Having a baby is stressful, no matter how much you love your newborn or how prepared you feel. Mothers in particular often describe being on an “emotional rollercoaster” during the initial weeks following birth. Part of this is due to hormonal changes and other contributing factors include sleep deprivation, new responsibilities, and lack of self-care time. “Baby blues” are normal, but when symptoms last more than 6 weeks or get worse, consider talking to someone about postpartum depression. Up to 20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression.
Baby Blues (peak during week 1 and taper off by the end of week 2; 85% feel):
- Tearful
- Overwhelmed
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Tired/Insomnia
- Irritability
Postpartum Depression
- Similar symptoms of baby blues but more intense (e.g., suicidal/homicidal thoughts)
- Memory loss
- Withdraw from your partner
- Difficulty bonding with baby
- Difficulty eating/sleeping
- Feelings of guilt/worthlessness
- Preoccupation with death
- Feelings of guilt/shame
Tips:
- Use your support system and stay connected to family/friends rather than isolating
- Share the good, the bad, the ugly, and the happy rather than withholding your feelings inside
- Join a motherhood group
- Take care of you (e.g., let the housework go for a bit)
- Make meals a priority
- Take a walk or stroll in the sunshine
- Make time for your partner and that relationship – carve out couple time
- Don’t stress about taking a break from sexual intercourse
- Incorporate baby-free time
- Cultivate a connection by singing/talking to your newborn
- SLEEP!
- Wean slowly
- Consider taking an antidepressant