Baby blues
Baby blues: crying days instead of motherhood bliss
As hormone levels have to stabilize after the birth, the young mother's mood can fluctuate greatly shortly after giving birth. It is completely normal for tears to flow frequently during this time instead of great feelings of happiness. The baby blues usually pass quickly.
What are the baby blues?
The baby has finally arrived, you and your child are doing well, the young family happiness is perfect. But as a new mom, you still don't really want to experience that great feeling of happiness? Don't worry - most mothers feel this way in the first few days after giving birth.
The cause of the baby blues is the sharp drop in hormones after the birth. This causes your mood to plummet from one day to the next. Many women react particularly emotionally as a result. Because tears sometimes flow for no apparent reason, this time is also known colloquially as "crying days". The symptoms usually disappear all by themselves after a few days.
How can I recognize the baby blues?
- Exhaustion
- Sadness and crying
- Mood swings
- Increased irritability
- Anxiety
- Fears about the baby
- Concentration problems
- Slight sleep disturbances and loss of appetite
How long do the baby blues last?
The baby blues usually occur in the first three to five days after the birth. The low mood usually lasts between one day and one week. In many cases, the symptoms disappear on their own after just a few days.
What helps with the baby blues?
The baby blues is not an illness, so medical treatment is not necessary. But there are a few things that can help you get through this time better:
What helps with the baby blues? The baby blues is not a disease, so medical treatment is not necessary. But there are some things that help to get through this time better:
-
Protection and rest
Take extra care of yourself in the first few days after the birth. The name "postpartum" is certainly justified. It is important to get plenty of rest and sleep right now.
-
No sense of shame
Above all, don't blame yourself if you are sensitive and delicate. You don't need to be ashamed of the fact that you don't fit the stereotype of the overjoyed mother - most women feel the same way as you do. As soon as your hormones have normalized, your mood will pick up again.
-
Support
Calmness, understanding and the support of your partner and other relatives are particularly helpful during the crying days.
-
Help from a midwife
Talk openly about your feelings and confide in people who are close to you. In addition to your partner, mother or a friend, your midwife is an experienced contact person who can now offer you advice.
-
Closeness to the newborn
Treat yourself to lots of cuddles and close skin contact with your baby, especially at the beginning of the postpartum period. This will help you to bond with your baby and get through the crying days quickly.
What if the baby blues don't go away?
If the depression and moods do not subside on their own within the first week after the birth, but become more stressful, this may be a sign of postpartum depression. Symptoms such as deep sadness, sleep disorders or fear of not being able to love your child properly should be taken seriously.
If this happens, get help immediately and seek medical advice. Postpartum depression is a serious illness, but it can be treated well.
Further information Links to read more
