Have you heard of “the baby blues”? Moms often use this term when describing their emotional difficulties. This blog will discuss baby blues, why they may occur, and how to treat them. Stay tuned for more information if you’re experiencing the baby blues or if someone you know is!
What are the baby blues?
Around 80% of postpartum mothers experience the baby blues, which are brief periods of sadness, anxiety, stress, and mood swings following childbirth. That means that four out of every five new mothers report experiencing them, so chances are you will as well (and if you don’t, consider yourself lucky!)
The baby blues usually appear within a few days of giving birth, but if you had a particularly difficult delivery, you might notice them sooner.
Though doctors cannot pinpoint the exact cause, their timing tells us a lot. After giving birth, your body undergoes extreme hormonal fluctuations to assist you in recovering and caring for your baby, including shrinking your uterus back to normal size and promoting lactation, among other things. These hormonal changes can also impact a postpartum mother’s mental health.
The other possible explanation? The postpartum period is when parents are not sleeping regularly (or at all, to be honest) and are adjusting to the major changes in routine and lifestyle accompanying a new baby. All of these factors work together to create the baby blues.
What are the symptoms of baby blues?
The symptoms may appear two to three days after the baby is born. Most of the time, the baby blues go away on their own within 10 days of birth, but they can last up to 14 days. Your experience with the baby blues may differ from that of your best friend or sister-in-law, but symptoms of the baby blues include:
- Feeling weepy or crying inexplicably over minor triggers.
- Having mood swings or being irritable.
- Feeling unattached or unbonded to your baby.
- You miss aspects of your previous life, such as the freedom to socialize with friends.
- You are concerned about your baby’s health and safety.
- Even if you’re exhausted, you may feel restless or sleepless.
- Having difficulty making simple decisions or thinking clearly.
What can you do to get rid of baby blues?
You don’t have to do anything to treat the baby blues; most people discover that they begin to feel more like themselves as they adjust to their new role and establish a routine with their baby.
However, the postpartum period is difficult, and taking care of yourself as best you can is critical. Finding things that make you feel better during this transition period may help you get back to “normal” (or, at the very least, find your new normal) faster.
Get as much rest as possible. We understand that sleep is a valuable commodity in your household, but remember what your mother said: sleep when the baby sleeps, and let the laundry pile up. When you’re exhausted, everything appears to be worse. Sleeping is sometimes the best medicine.
Request assistance. That laundry we told you to put away? Another option is to delegate the task to someone else. People are often looking for ways to assist new mothers, so when Grandma comes over and asks what she can do, assign her a task. Don’t try to do everything yourself: cooking meals, running errands, changing diapers.
Eat well and get some fresh air. This one is self-explanatory: nourish your body with nutritious foods and get some fresh air. It’s straightforward but effective.
Speak with someone. It does not have to be a therapist; if you have one, contact them. Otherwise, talk to a family member or friend who “gets” you and will not pass judgment. Sometimes, you just need to let it all out.
Do something you enjoy. We understand if it seems easier to find a unicorn than 5 minutes to yourself — but living 24/7 for another human being will leave you exhausted and resentful.
Your pre-baby life needs to be reinstated (even for only 20 minutes at a time.
Make a connection with your spouse or partner. It’s easy to lose sight of the other person you’re sharing your new life with, but committing to doing something together once a day can help you feel connected and supported.
Lastly
“The baby blues” is a sadness most new parents experience after giving birth. This usually passes quickly.
You might have baby blues if you still feel sad or anxious after 2 weeks. If your baby blues become severe, immediately see a family member, friend, or healthcare provider. Postpartum depression needs to be treated, so if you’re feeling like this, please call us at Kazmo Brain Center.
