The so-called baby blues is a depressive mood that many women experience after giving birth. Up to 75% of mums experience this low mood. In most cases, this depressive mood goes away without the need for treatment.
Do you remember the beginning of your pregnancy? Your entire hormonal system changed virtually overnight - which probably caused your mood to go on a bit of a rollercoaster in the first trimester. Now you've just given birth - and once again your hormonal system is performing at its best in a very short space of time. Accordingly, you could now be experiencing a phenomenon commonly known as the 'baby blues'. Others also call this temporary phase of emotional instability "crying days", because many mums now experience tears from time to time.
After the birth of a child, a mother goes through a complex and often overwhelming period of adjustment. This adjustment is also exhausting, which can then manifest itself in the baby blues. It arises from a combination of different factors. On the one hand, psychological and social aspects play a role, for example the unaccustomed lack of sleep or frequent interruptions to sleep, physical exhaustion, possibly also pain due to birth injuries and certainly also the adjustment to the new role as a mother.
On the other hand, of course, the Hormones all important processes in the body and also in the soul of the woman or mother. For example, while the Oestrogen levels rises sharply during pregnancy, it drops suddenly and rapidly after the birth. Oxytocin in turn, the "cuddle hormone", virtually floods the mother after the birth. And also Prolactin is now being generously distributed.
With the newly mixed "cocktail", your hormonal system now sets new priorities so that the mother's body and soul recognise: There is no more pregnancy! Now bond with your child and take good care of it! At the same time, however, the new hormone mix can lead to mood swings again, just like at the beginning of pregnancy.
The baby blues usually occur in the first few days after the birth and reach their peak around three to five days later. In most cases, the symptoms subside within one or two weeks at the latest. Of course, they vary from woman to woman. The Half of all new mothers (50 to 80 per cent) is particularly sensitive for a few days and also very close to the water. Many now experience a diffuse feeling of being overwhelmed at times. Some are just a little unsure of how to deal with their child - and are still overwhelmed by the birth anyway. All of this together can "soften" the new mum and take her on another emotional rollercoaster ride for a few days. Which is no wonder!
The good news is that it will pass! The baby blues and the low mood disappear all by themselves. The "crying days" do not require medical treatment. However, if the symptoms last longer than two weeks or become more severe during this time, this could be a sign of Postpartum depression (also: postpartum depression). It requires professional treatment.
You can use various strategies to help you get through the baby blues. These include
- above all rest and sleep a lot,
- Aftercare by a midwife with whom you can talk about everything,
- support in everyday life from your partner, family and/or friends (don't be afraid to spoil yourself!),
- a balanced diet and a bit of exercise (perhaps a walk with your sweetie pie?),
- possibly also participation in a group for new mothers.
In a few cases, professional psychological or therapeutic support may also be useful. Talk to your midwife or doctor about this.
Overall, however, it is important to understand that the baby blues are a completely normal reaction to the enormous changes that come with the birth of a child. By realising this and also realising that you are not alone and that your feelings will pass, you will be better able to cope with the challenge and recover more quickly.
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How your partner can help with the baby blues:
If mum is experiencing baby blues, your support is vital. Here are some tips on how you can help:
Show understanding and be empathetic: It is important that you take the mother's feelings seriously and show understanding for her situation. Assure her of your support and your willingness to help her through this difficult time.
Take on practical tasks: Everyday life with a newborn can be overwhelming. So lend a hand, change the baby's nappies, put it to sleep, go shopping, cook for you and the mother, do the dishes, tidy up the flat, do the laundry - and make sure that the mother has enough time to rest and recover.
Encourages the mother to rest again and again: Lack of sleep can exacerbate the symptoms of the baby blues. Therefore, always offer to look after the baby so that mum has time to sleep.
Listen to her and ensure communication: Let the mother know that you are there for her and that she can confide in you. Actively listen to her when she talks about her feelings and encourage her to talk openly about her needs and worries.
Also supports the mother emotionally: Show her your love, affection and appreciation. Small gestures such as hugs, loving words and positive reinforcement can help to boost her self-esteem and show her that she is not alone.
Motivates the mother to accept help: This applies to your support as well as that of family and friends. Some mums find it difficult to accept help, even in the postpartum period.
If the symptoms of the baby blues are severe or last longer than described, you should definitely encourage the mother to seek professional help. You can then also help her find therapeutic or medical support. Or you can ask the midwife about it.
