Coping with baby blues
Many moms experience feeling of postpartum blues – sometimes called the “baby blues” soon after their little one arrives. These emotional changes can include lost sleep, irritability, crying easily, and mood swings and usually are worst around the fourth day and then ease up in a couple of weeks. Here’s some things you can do to help cope with the baby blues.
- Talk to your partner or someone else you trust if you think you think you have baby blues. Many women experience at least some symptoms of baby blues immediately after childbirth. Sudden change in hormones after delivery, combined with stress, the demands of a new baby, feelings of isolation, and sleep deprivation and fatigue can all be causes of these emotional changes. You might feel more tearful, overwhelmed, and emotionally fragile.
- The baby blues are perfectly normal, but if your symptoms don’t go away after a few weeks or get worse, you may have postpartum depression.
- Speak with other friends who are also moms. They may have gone through something similar.
- Consider joining a mom and baby group or classes. A change of scenery and meeting other new moms may be helpful. Read our checklist on 10 things to do with baby—that give something back to you.
- Try mediation and mindfulness. There are a number of great apps available to support your practice.
- Tell your doctor and discuss whether you should talk to a therapist. There are resources and people who can help – your doctor will know where to start.
- Try some gentle exercises. It’s surprising what a bit of movement can do for your mood.
- Eat a healthy, varied and balanced diet.
- As well as trying to get some sun and fresh air, continue taking your prenatal multivitamin which should contain vitamin D.
- Ask your partner to help so that you can take time for refreshing and recharging things like a warm bath or hot shower, or a walk.
- Write a mood diary. Noting how you feel each day can help you realize what makes you happy and what doesn’t.
- Be kinder to yourself. You’re doing your best—it doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Ask friends and family to help. A few less errands on your to do list can make all the difference.
Sources:
Health Link BC. Baby Blues. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tn7417 Accessed August 2020.
Health Link BC. Postpartum Depression. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tn9653 Accessed August 2020.
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