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Post-Delivery Baby Blues
by Anai Rhoads
Postpartum depression is a concern for most new mothers but knowing the causes may help a new mother cope.
Why did I feel so bad after my delivery?
During pregnancy, many changes take place. Some changes, such as hormone shifts, lead to mood swings that can feel overwhelming at times. However, none top the drastic change once the placenta separates where the estrogen and progesterone levels begin to plummet throughout the first day. The initial hormonal changes usually only last up to three days but some women have lingering postpartum depression symptoms for a host of reasons.
It has been a couple of weeks now since I had my baby. I still feel sad and alone, why?
It is not easy to adjust to a new baby in the house. The perfect baby you expected may not be so perfect. Maybe the delivery process was not quite what you imagined it to be. All of these things contribute to emotions that seem to linger post-delivery.
How do I know if it is serious?
Fortunately, there are a few warning signs to look out for:
- contemplating suicide
- thoughts of hurting your baby
- changes in appetite
- extreme fatigue
- hallucinations
Don't be afraid to ask for assistance around the house, to seek a medical opinion or just to request alone-time for yourself. If you are experiencing a great deal of distress and you feel it is compromising your ability to care for your new baby, then consider speaking with your doctor for a medical and psychological evaluation.v
© Copyright 2003 Anai Rhoads.
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