Hello, it’s Lynn,
Having a baby is exhilarating as well as exhausting. After giving birth, many women encounter what is commonly known as the “baby blues”. Sometimes you may feel weepy or moody.
When I began to feel like this, I couldn’t make any sense of it. After all, I had a wonderful home, a supportive partner and now a beautiful new baby. So what on earth was I crying about?
I discovered that the “baby blues” are linked to hormonal changes. Three to four days after having your baby, hormones dissipate and milk production kicks in. Some women can feel a sense of emotional anti-climax after the birth. I remember feeling a huge sense of uncertainty when I left the hospital, knowing that I was now out in the big wide world with my baby.
These feelings are very common and can affect up to 60 to 80% of new mums.
The good news is that the feelings only usually last a few days. The “baby blues” is not an illness. All that you usually need is reassurance that you are a great mummy, lots of support from family and friends, rest when you can, and a little time to yourself.
How can partners, friends and family help? Reassurance that how you feel is perfectly normal really helps. Of course you’re emotional, you’ve just given birth and are experiencing lots of emotions. You may be unsure of yourself and your ability to cope with your new responsibilities.
Cry, if you need to; it really can help. Ask your partner, friends and family to reassure you; to say what a great mummy you are and how well you are doing. Remember to reassure yourself as well.
Ask for help in the home so that when your baby is asleep, you can sleep too. Ask someone else to make dinner, so that you can just relax and enjoy the meal.
The best thing others can do is let you know that they are there for you at all times and to make you feel safe and loved. One of the most wonderful things anyone else can do is to “nurture the nurturer”.