Postpartum depression, also known as the “baby blues,” is quite common. It affects about 80% of new mothers, and people assume that mothers who are not ready to have a baby are mostly affected. However, any new mother can suffer from postpartum depression. A newborn wreaks havoc on a once organized life. These changes can be overwhelming, but when dealing with depression-you can get help.
Unexplained bouts of sadness
Unexplained bouts of sadness are a common symptom of postpartum depression. Some mothers feel overwhelming sadness and cannot point to the source of their grief. Some go as far as crying, and they don’t understand why.
Some of these mothers are genuinely happy about the baby. This feeling usually occurs in the first couple of weeks after birth. Sometimes, it only goes on for a short while. This sense of sorrow can go on for much longer for some mothers. It is best to seek help early to help so that you can recover quickly and get back to enjoying motherhood.
A feeling of being trapped, and yearning for life before delivery
After the birth of a child, some mothers feel trapped and overwhelmed when they cannot leave the house for weeks. This feeling is common in women who don’t have a support system to help them care for the baby while they take a break. Sometimes, a new mother only wishes she could take a walk to clear her mind but can’t for health reasons or because of the baby.
New mothers need adequate support when taking care of their newborns. Even if she is a mother, she is still the person she was pre-pregnancy. She still needs space to think and recover her strength to take better care of the baby.
Feelings of inadequacy and guilt
First-time mothers often second-guess themselves. They often wonder if they will make great mothers. Such doubts can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy, resulting in depression.
New mothers need to know that it is okay to make mistakes. All children are unique; what works for one child may not work for another. Motherhood is an adventure where a mother learns through trial and error. For example, you can only find out what soothes your newborn by trying different motions and activities.
Unexplained lack of interest in the child
Some parents spend hours looking at their newborns and are in awe at the tiny human who now totally depends on them for survival. This response is assumed to be the normal reaction of a parent, especially a mother, towards a newborn. Unfortunately, this is not the case for a parent suffering from postpartum depression.
Mothers with postpartum depression may not show interest in the child. Some mothers may go about their business as if there is no newborn in the house, while others barely acknowledge the child, even when in the same room. Even mothers eager to have the baby tend to behave this way after delivery.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
Postpartum depression affects new mothers and may also strain the relationship between a couple. It is necessary to recognize the signs early enough so that you can seek treatment and get back to enjoying every moment with your baby.
There is no shame in asking for help. If You feel any of these symptoms relate to you, please reach out to a professional right away. And for other issues such as hair loss, you can check Love Majka for effective products to help strengthen your hair so you can feel great again.
