Are you depressed or is it postpartum blues? Read on to find out.
Of course you may have postpartum blues! You Just Had A Baby! Do you have any idea what that does to your hormones and your body? My mom thought that I had postpartum depression but it was like someone took my hormones out, put them in a frying pan, scrambled them up and then shoved them back into me. I just had my first baby and I was overwhelmed with LOVE! Everytime I looked at him, I couldn't help but cry. (happy tears of course)
Speak with them sooner if you feel the urge to hurt yourself or your baby. That might be more than postpartum blues and could really be a sign of postpartum depression but that is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of. Many people go through it. To steer clear of postpartum blues, it's also very important to eat healthy and get enough sleep. With the computer readily available nowadays, it's very easy to log onto different sites and get some quick and healthy meal ideas. "Click here for one of my favorite sites". This is your first step in the right direction to a healthy schedule and a healthier you. Vitamins can be a quick and easy habit to get the supplements your body needs and the energy boost that you want to make it through such a spurratic day.
Another worry that women have is cleaning right away. Remember- you just had a baby! People will understand and often times, they will help out. Don't be proud. Let them. They probably won't do this any other time except the birth of a child or heaven forbid and illness.
Here's an example: my sister-in-law came up from Florida and while she was here, she swept and mopped the house and did the dishes. I felt bad at first but then it felt really good that someone cared enough to help out. Don't get me wrong, I am very lucky to have a wonderful husband that cooks, cleans, does laundry, goes food shopping, etc.
Back to my point. Take this time to rest! The cleaning will get done eventually. If you are still insistant on getting your house back in order, do it slowly. Take one step at a time. I found this great website by a woman who calls herself the Flylady, which stands for "Forever Love Yourself"! You can sign up for daily reminders on taking baby steps to decluttering and getting your life back in order. You can be a "Flybaby"! You have probably heard this many times before but I will tell you again, sleep when the baby sleeps. Really! Even if people are visiting. They WILL understand. Also, this gets you out of entertaining relatives that really came over to see the baby. When the baby falls asleep or has just been fed, chat for a few minutes and then excuse yourself by saying "you don't mind if I just lay down for a few to get a little rest?" Of course they will say "sure, go ahead". If you know in advance that they would be so rude to object then don't ask, just state "I am going to lay down for a few". Take this time. You need it!
Exercise can also help to get rid of postpartum blues and improve your mood but make sure you get your doctor's permission first and start out slow. Maybe take short walks around the block until you feel up to doing more.
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On the other hand, some people may feel genuinely sad and if it lasts
longer than 3-4 weeks, you should speak with your doctor.
