Postpartum Depression | When Life With A Newborn Gets Extreme

 Pregnancy and being a newborn mom are equally as hard! With all of my pregnancies, I remember my labor and delivery process to the tee. Neither time was easy, but I pushed through (literally!), with the goal of getting the kid out of me. Plus, the anticipation of holding my baby for the first time. I went from sheer exhaustion to an emotional high once each baby was born.

That high lasted for a few hours, then reality set in. Each time, I was quickly reminded how exhausting life with a newborn truly is. They want to feed every hour or two. There’s the changing, the holding, the rocking. Add to that all the emotions and physical changes my body was going through. Plus, still having to take care of a house and other kids.

Life still had to go on.

And it was a little much.

Even with a ton of support, I remember feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and sometimes alone. I’ve definitely had the “baby blues”.

What are the baby blues?

Crying, mood swings, a decreased appetite, having trouble sleeping, and feeling sad, overwhelmed or anxious After having a baby.

As a new mom, it’s so easy to fall into it. Most people on the outside looking in expect you to be happy and excited that you just brought a tiny human into the world. You likely also had that expectation yourself. But, if you’re a new mom reading this, don’t beat yourself up If you feel a little down.

There’s a lot going on when you have a newborn. You’re physically exhausted from pregnancy, labor, delivery, and and a constantly-feeding newborn. Worried about being a good mom. Doubting yourself. Want everything to be perfect. Feeling overwhelmed with newborn care, new schedules, and going back to work. Plus, you may feel like you’re losing yourself – feeling less attractive with no time to do the things you love.
These feelings are all normally. But they shouldn’t get to the extreme and you should hopefully be coping a little better within 5-7 days.

What if these feelings don’t go away?

If you feel like this for more than 2 weeks after you had your baby, and your feelings are getting more severe – you may have Postpartum Depression (PPD).

What are symptoms of Postpartum Depression (PPD)?

• Crying
• Sadness
• Emptiness
• Overwhelm
• Withdrawal
• Lack of energy
• Change in sleep
• Feeling hopeless
• Lack of motivation
• Change of appetite
• Problems focusing
• Quick mood changes
• Not enjoying things you used to enjoy
• Feeling disconnected from your baby
• Thinking of hurting yourself or your baby

If these symptoms interfere with your day-to-day functioning, postpartum depression is likely. Reach out to your doctor or mental health professional ASAP.

If you’re in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Or reach out on their online Lifeline Crisis Chat.

You aren’t alone

1 in 9 new moms experience post-partum depression

What causes PPD?

Extreme changes in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) after childbirth are thought to be one cause.

Who’s at risk of PPD?

Any woman can experience postpartum depression. But, your risk is higher if you have:

• No support
• A baby in the NICU
• An unwanted pregnancy
• Depression during pregnancy
• Money/relationship problems
• Problems with alcohol or drugs
• Previous pregnancy/birth complications
• History or family member with depression or bipolar disorder
• Problems with breastfeeding (read these tips for surviving newborn breastfeeding)

How is PPD treated?

Therapy and/or anti-depressant medications are typically used to treat PPD.

Other practical things you can do for yourself include:

• Get out of the house
• Talk out your feelings
• Make time for things you enjoy
• Sleep when your baby’s sleeping
• Join a support group with other moms
• Spend time with your hubby and friends
• Reach out for help with your baby and taking care of your home

You can also check out My Best Advice To Newborn Moms for more tips.

Get the help you need

If your feelings make it hard to care for yourself or your baby, please reach out. Don’t feel ashamed that you’re not as “excited” about your baby as you expected. Talk to your hubby or another close family member or friend. If someone close to you expresses concern about your mood or well-being, don’t get defensive. Just listen. A lot of the time, those close to you are the first to notice a problem. Without you even seeing it.

Don’t feel like you’re a failure or a bad mom. The most important thing you need to do right now is get the help you need. The sooner the better. Believe me, you don’t want to miss out on this time with your baby. It goes by way too fast!

I encourage you to grab my Surviving The First 30 Days Newborn Journal – a printable journal designed to help you survive the first 30 days with your newborn. It includes simple challenges and tips to make your first month a little easier. Along with space to jot down your thoughts, memories, and questions to ask your baby’s Pediatrician. Grab it today!

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If you love these tips, be sure to check out my 170+ page digital library, filled with step-by-step instructions and  the tools you need to create effective routines, manage your time, prepare meals,  clean your home, care for your kids – and so much more!