How to Identify & Conquer Your Baby Blues
About 70% mothers all over the world suffer from Baby blues. Here is our guide to identify the warning signs & tips to conquer the blues.
What Are Baby Blues & How to Identify Them ?
Baby blues are defined as short-term dips in the mood right after the birth of the baby usually lasting for 1-2 weeks. It is normal for a mother to feel this way due to the massive hormone changes & birthing stress that the body goes through with the arrival of the baby. You can feel irritable & overwhelmed during this time due to the new responsibilities that you have to bear as a mother. You can also suffer from frequent mood swings wondering about whether you are being a good mother or not.
How to Treat Baby Blues ?
Baby blues usually tend to get better within 1-2 weeks as you take more rest, your hormone levels stabilize & you become more used to handling the new responsibilities that come with being a mother. You can also follow these tips to help yourself get better sooner.
1) Take as much rest as you can and catch up on sleep – It is perfectly fine to request your partner to apply for parental leave and be with you so you can manage those initial stressful weeks together.
2) Eat healthy foods – This will also be beneficial for the baby as you would probably be breastfeeding.
3) Don’t stay cooped up inside the house – Go out for a walk for few minutes to get some fresh air.
4) Let things move at their own pace – It is perfectly fine if your house does not look super clean and well-maintained while you take care of the baby.
5) Learn to accept help when you can – Share some responsibilities with your partner and take help from family members whenever offered.
6) Be Social – It is important for you to talk to other people and try to get back to your normal routine and hobbies. Lift up the phone and give you best friend a call and watch your mood elevate.
If your baby blues last for more than 2 weeks or seem to be getting worse, it could be signs of Postpartum depression which is a much more serious condition and needs intervention for a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any such feeling, please reach out to your doctor immediately.
Do you have any more tips that you would like to share with us ? Let us know through your comments below.