Coming Out of the Postpartum Blues

The excitement of a new baby. The smell of baby powder and shampoo. There is something about newborns. Perhaps it is the new life and the wonder in their eyes as they grow day by day and discover the world around them.

But often mothers experience a small amount of sadness amid the joy. Due to hormonal fluctuations and other factors, a woman can develop postpartum blues. This sadness seems to overtake the joy for a few weeks.

The good news is that the postpartum blues are temporary, and there are things you can do to alleviate the symptoms and shorten the period.

Tips for Coming Out of the Postpartum Blues

The postpartum stage occurs after the birth of a baby. Postpartum blues can begin a few days after birth and last for about two weeks. Postpartum blues can feel confusing since you are both joyous and apprehensive, yet also sad. This can leave you feeling understandably guilty or ashamed.

The following are tips for coming out of the postpartum blues.

Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Many times, people are not sure how to help a new mother or don’t want to intrude after the birth of a baby. Make people aware of how they can help you. Perhaps you need a few meals prepared, someone to take your older children for a few hours or to a practice, or you need help with laundry.

It takes a while to get into a new routine with a baby. Delegating tasks frees you up to bond with your baby. Ask others to babysit for a few hours at your home so that you can take a nap. It may seem like a trivial thing to ask for, but to a new sleep-deprived mother, even just a two-hour nap can make a difference.

Get More Rest

Although it may seem impossible at times, try to get more rest. You may need to ask for help from others or nap when your baby sleeps. Laundry and dishes may need to wait for a while, at least in the days following the birth.

If you are pregnant, consider asking someone to help during the first two weeks so that you can rest more. Try to declutter and clean your home, and adopt daily routines to make the transition easier once you bring the baby home.

Take Walks Outside

Walking is a gentle activity that you may be able to do after the baby is born. Stroll your baby around the block or at the park for a break and some fresh air. Walking boosts mood and strengthens the heart and lungs. You may notice that the more you walk, the happier you feel from the release of endorphins. This release also dulls pain and gives you a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

If you cannot walk outdoors, find an indoor walking video online or use a treadmill. Other gentle exercises you can try at home after clearance from your physician include yoga and light dumbbells. Consult with your doctor about any exercises involving your abdominal muscles, such as Pilates, to rule out diastasis recti.

Join a Support Group

You are not alone. Postpartum blues are common among new mothers. Even women who have given birth to several children over the years may develop sadness after the birth of a baby. Having other mothers to share your experiences with can help you feel less alone.

A support group can provide you with a safe place to share your experiences and to receive and offer support and guidance.

What If It’s Not Postpartum Blues?

Sometimes a woman develops a persistent sadness with severe symptoms within the first three months of her baby’s life. These symptoms can last for several months and leave her feeling empty and distant. Postpartum depression interferes with a mother’s daily activities and can lead her toward intrusive thoughts of harming herself or her children.

If you suspect you have postpartum depression, reach out for help. If you are having thoughts of self-harm or harming your children, seek help immediately. Postpartum depression is treatable with various therapies, including talk therapy.

Christian Counseling for Postpartum Blues and Depression

If you are a new mother and feeling the postpartum blues or suspect that your sadness goes a bit deeper and into depression, reach out to our Christian counseling center today to speak to a representative. We can connect you to a Christian counselor specializing in postpartum blues and depression. Let us help you get back to enjoying your new baby and family.