You've had your baby. It should be the happiest time of your life, but you just feel so upset all the time. Chances are this is the baby blues, which affects between 50% and 70% of mothers. Fortunately, the baby blues won't last forever. Here are four tips to help you cope with the baby blues, so you can enjoy your bundle of joy.
Know It Will Pass
For the majority of moms, the baby blues will pass on their own. Experiencing the baby blues is completely normal due to a drop in the hormones after the birth. It can take up to two weeks for most moms to overcome the baby blues naturally. The end is in sight.
Remaining positive about this will really help you get through it. Knowing why it's happening can also help because you can go through each day knowing that there is nothing wrong with you.
Overcome Fear and Anxiety
If you have any fears or anxiety over being a mom, you will need to find ways to overcome those feelings. It is common for new moms to be apprehensive or scared of the unknown. Moms who have suffered from baby blues or postnatal depression in the past may find it harder to bond with their second babies due to fear. By overcoming your anxieties and worries, you will be more confident in your abilities.
Sleep When You Can
Sleep deprivation makes it harder to deal with hormonal changes. It's not always possible to sleep when the baby sleeps, but it is the best advice for dealing with the baby blues. You can get your body back in sync, and catch up on the sleep you miss when the baby is awake during the night.
If you're struggling to get everything done, ask for some help. It could be asking your family members to look after the baby for an hour or so, just so you can nap. Or, you can ask a family member to help with the house cleaning, so you can get some rest.
Talk About It
Avoid bottling up any of the fears or feelings you have during this time. Doing so can lead to the baby blues turning into the more serious postpartum depression. Lean on your partner when you need someone to listen to you, or turn to family members when you want some advice. If you just want to cry and let all the emotions out, do it!
You are allowed to feel scared, upset, and tired. These are normal emotions for women—especially after giving birth to a baby. Don't worry about baby blues affecting you. Take the steps above and work with a doctor like those at Naples OBGYN to help you overcome them as quickly as possible.
Share2 September 2016
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