Baby Blues are a short-term mental state after childbirth in a mother while adjusting to her new life. 

70% of women after delivery have baby blues, which is a psychological state. The symptoms start around 2 to 3 days after delivery and subside within 14 days.

Baby blues are also known as Postpartum Blues or Puerperal Blues.

The postpartum period is a transition period. You are adjusting to a new life with the responsibility of your newborn. It is overwhelming, trust me, but this too will pass, and you will start to enjoy your little one’s smiles.

What Are The Symptoms Of Baby Blues?

Baby blues symptoms are very transient as the condition lasts for 2 to 3 days. The symptoms are as follows:

• Sadness and crying
• Mood swings
• Cranky and Irritable
• Lack of sleep
• Loss of appetite
• Indecisiveness
• Feeling unattached to the baby.

What Are The Causes Of Baby Blues?

Hormonal and Physical Changes

The hormonal and physical changes will make your emotions hyperactive and tired.

The involution of the uterus, lactation and hormonal decrease can cause a troll on your body. As a consequence, you may feel exhausted.

Complicated Labor

The complicated delivery can be taxing for women after delivery. 

Any medical intervention requires a bed rest of few days after the procedure. The same rule applies here as well. 

The recovery period is along with the care of a newborn.

You will start to breastfeed, along with the daily chores that can wear you out.

It affects your emotions, and you start to feel that you are failing or unable to do it.

Difficulty Breastfeeding

You and the baby are understanding the new life, and it takes some time.

The baby is learning to latch, suck, and feed. They will be hungry, and irritable if the milk is not available in time.

As we all know, newborns cry when they are hungry. Their cry will make you helpless and irritable.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Baby Blue?

All the risk factors mentioned below may not be present while having baby blues. The baby blues can also be present without having even one risk factor discussed below.

• Previous history of depression and other medical illness
• Complicated labor
• Lack of love, attention, and support from the husband and family.
• Illiteracy
• Previous history of miscarriage
• History of psychiatric illness
• Sleepless nights while caring for baby
• Teenage pregnancy
• First-time pregnant
• Marital problems
• Housewives
• Lower socio econimic state
• Stree in relationship with husband or partner

How Do You Treat Baby Blues?

The baby blues are a non-permanent condition. It will disappear on its own without intervention. 

When you accept your new routine, the uncertainties will settle.

Effortlessly do things.

You have to lower your goals. 

Don’t expect too much from yourself. It is not a time to be self-critic and thinking that you are doing less. 

You may know a mother who did more than you around this period, but it is best to do as per your comfort. Do not compare.

Adequate Sleep

I remember my mom always saying that you should sleep when your baby sleeps. It is that mantra you need to follow as well.

Trust me; you will have a sound sleep. When you know your baby is well-fed and will sleep for few hours. Grab this opportunity and rest.

Sleep as much as possible, and your body will heal well.

If your baby is awake through many nights, then ask your family member to take turns. It will help you to manage the baby at night.

Ask For Help

Don’t be hesitant to ask for help from your family and friends.

When they offer help, grab their hand, assign work, and even minor support will be very helpful.

Whether family or friends, they will not be able to help you unless you ask for it. So, ask for help. 

You can always return their favor of help when they need you.

Eat Well

Eat well and sleep well is another mantra.

Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet. It will provide you with the energy to handle this period.

Adequate food intake will increase your milk secretion. It will ease your concerns about breastfeeding.

Incorporate milk and fibrous veggies into your diet. If intolerant to milk, then avoid it.

Stay Hydrated

Drink water often to keep yourself hydrated. A hydrated body will make you energetic and active.

Go Outside

Being inside the house can make you feel low. Take a walk and have some fresh air when possible.

I went out to meet my friends three weeks after delivery, and I was very excited about it. Everybody whom I knew congratulated me.

You can also go out to dine or to a movie with your partner or husband. 

Meet your friends if it is possible.

Ask your family members to watch your baby while you are out.

Lactation consultation

Breastfeeding the newborn can be challenging if you are a first-time mom.

Consult an expert if it is very overwhelming and causing you to worry.

“Happy Baby Makes a Happy Mommy,” and likewise Happy Mommy Makes a Happy Baby.”

Talk to someone

When you have time in between, have talks with your partner or husband.

It will make you feel comforted.

If you cannot find someone to talk to at home, then use the power of smartphones.

Call someone who can make you happy and cheer you up. Speak to your friends and family.

You can also use some screen time, watch a movie, or swipe your fingers to browse your social media accounts.

Keep yourself occupied and happy. 

Connect with new moms 

There might be a new mother around you who can share some tips to help you manage your baby.

Trust me, every mother with an experience has something to share with you. She will be very interested in sharing that list with you.

Keep one thing in mind, if she is helping you, then speak to her and clear your concerns.

But, if she scares you with her experience, tell her that you will call her back later. 

Someone scaring you about your current voyage with your little one is the last thing you need now.

Join a support group

There are many new mommy support groups out there. Sign up for them, and the mothers will help you with all your concerns.

These groups are more regulated and moderated versus a single mother’s opinion. 

Do things you love

You need to do what you love to do, and it will make you happy.

When To See The Doctor

You should consult the doctor if the symptoms increase in intensity and present for more than two weeks.

Conclusion

Be happy that God has blessed you with a precious lovely baby.

Keeping yourself happy and feeling that you can do this will take you a long way.

Happiness boosts your energy, and this happiness will reflect in your baby.