Baby Blues

Baby Blues affect about 80% of all new mothers. The blues generally occur within the first week after birth and often begin about the time milk comes in. They are temporary and rarely last longer than a week. Symptoms include:

• Crying easily
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Feeling a loss of control
• Feeling exhausted, anxious or sad
• Feeling a lack of confidence about being a parent.

The Baby Blues may be relieved by:

• Getting more rest and sleep
• Reducing physical pain, such as that of sore breasts, perineum or surgery incision
• Being surrounded by supportive family and friends Be aware of more serious postpartum mood disorders, though. See the short article Risk Factors for Postpartum Mood Disorders >>
  
  More information on postpartum mood disorders at see http://www.ccf.wa.gov/ppd/home.htm

If you need someone to talk to about these issues: call 1-888-404-7763 for Postpartum Support International.

 

© Excerpt from Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn, 2001 By Great Starts, a program of Parent Trust for Washington Children