For most people, sunshine tends to boast our mood a little bit. But could it really help with postpartum depression? Or could lack of sunshine cause more PPD? And what else might it impact?
A small study done a few years ago by one of my undergrad and graduate instructors, Dr. Deepika Goyal (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180927105733.htm) shows a possible connection between shorter and darker days in the last month of pregnancy and immediate postpartum and higher incidence of PPD. Of course, you cannot always control what time of year you’ll be in that stage of pregnancy and postpartum, but having this knowledge, you can take additional steps to really focus on getting what sunshine you can. I know for myself, I absolutely see a difference in my mood during the shorter, darker months of the year, regardless of pregnancy or not. So, I have to check in with myself periodically and remind myself that the weather will change and so will some of my current feelings. I also now try to consciously make the most of the pretty days we do get during the winter months. Take a walk, eat lunch outside, go to the beach.
Also, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself to your provider and your employer and others as needed. If you need sunshine in order to stabilize your mood, make sure you do what it takes to incorporate that into your life whether you are a SAHM or back to the grind of work.
On top of the benefits related to mood, it can also be beneficial for sleep patterns. This is true for both mom and baby. If you get natural sunlight in the morning, it helps with regulating our circadian rhythms. Many parents swear that their children’s sleep improved when they started exposing them (in a protected way) to natural sunlight in the morning. Definitely be cautious of direct sunlight on babies, particularly those under 6 months. But with shade, hats, and sunscreen, outside sun time is just what the doctor ordered for both mom and baby.