Weepiness, overwhelm, anxiety, and a reluctance to take care of your baby is a temporary postpartum condition called the baby blues. In some cases, however, it can lead to postpartum depression. Where does baby blues come from and how to deal with sadness after childbirth?
This condition affects up to 80% of postpartum women. It is worth knowing that in the first days after childbirth the hormonal economy of the young mother is completely disturbed. Large amounts of oxytocin and prolactin are produced – necessary for food production and uterine contraction. In turn, the level of corticotropin, a hormone that was produced in the third trimester of pregnancy by the placenta, decreases. The levels of estrogen, adrenal and thyroid hormones become dysregulated.
In addition, there is lack of sleep, fatigue and stress related to the new situation and responsibilities. All this piled up at the same time results in sadness, low mood and lack of strength and willingness to act. However, this ailment disappears spontaneously when the hormone levels return to normal. This usually occurs after 5-6 weeks postpartum.
This unpleasant condition does not require pharmacological treatment or psychological consultation. To overcome it, it is usually enough to implement several rules and support of loved ones.
Lack of sleep intensifies symptoms connected with baby blues. A woman gets irritated faster, has a worse mood and is more impatient. Therefore, it is best to use every free moment for rest
When the child falls asleep, the mother should also lie down, instead of cleaning, washing or cooking. At night, it is worth taking the toddler to bed for feeding. Then he will fall asleep faster and the mother will rest in a lying position.
Especially the husband or partner who should support the young mother during this time. Let him take over some of the responsibilities, such as going for a walk or bathing the baby
You should also not be afraid to ask your mother, mother-in-law or sister for help. They may relieve the young mother in household duties or take care of the child during her nap
Spending 24 hours a day at home with a small child is not good for anyone. It is worth doing everything to get away from the duties connected with the baby, at least for a while. You can agree with your partner, that after his arrival from work he will take care of the child for an hour. The mother can then go for a gossip to a friend or go shopping
If the young mother is afraid to leave her partner alone with the baby, she can at least use this time for a long, relaxing bubble bath or to watch a movie or her favorite TV series. Breaking away from everyday life every day, at least for a while, has a salutary effect on the female psyche in this difficult period
It is also not worth sitting at home during the day. You can arrange daily walks with friends who also have children
A great way to overcome your own problems is to talk to other people who have gone through the same thing. A young mom should talk to her friends or other moms about the topic. Surely, many women have had similar experiences and can offer useful advice. You should also talk to your partner about your feelings. A close person should understand and support a new mom in this difficult moment.
Women affected by the baby blues very often think of themselves as hopeless mothers. However, you should not think this way. The fact that a young mother does not always know how to soothe a crying baby or has problems with feeding does not mean that she is a bad mother. Everyone makes mistakes and learns from them. Knowledge and experience will come with time, and the beginnings are always difficult.
It is worth to be patient, because baby blues lasts relatively short. You can help yourself by applying the above tips. More rest and support and help from loved ones are invaluable in this difficult period for a young mother.
Main photo: Kelly Sikkem, source: unsplash.com
