After the Baby is Born – Feeling Blue
In addition to the physical changes, your spouse may feel sad or have the “baby blues.” According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Fifty to 75 percent of new mothers are known to feel a little sad or depressed after giving birth. Her hormone changes, anxiety about caring for the baby, and lack of sleep all affect her emotions.
Your spouse must learn to be patient with herself and realize that these feelings are normal and should get better over time. She should be aware of her feelings and talk with her family, friends, and her doctor. If your partner is extremely sad or is unable to care for herself or her baby, call the doctor right away. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, She might have a serious condition called postpartum depression.
Signs of postpartum depression that your wife may display include:
- feeling restless or irritable
- feeling sad
- depressed or crying a lot
- having no energy
- having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart being fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), numbness, or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing)
- not being able to sleep, being very tired, or both
- not being able to eat and weight loss
- overeating and weight gain
- trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
- being overly worried about the baby
- not having any interest in the baby
- feeling worthless and guilty
- being afraid of hurting the baby or herself
- having no interest or getting no pleasure from activities like sex and socializing
Today, this condition can be successfully treated with medicine and/or therapy. Your doctor can help your spouse feel better and get back to enjoying her new baby.
Also See:
· Regaining a Healthy Weight and Shape
