It is well known that having a baby is a big change in a couple’s life. One probably expects to feel ecstatic and very proud about welcoming the new member of the family but, many moms feel moody and overwhelmed instead. Some may ask: is it a normal thing to experience such emotions when we are expecting the most beautiful aspect of making a family?
Let me start by telling you that it’s very normal to feel this way for a little while. After giving birth, hormone levels drop which impacts one’s mood. The newborn baby is probably waking up at all hours, so the mom isn’t getting enough sleep. That alone can make her feel very irritable.
Well, you’re not the first mom to deal with such emotional ups and downs. Up to almost 80% of new mothers get to experience what’s called the “Baby Blues”.
These feelings often begin when the newborn is just two or three days old, but it’s likely casual to feel better by the time the baby is one or two weeks old.
If a mom is having feelings of sadness lasting longer than two weeks or notices them becoming worse, one may start investigating what’s called Postpartum Depression.
Postpartum depression is more severe and lasts longer than the Baby Blues, and about 10% of new mothers could experience this.
How can one tell if you have Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression then?
When it’s the Baby Blues, new mothers experience:
• Minimal self-care when it comes to eating or taking care of oneself because of exhaustion.
• Sudden mood swings.
• Irritation, overwhelm, and anxious feelings.
When It’s Postpartum Depression, new mothers experience:
• Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, worthlessness, and exhaustion.
• No bonding with the baby.
• No feeding, putting to sleep, or even taking care of the baby due to overwhelming despair.
• Possibility of anxiety and panic attacks.
One very good news is that Baby Blues can be treated without the need for mental health professional intervention. So, what can one do to get better? One can start feeling better if what the body needs is done during this stressful time like sleeping as much as one can, and resting when the baby is napping and eating healthy foods. Planning for walks and exercises in fresh air and sunshine can do wonders.
For all Arab moms, you need to accept help when people offer it and, always remember to breathe in and out your stress and frustrations. This will help you feel more relaxed. Don’t worry about chores, just focus on yourself and your baby!
What about Post-Partum Depression then? A mother may not feel comfortable sharing with others her feeling down and depressed mood after the baby’s birth. But treatment can help the mom feel like herself once again, so it’s important to seek help quickly.
In the end, what matters the most is a strong and well mom (and of course dads) who can offer love and care to their newborns. Only mothers who take really good care of themselves can take care of their babies.
Enjoy motherhood!
