While you would expect the birth of a child to be a time of profound happiness, sometimes postpartum depression sets in for no apparent reason. Instead of being on top of the world, a new mother can easily slip into a horrible state of depression.There's no logical explanation and try as she might, there doesn't seem to be are a son why she's not as happy as she thought she'd be.
To make matters even worse, sometimes the baby blues are so severe that a new mother doesn't even realize she is as depressed as she is. If you are one of the millions of mothers who are suffering from depression after the birth of a baby, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to alleviate your suffering. Actually, there is. The following five tips should prove to be helpful.
1. Recognize There Is a Problem
Before you can begin to deal with postpartum depression, the first thing you need todo is recognize the problem for what it is. It is to be expected that you will be extremely tired after giving birth, for example, but if you go days without wanting to leave your bed, there is a problem. Notice things like not wanting to be around people, an inability to get through the most mundane of household chores or being inordinately sharp and grumpy. These are just some of the signs you should learn to recognize before you can seek an appropriate treatment.
2. Seek Professional Help
If you are rendered emotionally immobile from the baby blues, the best thing you can do is to seek professional help. Start with your OB/GYN who cares for you post-delivery. If your doctor recommends you see a specialist, there are treatments developed just for other mothers like yourself. These therapies may include psychological counseling, but they may also include anti-depressant medications as well. All this will depend on a number of factors, including whether or not you are breastfeeding the baby. If so, medication may not be a solution. Even so, only your doctor knows for sure.
3. Get Out and About
Even when you don't feel like it, it is recommended that you get out and about. There is nothing like a good dose of sunlight to cheer you up. Somehow problems don't feel as extreme in the light of day. One of the top brands on the market right now is Balenciaga, so why not treat yourself to a Balenciaga T-Shirt or perhaps a Balenciaga Hoodie if the weather is cooler? Imagine just having had a baby and then making your first 'appearance' in a designer shirt or hoodie like the pieces you can find here. Why not? You can shop online without going out of the house so that when you do make the effort, you'll be doing it in style! You might not fit into those skinny jeans just yet, but anyone can look great in an oversized hoodie, now can't they?
4. Begin Exercising Again
You've just spent months unable to do much but waddle around. You've had the baby, are healing nicely and still are feeling lethargic. Isn't it time to force yourself into some kind of exercise regimen? Start with a brief walk in the new hoodie you treated yourself to. Gradually, over time, pick up your pace. Discover other post-pregnancy exercises that will get your body back into shape and that just might be the catalyst for recovery. Also, don't forget that as you exercise, you are bringing oxygenated blood throughout the body. This will help you heal faster after childbirth and will also lift your spirits.
5. Develop a Support System
If you find that you have trouble talking to your partner, at least find a support system you can turn to. It could be a family member, a close friend or even one of the postpartum support groups held at your local hospital. Some churches and other community organizations also sponsor postpartum support groups and here is where you'll find support fro mother mothers who are, or have been, experiencing just what you are going through. One of the worst aspects of suffering from depression of any kind is being reluctant to share your troubles with anyone. Sometimes the simple act of getting it out in the open is all it takes to lift the burdens you've been carrying.
There's Nothing Quite Like a Mother's Love
Many mothers find that by spending more time bonding with their babies they 'come out of it' much quicker. That natural, all-consuming love they have for their children brightens their days like nothing else can. From nursing their child for skin-to-skin contact to holding their baby often throughout the day, that maternal instinct will kick-in, leaving them feeling much brighter for that closeness. The point is, first you must recognise something is wrong and then take steps to correct it. The above five tips are just some of the key ways other mothers like yourself found success.You'll never know what works until you try it but try something you must.
Image: Pixabay
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