Managing the Baby Blues

For many, bringing home a new baby can create stress and exhaustion, as well as having to cope with an enormous amount of postpartum hormones. This combination can cause your emotions to fluctuate quickly and intensely and is known as the Baby Blues.

The Baby Blues are considered to be a normal part of postpartum adjustment: In fact, up to 85% of new mothers experience them! They are related to the hormonal shifts that occur after delivering a baby. If you experience the Baby Blues, your emotional state may fluctuate from sad to happy, often without notice. You may also feel anxious, emotional, overwhelmed, irritable, and exhausted. Symptoms generally appear within three to four days after delivery and disappear spontaneously within two to three weeks, and overall, should not interfere with your day-to-day functioning. ⠀⠀

The postpartum period is tough, and it’s important to take care of yourself as best you can. Finding coping strategies that make you feel better during this time of transition might help you get back to normal!

So what can you do?

• Get as much sleep as possible. Sleep is vital for your emotional wellbeing and will help decrease your chances of the Baby Blues progressing to a perinatal mood disorder like postpartum depression. We understand that sleep is a priceless commodity in your house right now, but it can help you cope with your baby blues significantly, so say yes to any offer of help and prioritize sleep when you can! Even if you can’t sleep, rest is a great alternative.  
• Ask for help! Letting someone help you through your day-to-day tasks so you can take a few minutes each day to put your needs first, can help reduce feelings of stress, frustration, and overwhelm. It can also help you to recharge and replenish yourself, allowing you more patience and positivity in the ways that you think and feel and can even help to reduce the likelihood of perinatal mood disorders. Social support is one of the best protective factors for mood disorders postpartum, so say yes to your community and if you don’t have one, start to build one.  
• Eating nourishing foods and getting outside can both help to lessen symptoms of the Baby Blues. This will allow you to think clearly and feel more alert. Getting outside will also lift your mood and lower your anxiety. They are both simple but effective!
• Finally, prioritize time with your partner if you have one. It’s easy to lose track of the other person you’re in this new life with, but committing to doing something small with your partner once a day can go a long way toward helping you both feel connected and supported. While we know your time is limited right now, even allowing yourself to open up to and be vulnerable with your partner can help you to feel better supported and also improve your connection. 

Although the Baby Blues are only temporary, they can be challenging to deal with, especially with everything else that comes with being a new mom! Focusing on these few self-care tips will lessen the initial stressors and feelings of overwhelm that come with a new baby. 

It’s important to remember that while the Baby Blues are normal, if your mood does not shift or you do not feel like yourself two to three weeks after your baby is born, you are likely not experiencing the Baby Blues and should access outside support. Connect with us today so we can help you rediscover yourself! Book now