Mount Auburn Hospital - Great Expectations

After months of changes and challenges, you’re finally bringing your new baby home. But your job isn’t quite finished. It’s going to take some time for your body, your hormone levels, and your emotions to return to normal. You’ll be sore from the birth and still tired. You may have some bleeding or other physical symptoms as your body adjusts to not being pregnant.

POSTPARTUM EMOTIONS

You may also have mood swings like the ones at the beginning of your pregnancy or possibly develop the more serious symptoms of postpartum depression. Whatever you do, don’t become discouraged. Be patient with yourself. Reach out for support if you need it. You can do this.

BABY BLUES About 70-80% of all new parents experience some negative feelings or mood swings starting a few days after giving birth. The baby blues are common and usually last from a few days up to a few weeks. These feelings are probably related to changing hormones and fatigue. Common symptoms include:

• Feeling tired • Insomnia • Sadness • Mood changes • Poor concentration

• Crying • Impatience • Irritability • Restlessness • Anxiety

If you or your family feels that your symptoms are more severe or last longer than 2 weeks, contact your health care provider immediately. There are many different types of treatment available if you need some help.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

About 1 in 7 new parents will experience moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety after delivering their baby. Symptoms of maternal postpartum depression usually appear in the first 3 months after birth, although they can happen any time during the first year. Many of the symptoms are similar to those of the baby blues. The difference is that symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety may :

• Be felt more intensely • Last most of the day • Happen more days than not • Make it hard for you to function

• Affect your ability to care for your baby • Change your feelings toward your baby

Your Guide to A Healthy Pregnancy

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