If you have been through it before and expecting a new baby, you are most likely dreading another go-round of post-partum depression. The birth of your sweet baby brings a ton of emotions and unfortunately it is quite common to feel those baby blues. Signs of post-partum depression include but are not limited to mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
It Can Be So Rough
Some women will begin having PPD just a few days after childbirth and it lasts for a few weeks. According to the Mayo Clinic, this can be caused by the dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone). For women with more severe cases, the PPD can be ongoing for months and even years. It is important to manage your symptoms carefully and bond as best you can with your sweet baby.
Hearing from mothers from PPD, some of the worst effects on top of the mood swings are anxiety and reduced concentration. Irregular sleeping patterns and difficulty sleeping make scheduling a consistent routine that much harder.
If you have any of the following conditions, please seek help. It can be hard to take care of your baby while going through these tough times.
Obsessive thoughts about your baby
Confusion and disorientation
Hallucinations and delusions
Sleep disturbances
Excessive energy and agitation
Paranoia
Attempts to harm yourself or your baby
Here are some doctors' recommendations for women with PPD. (P.S. The doctor may in certain situations prescribe antidepressants or mood stabiizers and go over if stopping breastfeeding is necessary.)
Get as much rest as you can.
Accept help from family and friends. It is okay to have the support of those around you.
Connect with other new moms. Hearing from others' experiences can help ease your worries.
Create time to take care of yourself. Self-care can mean different things to different people. Soaking in a bubble bath might be a relaxing hour or maybe a back massage with your man releases some tension.
For a few weeks, avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. (These can make mood swings worse.)
Self-Affirmations
If you are feeling less attractive and/or struggle with your sense of identity, you can try these mantras that reaffirm that you can be comfortable and confident in your skin. "I am more than a body." Yes, you are! Now, repeat! "My body deserves love and respect." Good, now repeat and believe it.
New Moms Unite & New You Is Confident
Being around others will help you recover from PPD also. Isolation can be devastating because you may really be craving your normal routine and having outings. Confide in others and express yourself to feel more like yourself. You may really like to going mom groups and sharing experiences with others going through the same new challenges and new beginnings. You can do yoga together too.
Boost your mood shopping for a special diaper cake from our shop.