Simple treatment ideas for postpartum depression, with symptoms, signs, and prevention. Nearly every new mother experiences a brief depression known as the baby blues, or postpartum depression, a few weeks after delivery. You find yourself crying uncontrollably, having bouts with mood swings, feeling overwhelmed by your increased responsibilities as a mother, and possibly withdrawing yourself from loved ones. This period is brief but the symptoms can feel never ending. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to beat those baby blues and feel like your old self again.
One sure way to help cure the problem is to get moving. Get your little one(s) in a stroller or sling and take a walk. Go out to the park and get some fresh air. If it’s too cold, go to a local mall and walk around. Not only will you feel better, but I’m sure that baby will, also. It’s too soon to do anything more strenuous, but it’s a start for when you are able to begin a postpartum exercise routine.
Having a baby can put a lot of stress on the body. Make sure that you are eating right in order to maintain the energy needed for those late night feedings. You not only want to make sure that you are eating right, but that you are also eating regularly throughout the day. If you are breastfeeding continue to take your prenatal vitamins, get down lots of fluids, and get in those extra calories needed. Don’t worry about shedding those pounds right now, you’ll have plenty of time to worry about that.
Being in the company of others in a good mood may make you feel better. Get together with other moms who understand, oh to well, what you are going through. If you are up for it, go out for a couple of hours with friends without the baby. Everyone will enjoy this informal postpartum depression treatment. It will give you a brief period of independence where you can get involved in adult activity.
There’s always someone who offers some help when the baby arrives. Instead of trying to be a superwoman, pick up that phone and give them a call. Have them help with any chores around the house, prepare meals, help with any older children you may have, run errands, feed the baby. Whatever there is on your to do list, ask someone to give you a hand. Have your husband take charge of the housework for a while. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help. This will give you an opportunity to rest and focus on taking care of you and the baby.
Motherhood simply consists of taking care of others. We get so wrapped up into making sure that the needs of others are being met, that we forget about our own. You need to find at least fifteen minutes in your day where you can do something for you. If it’s just being able to sit and stare at the wall for those minutes, it doesn’t matter. There are millions of things that you can do. Write in your journal, take a shower, read a passage from a book, etc. Just as long as it is something for you. Not the baby or anyone else.
It is easy to get caught up into these emotions that you may be experiencing. Just remember to take it easy. Reducing stress can do wonders in preventing symptoms. In order to take care of your baby, you have to take care of yourself first. If you find yourself feeling blue for more than two weeks, then it is time to consult your physician. You may be experiencing something more serious than a small case of postpartum depression.
