avoiding multitasking to prevent overload, which can lead to fatigue and memory issues. Keeping a notebook or using a smartphone for reminders can help manage tasks effectively and reduce stress.
2.5 Developing Positive Habits
- Hot foot soaks and gentle exercise: Promote blood circulation and relaxation.
- Memory Training: Focused and continuous practice can help reestablish memory habits.
- Yoga: A great way to relax the body, rest the brain, and enhance concentration.
- Listening to Classical Music: Music has a calming and relaxing effect, helping to alleviate stress and improve memory. Classical symphonies are particularly beneficial for addressing postpartum memory issues.
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