Post Partum Blues Center

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Introduction

Did you know the majority of moms will experience some form of post-partum emotional upset called the postpartum blues or baby blues? 50-80% of mothers go through them. They are NORMAL. They usually happen in the first few weeks after the delivery and may last from a few hours to a few weeks. Mothers may have some or all of the following

Post partum Blues Symptoms

• Exhausted but can't sleep or sleeping a lot
• Feeling trapped
• Feeling alone
• Feeling moody
• Feeling weepy
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling worthless
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Can’t concentrate
• Loss of appetite
• Crying over little things
• Irritable
• Nervousness or anxious
• Feeling ineffective like you’re not getting much done.
• Worry that you’re not a good mom
• Fear that it’s not going to get better

Postpartum Blues Causes

Science doesn’t know the cause for certain but consider the physical, emotional, and intellectual impact of giving birth.

If you were pregnant yourself then you’ve been through huge physical changes.

• Hormonal changes to stop menstruating
• Gained weight
• Grown a baby for 9 months
• Given birth
• Possibly had a C Section
• Lost weight
• Hormonal changes to start milk production
• Possibly started nursing

You may be dealing with big emotional issues

• You’re a MOM! Wow! Can I do this?
• You’re responsible for a little person.
• You may be worried about the baby’s well-being
• You may be wondering “Who am I now?”
• You may worry “Am I doing it right?”

Becoming a mom is a huge emotional change.

You may be dealing with intellectual issues.

• How can I learn more lullabies?
• How can I help my baby learn?
• How can we communicate better?
• Why didn’t I learn more about this before I became a mom?
• What do I do about vaccines?
• And much much more.

Becoming a mother is a huge transition on so many levels its overwhelming. Anytime you find yourself in a completely new situation, it takes time to adapt and learn the ropes.

Postpartum Risk Factors

The following may make you more susceptible to post partum emotional issues.

• Prenatal depression
• Premature birth
• Birth of twins or multiples
• Delivery by C Section
• Low self-esteem
• Childcare stress
• Prenatal anxiety
• Life stress
• Low social support
• Poor marital relationship
• History of previous depression
• Difficult infant temperament or colic
• Maternity blues
• Single/unmarried status
• Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy
• Low socioeconomic status

Special Risk Factors

If you are a mother of a premature baby you are more likely to go through a bout of post-partum depression once the dust settles from the big surprise.

Mothers of multiples are also very vulnerable to experiencing post partum emotional issues such as depression and anxiety due to the risks and likelihood of prematurity, sleep deprivation and constant demands upon the mother.

It is important to recognize that post-partum symptoms can hit any time in the first year although they are most common in the first few weeks and months after giving birth.

While the “maternity blues” usually last only a few days or weeks, ongoing feelings indicate post-partum depression and mothers should seek support and outside resources.

Postpartum Blues Support

Get support from others. If you can, line up your support before the birth. Find someone to clean a room or two in your home once a week, prepare a meal or watch the baby while you sleep.

Sources of support may include:

• Family
• Friends
• Local Churches
• Local Support Groups
• Family Counselors & Therapists
• Your Doctor

Postpartum Blues Self Help

There are many things that can help.

• Take care of yourself.
• Try to sleep when the baby sleeps. Stay as rested as possible.
• Eat something healthy
• Take vitamins
• Go for a walk with the baby
• Put off all non essential tasks.
• Recount the good things you’ve done for your baby today.
• Give yourself gold stars!
• Do something you enjoy for 15 minutes every day.
• [Author’s note – read Transformational Mothering. You’ll be glad you did.]
• Talk with your spouse and close friends about how you feel.
• Give them our 10 best ways to support a new mom list as a conversation starter.

Reach out for the help that you need. You and your baby deserve it.

Post depression, you may embrace the transformation that you have been through or you may mourn lost time connecting with their child.  You may fear a return of depression.

It is imperative that if you are seriously thinking about hurting yourself, your child, or anybody else that you get help immediately.

If you do not have a church, friend or community support system that you can call the suicide hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE.

If you are wondering whether or not to call, call now.  Its what they are there for.

You deserve the support that all mothers need.
Don’t suffer alone.
Reach out for it.

Links for more information:

The best source of more information that we have found is
www.postpartum.net- fabulous resources and find support groups near you!

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