Lesa Milan

Having a baby is a big change in your life and it can sometimes be stressful —no matter how much you’ve looked forward to it or how much you love your baby! Considering the sudden drop in hormone level, combined with sleep deprivation, new responsibilities, lack of time for yourself, isolation, stress and weight gain; it’s no surprise that 80% of new mothers like myself, feel like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster. In fact, mild depression and mood swings are so common that it has its own name—the baby blues!

The majority of women experience at least some symptoms of the baby blues immediately after having their baby which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. After my second pregnancy I felt more tearful, overwhelmed, and emotionally fragile and within a matter of minutes I would go from feeling happy and proud – to crying and feeling like I’m not doing a good job.

The baby blues are perfectly normal and usually, this will start within the first couple of days after delivery and last up to 2 weeks. If your feelings of sadness last longer than that or get worse, you may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD).Unlike the baby blues, postpartum depression is a more serious problem—one that you shouldn’t ignore. PPD and baby blues share a lot of the same symptoms but the difference is that with PPD, the symptoms are more severe and longer lasting.

Baby Blues and PPD are nothing to feel ashamed of; you’re not alone and so many women like myself have gone through this and are much stronger today because of it. Here are some signs to look out for and ways to take care of yourself, if have either or both:

Baby Blues signs and symptoms may include:

• Sadness

• Mood Changes

• Crying

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Reduced Concentration

• Change in appetite

• Trouble Sleeping (when baby’s asleep)

How to take care of yourself if you have Baby Blues:

• Talk with someone that you trust about how you are feeling.

• Delegate –ask for help with meals, other children, getting into a “routine”, or any help that allows you to get a break and take time for yourself.

• Limit your time on social media or any platform that might subconsciously cause added pressure.

• Keep a journal of all your thoughts and feelings.

• Go for a walk outdoors to get a change of scenery and enjoy some fresh air

• Be kind to yourself and patient, being a new mom has its challenges but you will get through them.

Postpartum Depression signs and symptoms may include:

• Severe mood swings

• Excessive crying

• Difficulty bonding with your baby

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual

• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much

• Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

• Intense irritability and anger

• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy

• Severe anxiety and panic attacks

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

How to take care of yourself if you have Postpartum Depression:

• Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling

• Build a support network – this can be with a therapist, family member, close friends or by joining a mommy group.

• Self-care – “me time” is essential and should be enjoyed guilt-free. Pamper yourself or take some extra time for a long bath, nap or to read a book.

• Delegate –ask for help with meals, other children, getting into a “routine”, or any help that allows you to get a break and take time for yourself.

• Exercise – (Once cleared by your doctor) going for a walk or any form of safe exercise help to release endorphins, which is said to bring about feelings of euphoria and general well-being.

• Bonding with your baby – skin to skin, quiet time, bath time, reading and joining a baby class are different ways to bond with your baby. Close contact with your baby releases oxytocin, the “love” or “cuddle hormone.”

• Keep a journal of all your thoughts and feelings.

• Meditation

• Be kind to yourself and patient, being a new mom has its challenges but you will get through them.