Baby Blues

You may be surprised to read that some form of depression or distress after having a baby is common. 70% of new moms will experience an emotional let down at this time. It can range from a very slight form of baby blues to a more serious postpartum depression.

New moms experience biological, physical, emotional and social changes. If you add in any stressful events that might happen at the same time, then it is no wonder that there can be an adverse reaction ranging from mild baby blues through to the rare postpartum psychosis (an advanced form of postpartum depression.

The baby blues can be linked to those hormonal changes in your body as rapid changes in such hormones as estrogens, progesterone and thyroid have a strong effect on our moods.

The baby blues can be linked to actual physical exhaustion and problems such as post operative pain after a C-section.

The baby blues can be linked to emotional changes as new moms can experience emotional highs and lows and even be disappointed at not feeling maternal enough towards their new baby.

The baby blues can be linked to feeling cut off after childbirth, not having close family around and missing the previous social contacts and lifestyle.

The baby blues can be linked to something that happens at the same time as giving birth such as the death of someone close, financial problems or even the loss of your home.

Experiencing depression after the birth of a baby is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. Sometimes it is simply part of giving birth and if you are feeling the baby blues or depressed, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and enjoy your new baby.

You might be feeling anxious; feeling sad; feeling tearful; having difficulty sleeping or feeling exhausted.

The more serious postpartum depression may manifest itself in more intense and longer lasting signs and symptoms so that you feel you cannot function properly.

These could be:

• Constant fatigue or insomnia
• Little or no enjoyment of life
• Feeling emotionally numb
• A feeling of failure
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Either a lack of concern for yourself or your baby, or excessive concern for your baby
• Less or no interest in sex
• Severe mood swings
• Lack of concentration or impaired thinking
• Insomnia
• Change in appetite – either eating too little or too much

Then there is the rare form of postpartum depression which is called postpartum psychosis that develops within 6 weeks of having your baby. These signs and symptoms can be very severe and include:

• Fear of harming yourself or your baby
• Confusion and disorientation
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Paranoia

You might be surprised to read that postpartum depression can develop after the birth of any child and not just the first and it is actually more common in mothers after giving birth to their second baby.

A new born baby deserves to have a healthy mother and mom deserves the chance to enjoy her baby and enjoy her life. So if you are experiencing symptoms of depression after giving birth, don’t feel that you have to manage on your own. It is best to confide in someone close to you so they can get help and treatment for you from your midwife or doctor.

The first steps you need to take to help yourself are:

• Accepting that there is something wrong and that you have a problem
• Talking to your husband or partner, or a friend or family member and knowing that you will get better.

Your doctor may take certain steps and these could include medication and/or therapy.

But there are other ways in which you can help yourself such as:

• Try to get as much rest as you can. When baby naps, then you must nap too.
• Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do only what you can and leave the rest.
• Find someone you are comfortable with to talk to and tell them about your feelings.
• Establish a social support network so that friends and family members can help you with child care, household chores and errands.
• You also need to find time to do something for yourself having a good soak in the bath.
• Take it slowly – don’t try to change everything the first day.
• Find a support group in your area

It is important for you to know that whether you have the baby blues or a more serious form of postpartum depression, this is something from which you will recover.