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The most profound feeling in the world is to become a mother.  Having a baby is an exhilarating as well as an exhausting experience.  Your new born is a bundle of joy for you and your family.  Apart from the joyous feeling, you will experience diverse set of emotions that you were unaware about.  These mixed feeling could erupt due to extra responsibility of a new baby, coping up with the physical change of your body, biological upheaval inside, hormonal changes and changed relationship with your partner. 

The baby blues

The first few days are going to be exceptionally challenging for new mums.  Each day will be a new learning experience with your little one.  You would be extra cautious and concerned about your baby’s health.  The anxiety and the additional responsibility along with your physical and biological strain is the reason behind ‘baby blue’.  You may feel overwhelmed on a roller coaster ride of emotions caused by hormonal fluctuation.  One moment you would be gripped by the feeling of misery and the next moment you would find yourself buoyant. Usually, 80 per cent of new mothers go through baby blues which sets in the first couple weeks after childbirth.  You can detect it, if you are going through any of the following symptoms like feeling uneasy, mood swings, tearfulness, anxious, hopelessness, irritable, etc.

Postnatal Depression (PND)

Don’t restrict postnatal depression just to moms.  Even the dads go through this.  PND is triggered by sleepless nights, increased workload, pressure of being a good parent, out of touch from social life, physical discomfort, financial pressure or anything that disturbs you emotionally.  Symptoms of PND include weepiness, feeling of inadequacy, guilty for not coping up, loss of appetite, difficulty in sleeping, unable to concentrate, headaches, fear, being indifferent to your partner, etc.

Postpartum psychosis

Also known as puerperal psychosis, postpartum psychosis is a rare condition which occurs in the first month after childbirth.  The symptoms include hallucinations, confusion, lack of awareness of self and the baby.  Immediately consult a doctor or a psychiatric for treatment.

Solutions

These are but natural emotions that seep into after giving birth.  You may not be able to avoid it but you minimize your sufferings.  Here are some tricks will help you fight your depressing feelings.

• Be easy on yourself and your partner. 
• Meet your friends and indulge in mild social life without neglecting your baby.  It will get your mind off from unnecessary worries.
• Get enough sleep.  A short cat nap can do wonders for you. Researchers support that adequate sleep improves quality of life and wellbeing.  
• Indulge in healthy eating.  A balanced nutritious diet rich in Omega 3 oils help to fight away depression.    
• Go out for a walk in fresh air.  Exercise prompts a ‘feel good hormone’ called endorphins to release.  It elevates your mood and reduces anxiety.       
• Get house help to take care of household chores.   
• Lean on your partner and share your feelings openly. 
• Get hooked to new mom community on social media or connect with them in the neighbourhood. 

If the feeling of depression still doesn’t go away, you can let medical help intervene for more support.