You’re home with your new little bundle of joy, hubby’s back at work, friends/family are getting busy with their own lives – it’s just you & babe – precious moments, full of blissful newborn snuggles right? Wrong. The truth is you can’t get out of bed, all you want to do is cry, its 12:30 pm and you haven’t even eaten breakfast let alone brush your teeth, you feel overwhelmed- mentally & physically exhausted.
What’s going on? Is this normal?? The truth is it is normal –“baby blues” are totally normal – actually 4 out 5 moms experience baby blues so it is more normal to feel this way than not. I know that I was definitely ”baby bluesy” after our last baby, I didn’t experience this the first time around so I assumed I wouldn’t the 2nd. Well I did – my emotions were all over the map & my energy levels were low. By the time I realized I was experiencing post-partum blues things were getting better. My emotions seemed to stabilize and I felt like I was bonding with Myles.
I feel like there is so much pressure these days to be ‘super-mom’: pop a baby out, get back into shape, go to the mall with your newborn (in heels), pack a lunch for hubby as he heads off to work, have dinner ready at 5:30 pm sharp(!), do laundry & groceries all while having a happy baby…the reality is that is not normal – having a baby is huge life adjustment and it’s not easy!
Let’s take the time to talk about what’s real and if you are experiencing post-partum blues, depression psychosis don’t feel ashamed – no one thinks you are a bad mom. Reach out to friends, family & doctors for the support you need!
So here is a quick run-down of how you really may be feeling when you take your bundle home from the hospital. So I am just a mom & no expert- I am sharing my experience and some research that I have done on postpartum blues, depression & pychosis:
Postpartum Blues:
- You just don’t feel like yourself, your overwhelmed, exhausted & tearful.
- 4 out 5 new momma’s feel this way so it is very normal and usually goes away after the first month
Still chat with your doctor, friends and family about your emotions – you may just need more support to get you through the next couple weeks!
Postpartum Depression:
- Those “blues” just don’t go away, you are getting more and more frustrated & exhausted
- You just don’t feel like yourself
- You aren’t bonding with your baby and are starting to feel guilty about not being a good mom
- You may be having some scary thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
- You feel uptight and anxious….and things that used to be fun pre-baby are not enjoyable
If this sounds like you, it’s still fairly normal – 1 out of 5 moms experience postpartum depression. You should definitely call your doctor or midwife or chat to someone from telehealth or check out this website…http://www.helpformom.ca/
Postpartum Psychosis:
- You have more and more thoughts about harming yourself or baby
- Start hearing or seeing things that are not there
- Feel confused, worried that someone is going to harm you or baby
This is not common and if you feel this way you should get help immediately – call your doctor now or go to the E.R. today.
Remember that you are not to blame if you have any of these emotions/feelings. There is lots of help that can be given, you just need to be open and ask. I truly believe Moms have a special bond and we can be a support & a listening ear.
Please check out these websites for more information:
- www.lifewithnewbaby.ca or www.mhsio.on.ca
I’d love to hear some of your post-baby experiences. I know sometimes it is tough to share, but it does help other moms out there realize that they are not alone! How did you feel post baby, what worked and didn’t work for you?
