Having a baby is a big change in one`s life. One can feel happy and excited about the new member of your family, but many moms-to-be feel moody and overwhelmed. It is normal to feel like this for a while. After giving birth the hormone levels trends to drop, affecting the overall mood. In addition, the new born baby may be awake all the time which results in new parents not getting enough sleep, thus making them feel irritable. Also they must also worried about the added new responsibly of taking care of the baby, and it makes them feel stressed.
Baby blues after delivery is almost the same as postpartum depression. Hormone changes that happen after birth majorly causes baby blues. It is really common for new parents to have baby blue and they usually go away within two weeks on their own without any treatment. If they don’t, then a health care professional needs to be consulted.
After delivery, the amount of the hormones- estrogen and progesterone suddenly decreases, causing mood swings. For some people, the thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), may drop sharply, which can make new moms feel tired and depressed especially just after the first few days after child birth. Emotional stress can also be another possible cause for baby blues. New moms may be nervous about caring for their baby or worried about how their life has changed since the birth of the baby. These thoughts can make them feel anxious and stressed.
Male partners also may have the baby blues because of hormone changes during and after the baby is born. Testosterone levels may drop and estrogen levels may rise in new fathers. Other hormones, such as cortisol, vasopressin and prolactin, may rise. All of these hormone changes can cause depression.
Crying or feeling inconsolable over minor triggers.
Mood swings or being especially irritable.
Feeling unattached or unconnected to your child.
Missing parts of their old lives, like the freedom to go out with friends.
Feeling anxious or concerned about your child's health and safety.
Feeling restless or experiencing insomnia, even when you are tired.
Trouble making easy decisions or thinking clearly.
Baby blues usually get away on their own without treatment. Here are some things new parents can do at home to feel better-
Get as much sleep as you can.
Ask your partner, family and friends for help. Tell them what they can do for you, like going food shopping or watching your baby take a bath or bedtime.
Take time for yourself. Ask someone you trust to watch your baby so you can leave the house. Getting some sunlight can also help.
Try connecting with other new parents. A support group can be helpful. This is a group of people who have similar concerns. They should try to help each other with their problems.
Do not drink alcohol, use street drugs, or abuse prescription drugs. All of these can affect your mood and make you feel bad. And they can make it harder for you to care for your baby.
Eat healthy food and exercise if possible.
Baby blues after delivery are normal part of many new parents transitioning into life with their baby. Fortunately, they usually go away on their own soon after birth. However, if new moms are still feeling depressed or anxious even after 2 weeks - or if the symptoms become severe at any time - contact a family member, trusted friend or healthcare provider right away. Baby blues can be common and short-lived and may also be treatable. Vidhi Beri is a renowned Global Educator and Specialist in the fields of Holistic Health, Lactation, Maternal Health Wellness, Child Nutrition, and Children's Milestone Development with effective and well-structured maternity wellness programs offered to the new wave of freshly home-grown Indian mommies and babies, with her desi tadka of Ancient Indian sciences in her latest book, Decoding Motherhood, one of the best Maternity books India. Visit Vidhi Beri’s official website to know more- https://www.vidhiberi.com/.