Pregnancy is supposed to be a very joyous life event. In fact, most pregnant mom’s are excited to meet the baby that has been moving, kicking, and growing in her belly over the last few months. Meeting your baby for the first time is an overwhelming and happy time for most parents. Once a mom gives birth, her body will undergo some very drastic changes emotionally, physically, and hormonal changes after the baby is born. All these changes at once can cause a new or experienced mom to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, irritable, sleep deprived, teary eyed, and possible changes in eating habits.
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace appropriate medical care. If you feel any of the symptoms listed below please contact your doctor, health care professional, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
Caring For a Newborn Can Overwhelm New and Experienced Parents – Team Work is Important
Being a new parent is not an easy job but it is very rewarding and worth it. It is natural for moms, possibly even dads, to feel anxious or somewhat “blue” when caring for a newborn. A newborn needs round the clock care. As a parent, you need to remember to take care of yourself so that you can adequately take care of your newborn. If possible, parents should take care of their baby in shifts so that both mom and dad have time for a shower, have the opportunity to eat a good meal, or to catch up on sleep. As your baby gets older, things will improve and things will get easier. The first two months are probably the hardest part of being a new parent.
New Mom’s Often Suffer From The “Baby Blues”
Many mom’s have heard of the term “baby blues” and they hope that they don’t suffer from this mild form of depression after having a baby. After all, having a baby is supposed to be a joyous occasion. As you begin transitioning into your new role as a mother, caretaker, and wife, it is very important that you take care of yourself too. A newborn can be demanding, overwhelming, and exhausting. If you find yourself feeling “blue”, make sure that you aren’t sleep deprived. If you are suffering from “baby blues”, know that you aren’t alone and try to relax. These feelings should go away without any treatment;however, please make sure that you have a support system that can give you reassurance or encouragement along the way. If your feelings don’t go away or have you symptoms for longer than two weeks, you need to talk to a health care professional to determine if you have more than just the “baby blues”.
Do I Have More Than Just the “Baby Blues”?
Many people mistake Postpartum Depression with having a case of the “baby blues” and they will tend to shrug off the need for medical intervention. It is pretty easy to confuse the two since the symptoms are very similar. However, postpartum depression symptoms extend longer than two weeks and it won’t go away on its own. If you feel that you have postpartum depression, contact your obstetrician, primary care doctor, health care professional, or a mental health center for an evaluation. They can help determine if you are suffering from postpartum depression. If you feel like you are going to hurt yourself or your baby, please go to the emergency room or seek treatment from your doctor immediately.
What are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression symptoms can begin at any time during the first year of your babies life; however, it is likely that the symptoms will show up during the first two months after your baby is born. If you have any of the following symptoms that last longer than two weeks, contact your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible.
- Irritable
- Overly Sensitive
- Constant Crying or Teary Eyed
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Feeling Anxious
- Constantly Worrying
- Angry
- Loss of Interest in Activities that you Usually Enjoy
- Changes in Eating Habits (Not Eating or Overeating)
- Headache
- Stomachache
- Nausea
- Backache
- Fatigue or Exhaustion
- Difficulty Sleeping
Mom, if you are diagnosed with postpartum depression, please don’t beat yourself up. You did nothing wrong and can’t help the way you feel. Don’t be discourage for seeking medical intervention. Depression is common after you experience a life changing event such as having a baby. If your doctor feels that you need medication, please give it a try so that you can feel more like yourself sooner than later. Untreated depression can cause other problems such as long term depression, thoughts of harming yourself or others, or possible suicide.
Offer Love, Support, and Encouragement to a Mom Who is Suffering from “Baby Blues” or Postpartum Depression
Family and friends should be there to support you and not to make you feel worse about having postpartum depression. It is best to be there for a new mom so that you can offer her love, encouragement, and support. It is also important that you refrain from saying the following:
- Just get over it.
- It’s all in your head.
- A pill won’t fix your underlying problem.
- Never discount their feelings.
- Any other negative comments.
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