Dealing with the baby blues
From Your Baby Today
The days and weeks immediately following the birth of your baby can be an
emotional roller-coaster. You can expect to experience elation, wonder,
anxiety, and -- if you are like most new moms -- at least a touch of the blues.
Experts estimate that between 50 and 90 percent of all new mothers
experience a
bout of mild depression right after the birth of their babies. So if you've
found yourself feeling weepy, sad, or irritable for no apparent reason, don't
be hard on yourself. You have lots of company.
What causes the blues
The mild depression that affects women soon after giving birth is often
referred to as "the baby blues," and while no one is sure exactly why it
happens, there are several likely theories:
- Hormones: After baby is born, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in
mom's body drop sharply, causing a deficit that can lead to the blues. As hormone
levels return to their normal, pre-pregnancy levels, spirits tend to rise as
well.
- Physical discomfort: It takes a while to recover from childbirth, and pain
from an episiotomy, hemorrhoids, or adjusting to breast-feeding can make new
moms cranky.
- Sleep deprivation/exhaustion: When the hard work of childbirth is
followed by
staying up late at night to care for your newborn, it's hard to recoup your
sleep losses. It doesn't take long for sleep deprivation to have a negative
effect on mood.
- Psychological discomfort: For first-time moms, living with a new baby is
a new and daunting experience. The day-to-day realities of caring for your infant
may feel anticlimactic or overwhelming after 9 months of being the center of
attention. If you're feeling a little disappointed by the experience, that
disappointment may be compounded by a sense of guilt or inadequacy.
Beating the blues
For most new mothers, the "baby blues" is caused by a combination of these
factors, and most find that the blues ease as their bodies return to normal
and they become more comfortable living with baby. To make the transition easier,
here are some steps you can take to relieve the stresses that contribute to
the blues:
- Cut yourself some slack: Don't worry about the housework, the laundry, or
writing thank-you notes for shower gifts. Those things can wait. Take each day
as it comes and just do the best you can.
- Ask for (and accept) help: When you feel overwhelmed or exhausted, reach out
to the people you love for support. When friends offer to help, let them!
After all, every minute that someone else vacuums the floor or does the dishes gives
you an extra minute to be with your baby or get some much-needed rest.
- Take care of yourself: Make your own needs a priority as much as
possible. Eat well, rest as much as you can, and gradually resume your old physical
activities, even if it's just a walk around the neighborhood every afternoon.
Try to carve out time that is just for you -- whether it's lunch with a friend or
a long hot bath.
- Sleep: This may seem easier said than done, but sleep is crucial to your
emotional and physical health. Don't worry about sleeping "normal" hours -- nap
whenever your baby naps. The rest will do you both a world of good.
If the blues linger
Baby blues typically start soon after giving birth and generally last only a
week or so (although it may feel longer!). If the blues linger for more than a
week or two, it could mean the beginning of a more serious condition called
postpartum depression (PPD). Although relatively rare, PPD can be devastating.
Treatment is available, so if you suspect you are suffering from this disorder
it is important to see your doctor and find out your treatment options.
Dads suffer from the baby blues, too -- often because they feel left out. The key
is to get Dad involved right from the start so you both can delight in baby's
ways.
Also see:
• Meditation for moms
• Balancing work and family
• From power lunches to power rangers
