During childbirth, women go through a huge transformation in a matter of hours, in which not only those notorious changes occur in our body, but also in our mind.
Maybe you imagined the first days as a mother differently or you notice that the feeling that now invades is not what you expected, which makes you wonder, because I am sad? We tell you all about the famous "baby blues" or mild postpartum depression.
Your mind after delivery
During pregnancy, probably like millions of women in the world, You imagined the day of your birth as a day full of emotion and joy. And how not to do it? You are finally going to have your baby in your arms after a long wait! Finally the date has come when you have not stopped thinking the last months.
In Babies and more, what happens to the mind after giving birth? The emotional state of the mother after childbirthAnd although it is certainly a very exciting day and full of happiness for the arrival of the new family member, Your feelings may not be exactly joyful. In fact, although many women feel the crush at the moment they see their baby or feel ecstatic when they hear him cry for the first time, it is not always the case.
But don't worry, what you feel is very normal. You have just gone through one of the most important, momentous and transformative moments of your life as a woman: You have given a new life. And that is not anything.
Baby blues or mild postpartum depression
Once the delivery is over, your mind and body are in a very sensitive, fragile and emotional state. The hormones continue to do their job and although your body has finished gestating your baby, little by little you will continue to transform and recover.
All those hormonal changes that you live during and after childbirth, can generate some disorder in your body. Your estrogen and progesterone levels increased excessively after your baby was born and of course, these influence your emotions, causing unexpected mood.
In some cases, many women experience a series of negative feelings or sadness during the first days after your birth, as:
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Crying accesses without reason
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Increased susceptibility
If you identify with all or most of these during the three or five days after your delivery, do not worry. Are you experiencing a mild postpartum depression, or what is known as "baby blues".
This It may disappear in a matter of hours or 10 to 15 days after your delivery and it’s very normal because of the whole process that your body went through. In fact, it is considered a very normal postpartum symptom in the case of new mothers.
What do we do about it?
If you have baby blues or a mild postpartum depression don't be alarmed or feel guilty for not being radiant or full of happiness those first weeks. Be kind to yourself and think about all the work and effort that your body went through to create and give life to your baby.
As I mentioned, these feelings are normal and as the days go by, as you recognize and feel more comfortable with yourself and your baby, you will have greater security and this will make the baby blues disappear.
In Babies and more Dear new mom: motherhood is not like postpartumSomething that can help you a lot during this stage so that you feel a little better, is to have the support of your partner, family and friends, and especially, ask for help. Spend those first weeks in an environment of love, understanding and respect It will make the adaptation to your new mother role lighter.
Give time to time and try to rest as much as you can during those first weeksWell, it also influences how your body feels in your mood. I know it is difficult to get enough sleep for the first few months with the baby, but do your best to put yourself as a priority. You also matter and to be able to take care, you have to attend to yourself too.
But watch out if the symptoms do not improve or disappear
Now, while a mild depression or baby blues after childbirth is normal, if the days go by and your mood does not improve, then we are talking about a possible postpartum depression, like the one we mentioned on other occasions.
In addition to presenting the symptoms of baby blues, others warning signs that tell us that we may be experiencing postpartum depression They are as follows:
- You don't feel a bond or connection with your baby.
- You have lost interest in those things that made you happy or pleased you.
- You are sad all the time.
- You have episodes of uncontrollable crying.
- You have a huge feeling of guilt.
- Your eating habits change dramatically and go to extremes: you overeat or totally lose your appetite.
- You feel nervous most of the time.
- You are afraid to be alone with your baby.
- You have a lot of difficulty sleeping, or on the contrary, you sleep excessively.
- You are not interested in your baby, partner, family or friends (social isolation).
- You have thought about harming yourself or your baby.
- You have the feeling of having "very fast thoughts" that you cannot control or stop.
- You have exaggerated changes in your mood (you feel very very bad or very very angry).
- You feel that you are not or will not be a good mother.
- You have regrets about being a mother.
Although symptoms may vary from woman to woman, if you have several or most of these symptoms ask for help immediately. Postpartum depression has a solution, you are not alone and attending psychological therapy and with the support of your family you can overcome it.
In Babies and more "My body feels broken": the harsh reality of a mother's postpartum 48 hours after giving birthYou also matter
Remember that during the postpartum, and the rest of your life as a mother, Although your children are now one of your priorities, you must also continue to be. Give yourself time, take care, love yourself, put aside the blame and don't be afraid to ask for help.
He baby blues or mild postpartum depression It is a small natural stage of your entire rehabilitation process after childbirth, so you should not feel guilty if the first few weeks you are not radiant with joy. You are learning to be a mom, be kind and gentle with yourself.
Photos | iStock
