Baby blues is a familiar concern amongst new mothers. As a new mother, you may experience shifts in your lateral mood due to several factors.
Let us discuss some general FAQs and tips to handle this everyday problem.
What Are The Signs That I Am Experiencing Baby Blues?
‘Are baby blues real, as I feel like crying since my delivery?’
The simple answer is yes. The signs to look out for are:
- Feeling highly emotional and suddenly bursting into tears for no reason
- Feeling touchy or irritable
- Low mood swings
- Very restless and anxious
Overview Of The Problem
Think about what you’ve been through as a new mother, the life-changing lifestyle, your newborn, and not forgetting your hormone levels which will be all over the place.
Baby blues will make you feel overwhelmed, especially if you don’t have much help in hand. Besides coping with the feeding and changing routines, and the baby waking at odd intervals and needing attention, it’s a small wonder you will feel stressed and teary and just want to sit and weep. It’s as though you can’t focus or do anything apart from tending to your baby. Consequently, you’ll feel frustrated, tensed, and often worthless.
There will be tears of mixed emotions. But you have to remember all of this is normal.
It might usually go away, but if it doesn’t stop after two weeks, then you should seek medical assistance as you could be suffering from Postpartum Depression.
How To Check If I Have Postpartum Depression?
You won’t be alone if you are diagnosed with baby blues, as around 1 in 6 women experience this. The condition can occur from 6 to 8 weeks after a baby’s birth, but do not suffer in silence. It can vary in severity, but you’ll often feel weepy, desperate, and inadequate.
And it all happens due to a huge shift of hormones in your body. Additionally, having a newborn to care for, the whole thing might feel a little too overwhelming.
As a result of not having the same amount of sleep due to feeding and tending to your baby, you will feel tired. Besides having a whole new life-changing pattern, it’s a small wonder that baby blues will often turn into a feeling of sadness and despair. Therefore, it’s important to identify the signs of baby blues as given below:
- Absolute tiredness and fatigue
- A feeling of not being able to manage
- Being unable to concentrate
- Anxiety about the baby and even loss of interest in the newborn
- Unable to enjoy anything
- Panic attacks and loss of appetite
Make Time For Yourself
Unwind, read a magazine, see other people and mums, and seek out local mother and baby groups. In addition, make your feelings known to your partner and, most importantly, accept their help. Although it’s never easy, do try to relax. It is the one aspect of life that many aren’t good at!
Seeking Advice With Baby Blues
Having good family support is vital if you have baby blues, and likewise, so is medical advice. A lot of therapies are available, besides talk therapy and making your feelings known. You can take antidepressants in severe cases.
Most new mothers accept direction following the guidance. Remember, it’s not abnormal, and you will recover in time. You’re supposed to feel glad about becoming a mother. The baby blues are not your fault, so you must not punish yourself.
Accept Daily Help
Asking for a helping hand will help you deal with postpartum depression better.
Besides all the changes you’re going through, without least care for your newborn, try not to let things get on top of you. Most new mothers need some help, so don’t think you have to do everything yourself. For example, accept the offer if a friend or neighbor asks if you want them to shop something for you. Likewise, if someone offers to do a bit of housework, accept it willingly.
Most people will want to contribute somehow, as many have experienced baby blues, so they will easily relate to your condition. Do leave all the unnecessary chores, as you and your baby hold the significance at this crucial time.
Many mothers will try alcohol to help them relax amid experiencing baby blues. But that will only worsen your mood. So, refrain yourself from alcohol consumption.
Additional Tip: Postnatal/Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
It is a serious condition and often results from a traumatic birth, painful labor, or issues with the baby’s delivery. The new mother will feel desperate even with fears of dying or the baby dying. As a result of the trauma, it’s vital to seek professional help and guidance and undergo close monitoring.
