Battling the Baby Blues
Congratulations -- you're the proud mother of a new baby! But why are you crying?
For the first week or two after giving birth, as many as eight out of 10 new moms get the baby blues. They may feel sad or anxious, burst into tears for no apparent reason or experience rapid mood swings. And it's no wonder: Having a baby can be stressful, your hormone levels have just plunged and you may be sleep-deprived.
But what if the blues lasts for more than a couple of weeks, or if it begins weeks or months after birth? That could signify a more serious condition called postpartum depression (PPD). At least one out of 10 new mothers suffers from PPD. It can linger or worsen if you don't get help.
"Some new moms may think their depression will just go away on its own," says Cesar Matos, M.D., Medical Director of the South Texas Behavioral Health Center. "But it's important to get help early, when symptoms are easier to treat. Without intervention, PPD may progress to major depression."
- Sadness or depression
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Eating less or more than usual
- Too much or too little concern for your baby
- Loss of interest in hobbies
If you have the baby blues or PPD, your doctor can help you find relief. It's also important to help yourself. Here's how:
- Ask for help with housework and feedings.
- Spend time alone with your partner.
- Get enough sleep. If possible, nap when your baby naps.
- Talk to loved ones about your feelings.
- Consider joining a PPD support group.
