Your emotions

You may have had a rush of feelings just after your baby was born that included joy, relief and amazement. Although you may still have these emotions at home, you may also start to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, frustrated or anxious

Caring for an infant is hard work. It can be hard to adjust to the chaos a new baby brings to a household. Constantly focusing on your baby's needs can be exhausting.

Regardless of how prepared you were or how much you looked forward to caring for your baby, the first few weeks and months will include some lows as well as highs.

Limiting other commitments and accepting offers of help can make this time of adjustment easier.

Most women feel they have to make a major adjustment. The postpartum period involves more than becoming comfortable with the role of mother. It is a time of great emotional and physical changes, and changes in all of your important relationships. As a result, you may find some
additional support helpful.

Postpartum 'baby blues'

About eight in 10 new mothers feel down after giving birth. The "baby blues" occur during the first few days after birth, usually appearing on the third or fourth day. They are usually over by two weeks postpartum.

You may feel tearful, impatient, irritable, restless or anxious. These periods are fairly short and don't last all day. The feelings come and then go away by themselves. You may also feel extremely fatigued (tired) due to a lack of sleep. Taking naps can help you feel better.

Postpartum depression

It is estimated that almost one in five new mothers experiences various degrees of postpartum depression. This often appears around the fourth week after birth. It can also begin just before your period returns, after weaning or anytime in the first year.

During your recovery you may feel tired, overwhelmed, stressed, have feelings of loss of your identity, and have less control over your time. These can also add to the postpartum depression.

You may have one or several of these symptoms:

• nervousness, anxiety, panic, restlessness
• sluggishness, fatigue, exhaustion
• sadness, hopelessness, irritability
• eating and sleeping problems
• poor concentration, confusion, memory loss
• over-concern for your baby
• lack of interest in your baby
• feelings of guilt, inadequacy, worthlessness
• exaggerated highs, lows or both
• fear of harming your baby, yourself or both

Symptoms can be mild or so severe that you can feel like you're "going crazy." With depression you may have "good" days and "bad" days. These feelings don't go away by themselves. You need to get help and support.

Symptoms are treatable with medicine, talk therapy or both. Talk with your health care provider about what you are feeling.

*You can also:

• Rest as much as possible.
• Don't put pressure on yourself to do everything.
• Ask for help with chores and night feedings.
• Talk with family and friends about how you are feeling.
• Get out of the house.
• Spend time with your partner.
• Talk with other mothers.
• Join a support group.
• Avoid other major life changes during this time.

*Source: Minnesota Hospital Association (mnhospitals.org)

For information about support groups call Allina Health Postpartum Depression Support at 612-863-4770.

If you are wondering if you have “baby blues” or true depression, use the Depression Self-care Action Plan. Rest as much as you can.