Baby Blues
After the birth of a baby, approximately one in two women will experience some form of baby blues. With the rush of milk and the change in your body, comes a surge in hormones, which are likely to make you feel weepy and just plain miserable.Not only are the hormones to blame, but you’re also probably feeling blue because you’re exhausted, you’re still recovering from the birth, breastfeeding isn’t going well and your birth plan didn’t quite go the way you wanted it to.
What Should You Do To Beat The Baby Blues?
First, accept that it’s perfectly normal to feel weepy in the first few days. Accept that you’re going to be tired as you and your baby settle into your new life together. Try to rest as much as possible. Don’t try to be Super-Mum in your first month. Sleep when your baby sleeps and keep daily activities down to a minimum if possible.
Also, ask for help. If your mum or friend is close by and able to help out, ask her to pop in for an hour or two every day, so that you can have a quiet bath or snooze. Doing this is not a sign that you’re not a good mum, instead it’s a sign that you’re responsible enough to realise that a mum can only be good, if she takes care of herself. Your doctor may decide to give you a mild anti-depressant to make the first few days a little easier.
What If Your Partner/Daughter/Friend Has The Baby Blues?
Understand that she is going to be weepy and feel a little overwhelmed. She’s going to be sensitive to what you say and how you react to situations.
Be supportive but not overbearing. Be pro-active in helping out around the house, without being asked to do so. Offer to bath the baby or take him for a walk. More importantly, just be there.
How Long Do Baby Blues Last?
Baby blues shouldn’t last for more than a few days or weeks after your baby is born. They’ll gradually fade away, until you feel more like your old self again.
But what if those feelings don’t go away? What if they get worse? If your mood is getting in the way of being happy and content, speak to your doctor.
