Baby Blues
As wonderful as motherhood is, it is very common for new mothers to experience some baby blues after childbirth. The hormone driven wave crashes over 50-80% of women one to three days after giving birth.
Some women have mild symptoms and some last much longer and are classified as postpartum depression. Some common symptoms are tearfulness, sleepiness, fatigue, sadness, insomnia, or confusion.
You have a higher then average risk of experiencing postpartum if :
you have a family history of postpartum
You had a very short or very long period between pregnancies
you and your partner have relationship problems
You do not have family support or
you had multiples
If you suspect you are having postpartum depression it is important to tell your general doctor or your OBGYN. They can get you help or prescribe you a antidepressant. There are also many support groups.
Remember to take care of yourself first, so you can take care of your baby. Eat, try and get your sleep and keep yourself hydrated.
Also, remember the prognosis is great, 95% of women who have postpartum improve within three months of getting help!
postpartum, postpartum depression, baby blues, new moms, pregnant, new baby, moms
February 1st, 2007 at 10:28 am
This was so me right after my son was born! I actually completely broke down in the hospital two days after my son was born. I hadn’t gotten any sleep, and they just told me they were releasing me, but since my son was jaundice he was going to have to stay at least one more day. It was awful! I was so upset I couldn’t even speak! My husband took me to a nearby friend’s house (I didn’t want to go too far from the hospital obviously)and I slept like a rock for 8 hours. Things were a lot easier to deal with after that!
February 2nd, 2007 at 4:37 am
Me too. My babies were premature and there was a lot of confusion all around. Does that scarring ever go away… I wonder.
February 3rd, 2007 at 10:49 am
It is a very difficult time in all new mother’s lives. The adjustment, the hormones and the new little person depending on you for everything.
Support is what is most important!