Pregnancy is a rollercoaster of emotions. Most women expect these ups and downs to disappear once the baby is born and the excitement of meeting your newborn sets in. Unfortunately, up to 80 percent of women experience some form of the baby blues in the days, weeks and months following child-birth. Here are a few ways to ease the emotional upheaval that accompanies postpartum depression.
Make Sure You Get Enough Rest
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Having a newborn baby is exhausting. Newborns generally sleep most of the time, yet new moms and dads rarely get ample sleep during the first few months after welcoming a new baby. Common advice given to new mothers is to sleep when your baby sleeps, and it helps. Taking turns with baby duty with your spouse or partner helps both of you get a few straight hours of sleep, which in turn reduces stress and eases anxiety.
Put the Right Food Into Your Body
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You’re so focused on making sure your new baby is getting enough nutrition that it’s easy to forget to take care of your own nutritional needs. Eating breakfast boosts your metabolism and gives you the energy you need to make it through the first part of the day—especially if you’re short on sleep. Avoid foods high in salt and saturated fats, and stick with complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables.
Consider Taking Anti-Depressant Medication
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If your symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, it’s time to see a doctor. You can buy Paxil or other medications to ease severe mood swings, anxiety and sadness that often go with postpartum depression. Typically, women can stop pharmaceutical treatments in a few months after their hormones reach more consistent levels.
Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help
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Feeling overwhelmed when you bring your new baby home is a major cause of anxiety and depression. New mothers sometimes feel inadequate or overly stressed about taking care of a newborn all by themselves, especially when their partners return to work. Accept the help that’s likely being offered by friends and family, and ask for help if you need it.
Reach Out to Family and Friends
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Feelings of loneliness and isolation are common among new mothers. Reach out to your family and friends not only for help with caring for your baby, but for socialization. It’s natural to want to spend all your time with your baby, but you need adult interaction, too.
Connect with Your Spouse or Partner
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It’s easy to focus all your attention on your newborn, but you and your partner still need to pay attention to one another. Maintaining a strong bond with your partner lifts your mood and solidifies your relationship.
Take a Walk and Get Some Sun
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Exercise is probably the last thing on your mind, but it helps get your blood flowing, makes you feel better about yourself and gives you a jump-start to lose the extra baby weight. Don’t start an exercise program until you’ve been cleared by your doctor. Simple exercises, such as a walk outside in the sunshine with your baby, will lift your spirits after your doctor has given you the go-ahead.
Getting the baby blues is common after having a child. If you’re feeling down and out, you’re not alone. Following a few tips to take care of yourself can ease your anxiety and depression, but be mindful of when it’s time to seek professional help.
2 comments:
Great post. I never had PPD after my son was born, but I did have the baby blues a lot stronger than I thought I would. I felt like I was on a roller coaster of emotions for a couple weeks!
When my husband went back to work just a week after our son was born I didn't know what to do! I couldn't believe that I was left all alone with such a little person.
It was a bit lonely and stressful at first, and certainly very emotional. I am so thankful that I was able to head outside and walk everyday, the fresh air has always helped me clear my head.
As you mentioned, a good diet is important - I ate a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches the first few weeks!
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