Postnatal depression and baby blues
Bringing a baby home is often one of the most joyful times in a woman's life but this isn't the case for everyone. It is important to know and understand postnatal depression and the baby blues and the differences between them.
The baby blues are mild and temporary emotional changes that include anxiety, crying and restlessness. These symptoms usually disappear within 2 weeks of birth and they are experienced by 8 out of every 10 women.
In contrast to baby blues is postnatal depression which is a more serious but highly treatable condition. 1 in 10 women suffer from this and it includes symptoms such as anxiety, sadness, anger & irritability, difficulty sleeping and intrusive thoughts (which may include thoughts of harming your baby). It is so important to be honest and talk to someone you trust if you are feeling this way after your baby is born. If you get the help you need then the condition will not last as long as if left untreated.
Try and make your transition as easy as possible by:
- Ensuring you have your village around you for support including a great midwife and doula
- Try meal prep before baby arrives or order a post-partum meal service
- sleep when your baby sleeps... the chores can wait ensuring as much sleep as possible reduces the stress on your body and mind.
- Ask for help... do not be afraid to ask for help this doesn't make you a bad mother it makes you a good mum knowing you need help and reaching out will help make you the best version of yourself
- Don't be hard on yourself.. motherhood is a hard gig so do not beat yourself up. We don't always get it right and that's ok. Just remember you are enough!
If you think you are struggling with postnatal depression there are some amazing helplines and resources at @beyondblue and @pandanational
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