Having a baby can be very emotional
Whether this is your first baby, second or last, it can be really hard. You’re most likely exhausted. Emotionally, physically and mentally.
Having a baby is a very emotional time. Your hormones are going crazy. You may be sore after giving birth, you’re sleep deprived, worried about being a good mum. It’s ok to admit that your emotions aren’t all happy ones. You may be feeling sad, lonely, nervous and overwhelmed. If these feelings are starting to affect your life or feel like it’s not an emotion that will pass. It may be something a bit more serious like anxiety or depression. If you this sounds like you, please seek medical advice.
Between day 3 and 10 after birth you may experience the ‘Baby Blues’. This is usually the time you’re arriving home from hospital with your new bundle of joy. Not only are you settling into life with a new addition to the family, now the ‘baby blues’ may have you feeling overly sensitive, irritable, overwhelmed or very teary. Please don’t panic, this usually passes in a few days. It’s just your body going through hormonal changes after birth. The best treatment is love and support from family and friends. Up to 80 percent of women experience this so you’re not alone.
It may seem like a rollercoaster, but it is all worth it!
Speaking from personal experience, you will get through it. It may seem like a rollercoaster at the time but it is all worth it. My pregnancy and birth were amazing. Text book really. I can honestly say I enjoyed every moment of it. So when it came to the ‘Baby Blues’ I never thought it would happen to me as my journey so far was trouble free. I’d never experienced these feeling in day to day life so why would I now? Oh boy, did it hit me… I thought I was past the point of ‘baby blues’ but on day seven I was a blubbering mess. I could not stop crying. I remember having this overwhelming feeling of just wanting to cry. I had family over visiting our baby and I kept hiding in rooms to avoid having them see me cry but in the end I couldn’t hide it. It wasn’t so much that I was crying, but couldn’t explain it. I had no idea why I was so upset and felt stupid for doing so. Sure enough my ‘baby blues’ did pass but if your sad feelings last more than 2 weeks please seek medical advice. I am not a trained professional. I am just speaking from the heart.
Let’s not forget about the Dad’s / Partners
This is a big moment in their life as well. Welcoming home a new baby is one of the happiest times in life but it can also be very emotional for them too. Having a baby is a big adjustment in life. They will have lots of the same feelings and questions. Will I be a good dad/partner? How will it affect our lifestyle?
Your baby’s needs can be quite demanding but please remember to check in with each other. Talk about how you are feeling. Love and support each other and ask for help should you need it.
Take care of your mental health as much as possible
- Get a much sleep as possible. I know it sounds cliché, but sleep when your baby sleeps.
- Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Both you and baby need the nutrition.
- Accept help. No one expects you to be super mum. Let family and friends do stuff when they offer. This may include cooking or cleaning.
- Talk to other new mums. Hearing their experiences lets you know you’re not alone.
- Lower your expectations. You may not achieve everything you want in a day and this is totally fine.
- Get some fresh air. Take your baby for a walk in the pram. This will get you out of the house. You may even be able to meet with a friend and socialise.
- Do what works for you. Everyone seems to have an opinion on parenting but please don’t take it personally. Go with the flow and do what works best for you and your family.
- Talk to your partner about how you’re feeling. Be honest as sharing these feelings can really help. They may have feelings they would like to talk about too.