Baby Blues–Hormonal HELP for Moms!
August 5, 2007 by lisaheidrich
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Baby Blues–Hormonal HELP for Moms!
why do I feel sad after having a baby?
HELP! Is this normal?
After childbirth some women experience feelings of sadness due to hormonal changes post pregnancy. Two key hormones: ESTROGEN and PROGESTERONE increase greatly during pregnancy and guess what? After delivery these hormones drop drastically during the first 24 hours after childbirth. Feelings of sadness after pregnancy is called postpartum depression or peripartum depression.
Changes in hormones effect our mood and some researchers think the fast change in hormone levels may lead to depression, just as smaller changes in hormones affect a woman’s moods before she gets her menstrual period. (PMS)
Another hormone to consider that also drops after giving birth is the thyroid hormone. This little gland located in the neck regulates metabolism. Decreased thyroid levels can also cause symptoms of depression.
Other factors causing the BABY BLUES:
- LACK OF SLEEP!
- Broken sleep patterns make us irritable.
- Loss of blood after delivery causes tiredness.
- Feeling overwhelmed with a new, or another, baby
- Worry about being “a good mother”.
- STRESS from changes in our usual routines.
- Feeling less attractive
- Loss of control.
WHAT can I do?
* Follow up with your OB/GYN and openly discuss these feelings–YOU are not abnormal or alone in this season of life. They can help you with expert advice and medication as needed
* Talk to a friend or family. Conversing about these concerns is very therapeutic and you will gain insight from other Moms, sisters, co-workers and family.
*Ask for HELP–having a new baby or another child can be challenging. Seek help with feeding the baby and caring for the baby especially during the first few weeks of SLEEP deprived nights.
*GET rest whenever you can. Sleep is important to our well being. Lack of rest hinders our bodies to heal and refresh.
*Remember this is a temporary time of adjustments. Babies don’t always keep to a schedule, surrender to this fact and be open to the realization that this will change.
*Take a BREAK, change your scenery, go for a walk, get fresh air.
*Pray and ask for prayers. God loves you and is there for you now and forever. He is our Mighty Physician.
1 Peter 5:7 (Amplified Bible)
“Casting the whole of your care
[all your anxieties, all your worries,
all your concerns, once and for all]
on Him, for He cares for you affectionately
and cares about you watchfully.”
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