Your changing postnatal emotions
The nature and severity of postnatal emotional problems and the length of time they last varies greatly from one woman to another, and from one pregnancy to another. A woman can be fine after the birth of one child, then have a rough time following the birth of the next one.
The “baby blues”
© Jupiter
Because the most important single cause of emotional problems after a birth is the abrupt and unavoidable drop in hormone levels, don't be surprised if you suffer from the “baby blues” to some extent. As many as 80 per cent of mothers do, so it's really the norm rather than the exception. Women who escape these feelings entirely are a very lucky minority. For the nine months of pregnancy, you've had very high levels of hormones and suddenly they're plunged back to the comparatively low normal levels. This drastic swing makes most women weepy, liable to sudden mood swings, irritable, indecisive, and anxious.
The baby blues usually start about three to five days after the birth and last for about a week to ten days. The onset often coincides with your milk coming in (which itself is governed by your changing hormones) and for this reason the baby blues used to be known as “milk fever”.
Changing and becoming a mother
If you get the baby blues, you'll probably find the reality of motherhood seems difficult to cope with once the initial euphoria of the birth of your baby wears off. As well as the symptoms mentioned above, you might feel confused, anxious about your ability to look after your new baby, and frustrated because it seems to be taking you so long to learn to be a good mother. Be easy on yourself; no woman has the expertise for instant motherhood - it's something that only happens with time.
Relationship changes
You might also find that you feel differently about your partner. This doesn't mean that you are feeling less for him, just different. This isn't a sign that your relationship is deteriorating - it's more likely that eventually it will mature and become richer. One of the best ways to keep the stresses and strains of parenthood in perspective, and prevent them from turning into a serious emotional disturbance, is to talk things through openly with your partner and share your worries.
Postnatal changes
After childbirth there's a sudden dramatic drop in your hormone levels. This drop is probably the main cause of the feelings known as “baby blues” and also of postnatal depression.
Soon after you conceive, the levels of certain hormones in your body, especially progesterone and oestrogen, rise steeply and stay high throughout your pregnancy. Then, during the first 72 hours after giving birth, the levels of these hormones crash.
When the levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop, your body finds it very difficult to adjust. This can affect your emotions and mental wellbeing, and, along with other factors, such as personal or relationship problems, can lead to baby blues or even postnatal depression.
Severe exhaustion, another possible postnatal problem, may be worse if you lack potassium. You can easily correct your potassium levels by eating plenty of potassium-rich foods such as bananas or tomatoes.
It's also important not to overdo things. Of course you'll be tired in the early days, but don't ignore your feelings. If you're tired, stop whatever you are doing if it's not essential, and lie down with your feet raised slightly above your head. You don't have to go to sleep to conserve your strength; a good rest may be all you need.
Posted 30.06.2010
Get more on this subject…
