What Are The Baby Blues

I've got a new idea for a reality show; it will be about being a new mom and what it is really like. Those who have never had a infant seem to think that being a new mom is this glorious, always happy time in a women's life. There is certainly some measure of truth to that, although new moms do not always feel happy, and some of them get the ‘baby blues” and some have postpartum depression.

The 'baby blues' will effect half of women who give birth. Many women think they they are the only one experiencing these feelings and feel like bad moms, and that's simply not true. Feeling impatient, restless, irritable and anxious are normal feelings after you have had a baby. You've spent the past nine months growing a new life in you, not surprisingly you are bound to feel a little tired and exhausted. Being pregnant and giving birth are incredibly emotional times, so it is not a surprise you'd feel emotionally drained following childbirth.

So what is the difference between 'baby blues' and postpartum depression? The 'baby blues will suddenly appear, and then suddenly disappear. Unfortunately for 10% percent of women the symptoms persist. The symptoms of postpartum depression can include, loss of appetite, tiredness, not having the ability to concentrate, emotional lows and highs, sadness, fearful of hurting the baby, or lack of interest or excessive interest in the baby. Realize that women with postpartum do not experience all of these symptoms, they may feel different ones on different days, or the same symptoms day in and day out. Because moms can believe they should not feel anything but joy, they will often begin to feel shame and guilt and eventually become cut off.

The worst part is no one knows what can cause postpartum depression. Factors like lack of sleep, isolation after the baby is born, anxiety and hormones that affect the brains chemistry are what some researchers think may cause postpartum depression. Many women believe that motherhood is this wondrous awesome thing that should be the most rewarding experience in your life. While it is all that, it's also the most challenging most frustrating and sometimes thankless job you'll ever do. So some new moms become extremely depressed when all of these things happen after a child is born.

You may not be able to see that you are experiencing postpartum depression. It isn't uncommon to think you are not feeling great due to the lack of sleep you are experiencing. You need to listen to friends and family that are telling you that they're worried about you. Call your personal doctor immediately when you are seeing the symptoms in your own life. A doctor will be an important part of your recovery, you can not depend on just attending support groups. Do not feel ashamed or guilty. Postpartum depression is common and with help and support from your physician and loved ones you will be feeling better soon.

Know that a lot of women experience the “baby blues” but if you are experiencing these symptoms for a long period of time call your doctor. You need to stay healthy for your new little baby.