Welcoming the newest member of the family is a joyful moment. However, some mothers feel overwhelmed and sad. Don’t worry if you experience this because you are not alone. There are many things that will help you get better. You can try self-care methods or get professional postpartum therapy.
You may have the “baby blues” after giving birth, where you feel sad and teary most of the time. The condition is similar to post-partum depression (PPD), and the terms are frequently used interchangeably. But there are differences between the two. Here is what you need to know about them:
Baby Blues
Baby blues is a temporary psychological state after giving birth; it makes a mother feel down, restless, or anxious. About 80 percent of new mothers experience baby blues after childbirth. Most of them have this feeling a few days after giving birth, and it can last from about one to two weeks. Some symptoms include the following:
Having mood swings
Feeling too tired to take care of oneself
Feeling overwhelmed
Finding it hard to sleep
Having no appetite
If you experience these symptoms, there are ways to feel better. Even simple things can help. You can try doing the following:
Try to get some sleep whenever possible. You can rest when your baby falls asleep.
Find someone you can share your feelings with. Talking to someone close can help you release these negative emotions.
Eat some healthy food for more energy. A friend or a family member can help you out with food preparation since you’re tending to your baby’s needs.
Get some sunlight when you can. Try staying near a window or going outside for a few minutes during the day. The sunlight will help you feel more energetic.
Try doing a light exercise like walking around the neighbourhood. Doing so can help you unwind and relieve some stress.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a condition that needs more attention, and about 10 percent of mothers experience this. One key difference from baby blues is that PPD lasts longer. This condition can last from four weeks, even up to a year. Here are the symptoms of postpartum depression:
Extreme sadness
Intense loss of energy
Heightened irritability
Feelings of detachment from your baby
Lingering negative thoughts like hopelessness
Anxiety and panic attacks
If you experience PPD or baby blues symptoms and don’t feel better after two weeks, it’s best to contact a professional. Postpartum therapy, with a qualified perinatal mental health professional, will help you get better. Get in touch with Postpartum Parent Network to book a free consultation today.