New mothers sometimes experience "postpartum blues." This is
understandable. Pregnancy and birth are very dramatic events for
your body - both physically and emotionally. So, it's common to
feel a little weepy, irritable or moody in the first few days after
birth.
If you eat well, supplement your diet with high quality whole food
supplements (especially omega-3 oils and B vitamins) and get enough
rest, mild cases should pass quickly.
But, if "the blues" continue for more than just a few days, or if
you're feeling really depressed and down, please don't try to tough
it out. Get professional help. Ask your midwife or doctor to
connect you with someone who can give you appropriate counseling.
Here are some tips that can help prevent or ease the symptoms of
postpartum depression:
1. Ask for help after the birth. Here are some things friends and
family could do for you during the first few weeks that might work
better than giving the traditional baby shower gifts. They can:
Bring you a complete dinner (hot and ready to serve)
Volunteer to do your laundry
Take care of your house cleaning
And/or entertain older children with a day of play.
2. Get yourself out of the house - if only onto the deck or front
steps - for at least a few minutes each day. Set up a lawn chair,
wrap up yourself and your baby in a blanket and take a break. Set
aside this time for you and baby.
3. Take it easy. Play with your baby. Visit with friends and family.
Listen to relaxing music. Watch some old "feel good" DVD's. Get
someone to take you and baby for a long ride in the car. Baby will
probably fall right off to sleep and you'll get a chance to shut
your eyes and relax for a few moments too.
4. And most importantly, eat really well and get yourself on a
complete whole food nutritional program including pure omega-3 oils
with EPA and DHA. I've seen high quality whole food supplements,
combined with wholesome eating, consistently succeed in overcoming
postpartum depression.
This is a special time for both you and your baby. It's important
to relax and enjoy it. And remember, if your depression continues
for more than a few days, please don't be afraid or ashamed to ask
for help. Support is only a phone call away at the National Post
Partum Depression Hotline 1-800-PPD-MOMS (773-6667).
Moss Greene makes it easy for you to look and feel better. Visit
her site at
http://nutrition.bellaonline.com to learn the simple
things you can do for yourself right now. Be sure to subscribe to
her free newsletter - you don't want to miss a thing!
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