You’ve looked forward to the big day when your son or daughter came into this world and you felt so joyous – so why do you feel like bursting into tears at the drop of a hat - or at the drop of anything, in fact? Lots of first time mothers go through mood swings after the baby comes along. You see them feeling apparently ecstatic over something their little one did, and immediately after, they start to cry for no obvious reason.
Now let’s first understand that it is absolutely okay to cry when you are a first time mother, or for that matter, any time mother. Mood changes and feeling very emotional are very normal after childbirth. You might even feel a bit depressed or lose sleep, even when your little one seems nicely settled and find yourself worrying over a lot of trivial things. If it makes you feel any better, out of every two women who have just given birth, one goes through the “baby blues” – and the other probably is just too busy coping to express it! So the point is – you are definitely not alone.
“Baby Blues” are described as a phase of mild depression. Some lucky moms only go through it for a few hours or days. Some are not so lucky. Unattended, it could develop into a problem that needs quick medical attention. But yes, you can still get over it. However, why let it get that far?
Lets look at a few symptoms that most new mothers will find easy to identify with – feeling emotional, upset over little things, crying without really knowing why, feeling tense or anxious, etc. Some new moms also experience pains that appear out of nowhere. And yes, new mothers most definitely feel tired and listless.
Why baby blues, though, when you should be rejoicing and having a great time with your baby? The reasons for the blues can be both biological and emotional. Not so long ago you were slowly moving around, feeling content about the baby kicking inside. But after the baby is born, there is a change in your hormone levels. Some of these hormones whose levels rose during pregnancy now come down. Others rise, to begin the production of milk – so it is little wonder that all these unexpected changes set off those baby blues.
Naturally, you are exhausted – both because of the stress of childbirth and the hormone level shifts. As if that were not enough, you must look after your baby, fit in hospital visits and when you are just about to rest, answer the doorbell and fix a smile on your face listening to visitors who outstay their welcome.
Fret not though – because what you are feeling is a hundred percent natural and the good news is you can get over it sooner than you anticipate. The answer is very simple – to regroup your energy, you simply need a lot of rest. If you want to cry, that’s fine too, since crying is a form of expression that lets you vent your emotions. Go for a walk regularly, as getting out can make a big difference. It can help to find a support group in your area and share your feelings. You would be surprised at how much better you feel already!