How to Avoid the Baby Blues
The baby blues occur in about 85% of women after they give birth. It's common to last for about ten days to two weeks and is likely caused by a drop in hormones after birth. Symptoms for the baby blues include crying, restlessness and irritability, feelings of guilt, feeling overwhelmed and not sleeping or eating. Luckily, there are some things you can do help avoid the baby blues.
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Instructions
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Before the Baby Comes
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Plan on getting help. Say yes now to all the offers of food and help with chores and errand-running. Keep a schedule if you have to so you don't end up getting ten meals the first week and none the second. Once the baby comes, don't allow friends and family to watch the baby so you can do chores. Ask people to do your chores and then let them hold the baby as a reward.
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Consider hiring help such as a maid or a postpartum doula. A postpartum doula comes into the house to help with small chores, errands and assist with baby care. Some postpartum doulas will even spend the night freeing you up to get a good night's sleep and perhaps helping you to avoid the baby blues.
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Find a support group or a friend who can support you. Many birthing facilities offer groups where moms can come to talk about becoming a new parent. A friend who's recently had a baby can also help you, as long as she listens.
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Discover something that's "yours." Many women report that if they find a TV show, book, hobby or activity that is just "theirs" they can cope better with any difficulties associated with motherhood.
After the Baby Comes
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Make it your goal to care for your baby and take a shower every day. This should be the extent of your "to do" list for the first few weeks. Do not do any chores, errand-running or anything else. Have friends and family help you with your "to-do" list or let the list go completely.
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Remind dads, partners and family members about you so they don't ignore you for the baby. Partners and family members should talk to new mothers, and bring her small gifts such as flowers and candy to show their appreciation for all her hard work.
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Rest when your baby rests. Since babies are not designed to sleep through the night, it's very important that new mothers rest when their babies rest so they can cope with sleep deprivation. Turn your phone off and limit visitors so you can rest when your baby rests.
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Get breastfeeding help early. If you're struggling with breastfeeding, get some help from La Leche League or from a lactation specialist. Feeling better about yourself and your ability to care for your baby may help you to avoid the baby blues.
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Leave the house. Sitting in the house day after day can be very depressing. While you can't take your baby around large groups for four to six weeks after birth, you can go for a walk around the block or go to a friend's house as long as there aren't young children at the house.
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Eat regular, healthy meals that take no time to prepare. It's easy to forget to eat or just not have the energy after caring for a baby all day. However, making sure you're eating and getting plenty of energy can help fend of the symptoms of baby blues.
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Tips & Warnings
If you continue to feel poorly for longer than two weeks, you probably have postpartum depression and should talk to your care provider.
