battling baby blues
Filed Under Tips & Tricks | August 24, 2010
Expecting your bundle of joy is usually one of the happiest times for mums-to-be. But the new baby euphoria may not last long, often being worn away by the challenges of sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, and endless diaper changes. For many, this leads to what is called “baby blues.” Incredibly common, “baby blues” affect about 85% of new mums, with symptoms including anxiety, irritability, insomnia, sadness, and tearfulness. Many women don’t seek help because they’re ashamed, confused and may feel guilty about these emotions.
Postpartum depression (PPD), a more serious manifestation of “baby blues”, affects approximately 10-15% of new mums. PPD typically comes with more severe and debilitating symptoms, from anxiety attacks to suicidal thoughts.
It’s important to remember that if you’re experiencing these feelings and symptoms, it has nothing to do with your ability to be a good mum and there is help available. Here are a few resources you can turn to if the “baby blues” are keeping you from enjoying time with your new baby or you suspect you have PPD.
- Family doctor: Sharing your feelings with your doctor means they can better address your concerns and support you.
- Psychiatrist or Psychologist: Many women find simply talking about how they’re feeling helps to alleviate symptoms. There are also medications available if necessary. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is a great resource for finding this type of support.
- Support Groups: The Women’s Health Centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital has Maternal Support Programs to help new mums make the adjustment, and deal with issues such as PPD.
- Community-based Support Networks: Resources such as Our Sister’s Place provide women with peer phone and group support, as well education and community involvement.
- Other Mums: One of the best ways to feel less alone is to chat with other mums who have been there, done that. Mum groups are available all over the city and can be found through online searches, such as MeetUp.com
- Online Resources: Message boards and forums allow you to connect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with other mums and in some cases, experts, on dealing with post-baby blues.
- Books: Amazon.ca offers nearly 3,000 titles relating to PPD, and your local library can also be a good source of information for books and articles.
Remember, if you can’t shake those feelings of sadness, or the post-baby depression is getting harder to handle, you’re not alone. The good news is that there is treatment available so you can get back to loving life as a new mum.
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One thing I think is important to add is that PPD can develop up to one YEAR after the baby is born. Many women believe that if they are experiencing symptoms when their baby is seven months old that it is not PPD (when that is actually not the case).