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Experiencing “brain fog” after giving birth is real, and it can be particularly distressing when it occurs together with postpartum depression (PPD). Experts caution that forcing yourself through this phase may hinder progress. “It can increase stress, worsen fatigue and leave people feeling even more overwhelmed, which may delay recognizing when additional support is needed,” said Anushka Chelliah, M.D., a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Obstetrix® Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists of Houston, part of Pediatrix® Medical Group. Brain fog is not only about your lack of sleep. “Although sleep deprivation may be a contributing factor, the postpartum period involves many physiological stressors,” said Dr. Chelliah. She recommends reducing constant input. “Removing unnecessary alarms or noise can help limit mental fatigue,” she said. Creating default routines can also help. “Predictability and simplifying decisions reduces decision fatigue,” explained Dr. Chelliah.
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