HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Emotional Changes Along with the joy and relief of giving birth to your baby, you may experience some sadness. There may be times when you find yourself crying, irritable, impatient, feeling a lack of confidence, or simply unable to take care of yourself or your baby. Emotional changes can range from postpartum blues to clinical depression to psychotic depression. The difference lies in the nature and intensity of these feelings, as well as how long they last. Studies have shown that new parents are more likely to develop these problems after the birth of their baby than at any other time in their lives.

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POSTPARTUM BLUES As many as 9 out of 10 people who give birth

HANDLING POSTPARTUM BLUES It helps to keep your expectations realistic. Remember, you just gave birth to a baby and that can change many things around you. You will need some time to learn about your baby and for your baby to learn about you. In the meantime:

experience what’s called “postpartum blues” for a few days after the baby’s birth. You might worry that you won’t be a good parent or be able to take care of your baby. These feelings are normal and are probably related to hormone changes and fatigue. They typically go away within a few days to a few weeks.

• Rest as much as possible • Limit your number of visitors • Let others do things to help

If you have postpartum blues, you may: • Wonder what’s wrong with you • Cry or get annoyed easily

• Let your partner know how you’re feeling • If you’re single, find and develop a good support system

• Be anxious or extra-sensitive • Feel exhausted all the time • Have trouble concentrating or sleeping • Feel like everything is too much for you to handle

96 Your Guide to Labor and Birth