Dealing with Baby Blues
Becoming a mother can be an exhilarating experience and one that you probably expect during your pregnancy to be one of peace and happiness. For many new moms who have been fed an idea of early motherhood being a blissful period, sudden and unexplainable mood changes can be worrying. These however are common and are known as “baby blues.”
Clinically referred to as post partum depression, feelings of sadness, loneliness, depression and anxiety are very common among new moms with as many as 80 per cent of mothers reporting such feelings in the days after the baby arrives. There is a simple explanation for these mood swings. Your body’s hormone levels are going back to normal after the state of pregnancy and these hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc on your nerves and emotions. Add to this the stresses of looking after a new born baby and you have the perfect recipe for a mom who’s ready to explode!
Post partum depression is especially common in women who already have a history of depression prior to having a baby. If you’ve been prone to severe PMS, you might have a higher chance of experiencing negative feelings soon after delivery.
Coping with Baby Blues
It’s not surprising that feelings of depression are heightened by sleep deprivation, exhaustion and a poor diet. The days after a baby is born can be exhausting for a new mom. Ask family members to help you out with the care of the baby – don’t be stubborn about asking for help. If you can afford to, hire help for at least a couple of hours in a day. Get as much rest as possible, and make sure you don’t ignore your diet. Take a walk daily and read uplifting literature that will help boost spirits.
If your symptoms do not subside in a couple of weeks, consult a doctor to asses whether you have clinical post partum depression. Pay special attention to feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts that may arise during dark moments. Clinical post partum depression can be treated with timely medical help. For more information on recognizing and dealing with this condition check out the National Institutes of Health and National Library of Medicines website.
Filed under: Postnatal Care
