“You just had a baby! You should be happy”-says everyone in the world. But what if you felt sad, or even depressed while going through this? Don’t think badly of yourself. Ever heard of baby blues?
This phenomenon is actually commonly referred to as baby blues. In this article, we are going to talk about 5 symptoms of mothers’ baby blues and ways for you to overcome them!
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What is baby blues?
WIn the first few days after having a baby, you might feel sad. This is called “baby blues.” The baby blues affect up to 4 in 5 new parents or about 80% of them. There is no race, income, culture or education level that is safe from it. For how you feel, you aren’t to blame! Because you feel “blue,” it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.
The majority of people experience baby blues two to three days after their child is delivered. They have a two-week lifespan. You don’t need to treat them because they normally go away on their own. Tell your health care physician if your sadness lasts longer than two weeks. They may want to run tests to see whether you have postpartum depression, which is a more serious condition. Postpartum depression has symptoms that are comparable to the baby blues, but they are more severe and stay longer.
Symptoms of baby blues
1. Feeling weepy or crying inexplicably over minor triggers
It’s possible for some women to feel happy and sad at the same time. So even if you’re crying fits over the smallest things, like spilt milk, a heartfelt commercial, or a kind gesture, there’s no need to worry. In what you’re going through, you’re not alone.
2. Feeling unattached or unbonded to your baby
Having a baby is a rollercoaster of physical, mental, and lifestyle changes. It’s totally normal to have mixed sentiments about your baby, your partner, and even yourself. You’ll be recovering in the weeks and months following your baby’s birth. If you had a traumatic birth, you may resent your baby for the bodily changes you’ve gone through. Or maybe you’re just too tired and uncomfortable to regulate your feelings.
3. Missing parts of your old life, like the freedom to go out with friends
New parents may feel isolated from their peers. Action for Children polled 2,000 parents as part of a larger study on loneliness. The majority (68%) felt “cut off” from friends, colleagues, and family after a child was born. Lack of funds and incapacity to leave the house when caring for young children were common causes of isolation.
4. Worrying or feeling anxious about your baby’s health and safety
Parents may fear “breaking” or dropping their infant. Worried about your kid being too chilly, too hot, full or not enough, or sleeping too much or not enough? Another concern is taking your infant outside or letting others hold them.
5. Feeling restless or experiencing insomnia, even though you’re exhausted
Pregnancy causes sleep disruption, insufficient sleep, and insomnia. After childbirth, most moms confront new sleep issues. Newborns need to be fed frequently throughout the day and night. They compel women to change their sleep cycles and sleepless at night.
During the postpartum time, women’s hormones change. The body creates melatonin in the evening to induce tiredness and relaxation. Adjustments to the woman’s circadian cycle might alter her mood, appetite and other body processes.
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Managing baby blues
1. Understand what is expected
Talk to your mother or friends who have had children about their birthing experiences. Ask questions to your doctor. Preparation and knowledge can assist you greatly. Make a list of things that makes you feel joyful or tranquil, such as a hot bath or a walk. You can refer to these new knowledge when you’re overwhelmed or unhappy. Some mothers also might experience difficulties producing enough milk due to stress and we suggest trying out TYT Mummy’s Lactation Soup. This can help replenish fluids in the body and stimulate lactation in breastfeeding women.
2. Get enough sleep
While you can’t stop your baby from waking up at all hours, you can reduce your caffeine intake, turn off your electronics an hour before bedtime, and/or let your partner bottle feed your baby occasionally so you can sleep through the night.
3. Take a breather outside your house
Having a new baby can be lonely. Join pals for coffee. Tell them how you feel. Meet other new moms. There is power in numbers. Also, remember to get some fresh air – it may help you sleep better! If you find it hard to make time for yourself, take a break with our Cold-Pressed Ginger, which is not only refreshing but also great for mums going through the confinement period.
4. Stop the comparing game
Do not compare yourself to the “perfect” moms you see on TV and social media. Don’t give in. Wait for your body to recuperate and acclimate to your new parenting role.
5. Take the time to ask for help
Tell your partner, family, or friends what you need. This can include helping to take care of your baby while you wash up or go shopping, or prepare a few meals so you can spend undisturbed time with your newborn.
There are many new parents who get the baby blues when they start living with their new baby. Many of them leave on their own soon after birth. Don’t beat yourself over this, since this is a common thing, and it’s’ really not your fault. But if you keep feeling sad or anxious after two weeks, or if your symptoms get worse at any point, don’t hesitate to call a family member or friend, or go to the hospital or a medical professional right away.