Are you feeling moody, anxious and finding it difficult to sleep a few days after giving birth? If yes, then perhaps you have the “baby blues”. According to doctors, baby blues refers to the mood swings, tearfulness and anxiety of new mums. While some mums do not experience this, some do and it is said to be associated with the stress of late pregnancy, labour, and delivery.
Although for some women baby blues are short-lived, those women who experienced it longer than a week is said to be at a risk for Postnatal Depression in the postpartum period.
There are several ways on how you can battle baby blues.
Check out our tips below:
1. Get Organised
It’s better if you have support from a family member during the first few months after bringing your baby home. Doing so will minimise stress. It’s also better if you don’t move house or change jobs during the first few months of motherhood to reduce the feeling of anxiety.
2. Get Support
Create a support system and have yourself surrounded by family and friends as well as health professionals. Doing so will give you the opportunity to trade stories and experiences about motherhood.
3. Stay Healthy
Make it a point to always eat healthy food and to exercise regularly. Sufficient amount of sleep is also important in keeping yourself healthy so ensure that you have enough rest. This can be difficult with a newborn, however if you try and nap when they do this will help.
4. Learn to manage stress
Whenever you are feeling stressed, try to write it down on your diary of feelings and note how you were able to battle that particular type of stress. By doing this, you will be able to understand the factors that make you feel stressed and think of ways on how to avoid it.
5. Take some time out
Set time for yourself. If you can arrange a childcare service or have someone look after your child occasionally then the better. Use the time to do what you enjoy doing such as reading a book,having a relaxing bath or watching your favorite TV show.