Having endured a long labor and perhaps a difficult delivery, maybe even a c-section you will feel totally exhausted. You will most likely feel an uncontrollable urge to close your eyes and sleep. If you're lucky, you may get a few hours sleep and perhaps even start to feel a little 'normal' again. Some mother's experience a feeling of euphoria, particularly new mothers, however, as many as 80% of new mothers experience a case of the baby blues. In some cases this can last for several weeks.
Baby blues is not something that a new mother can control. The first thing to remember is that no one is to blame. It is not baby's fault. It is not dad's fault (well perhaps not) and it is certainly not mum's fault. The most experienced and committed mothers can get the baby blues. In fact just because you have never had the baby blues before does not guarantee you wont get them this time.
What Exactly Are The Baby Blues
The birth of your baby has started a rapid change in your body and in your life. Your emotions now have to learn how to deal with these changes. There are dramatic hormonal changes, milk will start to flow in your breasts, and your womb will start the contracting stage in an attempt to return to its normal state. You now have to adapt to not having a large stomach. Not only that, a part of you has gone. What was once a living thing moving, kicking and perhaps even hiccuping inside you has now gone. Instead, you have this little bundle of joy that only communicates by crying, even at 4am in the morning.
Is it any wonder with all these changes that, at times, you are going to feel a little down? You're not the first or last mother to experience this. The emotional letdown you experience during the first few weeks is common after birth. Just remember that your emotional state has a physical origin and is made worse by the challenging circumstances that you and your body have to adjust to.
What Are The Symptoms
Every woman who experiences the baby blues does so in a different way. The most common symptoms include:
* Anxiety and feeling nervous
* Sadness and feelings of loss
* Stress and tension
* Impatience and/or a short temper
* Bouts of crying or tearfulness
* Mood swings
* Difficulty concentrating
* Trouble sleeping or excessive tiredness
* Feeling lethargic - not able to do normal household duties
What Should I Do
If you experience any of these symptoms then your first call should be the doctor. Baby blues (also known as post partum blues) is a common problem