The postpartum period is not just a time of joy and love, but also a time of challenges for a mother. It also has its darker sides…
BABY BLUES
Baby blues is a natural emotional response to hormonal changes and the stress associated with childbirth. It affects as many as 60-70% of women and is characterized by feelings of sadness, melancholy, anxiety, and irritability. It’s a time when hormone levels are returning to balance—a natural state that can be eased but not pharmacologically treated.
Surviving Baby Blues: Here are a few tips:
- Accept Your Emotions: Baby blues is a normal reaction to hormonal changes and the new role of motherhood. Accept your emotions, even if they are mixed, and remember that this is a temporary state. With time, hormonal balance will stabilize, and your well-being will improve.
- Talk to Loved Ones: Sharing your feelings with your partner, family, or friends can be therapeutic. Find someone who will listen without judgment.
- Rest: Try to find time to rest, even if it’s just a few moments each day. Sleep and rejuvenation are crucial for well-being.
- Delegate Responsibilities: Don’t hesitate to ask for help and delegate tasks. Your loved ones can assist with daily chores, allowing you to focus on rest.
- Avoid Isolation: Despite feelings of fatigue and overwhelm, try to maintain social connections. Meetings with friends or family can bring relief.
IDENTIFYING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
In contrast to baby blues, which usually lasts a short time, from a few days to a few weeks, postpartum depression is characterized by prolonged and intensifying symptoms lasting at least two weeks. It can affect any woman, and symptoms are much more intense: lowered mood, appetite fluctuations, inability to sleep despite exhaustion, neglect of childcare, feelings of shame, social withdrawal, giving up activities that used to bring satisfaction, lack of pleasure, and even suicidal thoughts. It’s important to recognize these signals and seek professional help.
If you are experiencing difficulties, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist. Modern motherhood can be demanding, but social support and open conversations about challenges can make a significant difference.
SUPPORT EACH OTHER
Did you know that traditional tribe societies don’t observe postpartum depression? Research indicates that childcare up to the child’s fourth year isn’t solely the responsibility of one mother. Daily involvement comes from an additional 10 to 20 individuals, known as alloparents (grandmothers, friends, cousins). This intense support network plays a crucial role in supporting young mothers.
Consider how our modern life differs from this primitive model. Nowadays, we often live at a distance from one another, enclosed in our neighborhoods. Let’s evoke the image of creating a “herd” – a community that surrounds a young mother with support. A place where there’s a strong support circle, with both the child and the mother at the center.
If someone you know is experiencing difficulties in the postpartum period, be present for them. Together, we can create a supporting community that helps every mother feel strong and understood.
Remember, you can always use helplines if you need to talk and seek support. You’re not alone!