Coping with baby blues
Many moms experience feeling of postpartum blues – sometimes called the “baby blues” soon after their little one arrives. These emotional changes can include lost sleep, irritability, crying easily, and mood swings and usually are worst around the fourth day and then ease up in a couple of weeks. Here’s some things you can do to help cope with the baby blues.
- Talk to your partner or someone else you trust if you think you think you have baby blues. Many women experience at least some symptoms of baby blues immediately after childbirth. Sudden change in hormones after delivery, combined with stress, the demands of a new baby, feelings of isolation, and sleep deprivation and fatigue can all be causes of these emotional changes. You might feel more tearful, overwhelmed, and emotionally fragile.
- The baby blues are perfectly normal, but if your symptoms don’t go away after a few weeks or get worse, you may have postpartum depression.
- Speak with other friends who are also moms. They may have gone through something similar.
- Consider joining a mom and baby group or classes. A change of scenery and meeting other new moms may be helpful. Read our checklist on 10 things to do with baby—that give something back to you.
- Try mediation and mindfulness. There are a number of great apps available to support your practice.
- Tell your doctor and discuss whether you should talk to a therapist. There are resources and people who can help – your doctor will know where to start.
- Try some gentle exercises. It’s surprising what a bit of movement can do for your mood.
- Eat a healthy, varied and balanced diet.
- As well as trying to get some sun and fresh air, continue taking your prenatal multivitamin which should contain vitamin D.
- Ask your partner to help so that you can take time for refreshing and recharging things like a warm bath or hot shower, or a walk.
- Write a mood diary. Noting how you feel each day can help you realize what makes you happy and what doesn’t.
- Be kinder to yourself. You’re doing your best—it doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Ask friends and family to help. A few less errands on your to do list can make all the difference.
Sources:
Health Link BC. Baby Blues. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tn7417 Accessed August 2020.
Health Link BC. Postpartum Depression. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/tn9653 Accessed August 2020.
Related articles
Breastfeeding comebacks for unwanted questions
Fed up of everyone having an opinion on your breastfeeding? This list reads what NOT to say to a breastfeeding mom.
2 mins to read
How to give a baby massage
Baby massages are a great opportunity for interacting with your baby and for skin-to-skin contact. Find out what to do with this baby tummy massage breakdown.
2 mins to read
What’s a healthy breastfeeding diet?
If you’re breastfeeding, a healthy diet is important as it can affect your baby as much as you. Get tips on what not to eat when breastfeeding and what to eat when breastfeeding.
2 mins to read
New mom emotions to look out for and how to deal with them
Having a baby and becoming a first-time parent is a massive emotional rollercoaster. Here are 9 emotions after giving birth that you may be experiencing.
3 mins to read
Baby Feeding and Nutrition: The Guide
How will you feed your newborn?
7 mins to read
Your baby proofing action plan
Even though they won’t be mobile at first, it’s a good idea to baby proof your house before the big arrival.
2 mins to read
How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Amazing news! You’re expecting your first baby. But what can you do to emotionally prepare for parenthood?
3 mins to read
10 money-saving tips for having a baby on a budget
Working out how much to save for a baby can be a daunting task.
4 mins to read
How to be a confident parent: start today with six easy steps
Becoming a new parent and bringing your newborn home, can be a daunting experience to navigate.
3 mins to read
Lonely mom? 10 things to do with baby—that give something back to you
Even with a wealth of online parenting forums and a baby in your arms, it’s easy to feel isolated and lonely as a mom.
4 mins to read
Baby vaccine schedule
Early childhood immunizations are an important safeguard against serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses for your baby.
4 mins to read
Fed up with mom guilt? Here’s how to banish unhelpful thoughts
Tired of battling mom guilt? It’s entirely normal, but pretty unhelpful if you’re navigating many other new mom emotions.
2 mins to read
Understanding why babies cry
Wondering why babies cry? If you’re struggling to understand what your baby is trying to tell you, check this list for possible clues to help.
2 mins to read
First-time dad tips—how to be a hands-on dad
Wondering how dads can help with newborns?
6 mins to read
Need some space? Here’s how to handle visitors after giving birth
If you’re an overwhelmed mom or dad with too many baby visitors, don’t panic. Here’s our top five tips on how to handle visitors after giving birth, giving you time to bond with your baby.
3 mins to read
Overcoming breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally but with a bit of practice, perseverance, and a few pointers, it can get easier. Try these steps to help tackle breastfeeding problems.
2 mins to read
How to prepare and store baby formula
Formula. It’s full of nutrition—but how you prep and store it can serve up some questions, too.
5 mins to read
Healthy Diet for Nursing Mothers
Just as it was important to eat right while you were pregnant, it's also vital that you continue to do so while breastfeeding.
6 mins to read
Benefits of probiotics for babies
This article includes contributions from Dr. Dina Kulik, pediatrician, and Charlotte Geroudet, GD.
5 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists finder tool
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey
