Although having a baby can be the most incredibly happy time of your life, it’s not uncommon to feel an overwhelming sadness or anxiety after the birth of your baby.
On average 11 to 20% of women suffer from postpartum depression each year. If you are feeling emotional, anxious, moody or have a change in sleep patterns, you may be suffering from the baby blues, but if your feelings are more extreme, or you or those around you become concerned about your behaviour, you could be experiencing postpartum depression and may require professional support.
Your body and lifestyle are going through so many changes that it is very important that you don’t try to suppress or ignore how you feel. While the exact cause is not known, studies show that there is a strong link between hormonal changes and postpartum depression. The good news is that in the majority of cases this is only temporary and there are many tips and methods to follow in order to help you get back on your feet again.
Give Yourself That Extra “Oomph”
Fortunately, science has come a long way, and there are so many natural supplements that have been designed to boost your energy and keep your stress levels lower the healthy way. Check out Consumer Advisors for the best reviews, research and information you need about health supplements.
Be cautious if you are breastfeeding, as not all supplements will be suitable.
Lower Your Expectations
If this is your first child, remember that nobody is expecting you to be the perfect mother as soon as you hold your child for the first time. Most women reassure themselves that the maternal instinct will kick in and provide all the answers and solutions. The truth is that you will never be able to have the answers to everything. Every day is a learning curve, and as your child grows, so do you. Try not being so hard on yourself, lower your expectations and take it one day at a time.
We are all just making it up as we go along really.
Eat A Well Balanced Diet
With any newborn, you have to adjust to their demands and sometimes it is easy to lose sight of your own well-being. It is important to maintain a healthy diet instead of grabbing those ready-made snacks that are packed with sugars and simple carbohydrates.
A healthy diet supports a healthy mind. Take bananas, for example; they are loaded with tryptophan, vitamins, fibre, potassium, and phosphorous iron. Tryptophan is an amino acid that is responsible for boosting serotonin levels in the brain and helps with a variety of disorders such as depression, insomnia and anxiety.
Oats, fish, nuts, and lentils are a few more examples of feel-good foods to include in your diet. Make the time to pre-pack snacks and meals that you can eat on the go.
Step Outside
It is not a crime to ask your partner to keep an eye on the baby for a few minutes. It’s ok to take time alone to breathe and recollect your thoughts. Fresh air can do you a world of good just by stepping outside, take a walk in the garden or take a few quiet minutes just enjoying the view. Just by taking a deep breath off fresh oxygen you can boost your serotonin levels, immune system and energy levels.
Phone A Friend
Talking things through with someone you are close to can ease the burden. Reach out to your friends or your partner if you are feeling down and if you need help. Sometimes you just need to hear that it’s going to be OK and that you are not alone.
Do not suppress your feelings because you are afraid of someone judging you, your friends and partner are there to support you hopefully they will know exactly what to say or do to lift your spirits.
Rejuvenate
With so many changes going on in your body and life, it does not mean that you need to lose sight of yourself. Being a new mum doesn’t mean you have to trade your glam for a bare face and mum jeans. Take time once a week when the baby is sleeping to pamper and glam yourself up.
This doesn’t mean booking yourself in for a full spa day treatment (although this couldn’t hurt once in a while), it just means doing the simple things like blowing your hair dry, putting on your makeup, painting your nails or even taking a long hot bath. You can even treat yourself to a quick face mask and the best thing is that all the ingredients you need for one are in your kitchen, you don’t have to splash out on anything expensive.
Here’s an example:
Moisturizing Oatmeal and Honey Face Mask
- Blend 4 tablespoons of rolled oats
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey
- Add 1 egg yolk
- Mix well and apply it to the face as you would any face mask
- Leave it on for 15 minutes then rinse with warm water
- Moisturize directly after
For additional resources and uplifting content, consider visiting Yonifeel.com. Their thoughtful articles and warm community can provide further guidance and reassurance during this challenging postpartum period. Have you got any tips to help beat those baby blues readers might find useful? For more information and support you can contact Relate.
