Let me describe an event that would change your life forever. Then
think about what it would be like. How would you handle it?
Your body feels like you just ran a marathon — you are achy,
bloated, inflamed and can’t sit down on you bottom. Your brain feels
foggy and you’re not sure what time of day it is. You can’t remember
anything. Now add to this that you are exhausted all the time and you
can’t catch up on your sleep no matter what you do.
What are some adjectives you could use to describe how you might be
feeling right now? Words that come to mind might be irritated, anxious,
tearful, forgetful or restless, to name a few.
You have the Baby Blues
Welcome to your first few hours or days after childbirth! What you
are experiencing is often termed the Baby Blues. It is quite common for
women to feel some mixed or negative emotions or forgetfulness after
delivery. So if you are feeling some of these don’t feel ashamed or
upset with yourself.
Often after a week or two as you get into a rhythm and your hormones
and schedule settle down, these negative thoughts and feelings will too
and you will be able to enjoy the awesomeness of being a mother.
In fact there was a study in Journal Behavioral Neuroscience that
showed that postpartum (after birth) there were some regions of the
female brain that actually changed and grew. These specific areas
motivated the mother to take better care of her baby.
The areas of the brain grew for all mothers, including those that did
not feel bonded to their babies postpartum. These brains changes allow
those mothers to still connect and bond with their children weeks or
months later.
What if Negative Feelings Persist?
If the feelings of anxiety, depression, irritation, withdrawal, loss
of energy, concentration and interest in anything, persist or get worse
weeks or months after birth, see your doctor.
Talk to your doctor to find out if you are having more than the Baby
Blues and if you are in fact suffering from postpartum depression. It
is important to get help to reconnect to yourself and your new family.
Don’t worry or be ashamed.
Know that once you get through your postpartum depression you can
still have a connected and loving relationship with your child.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Daemon Jones
Sources:
“Mommy Brain: It’s Not What You Think : Discovery News.” Discovery News. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Aug. 2013.
http://news.discovery.com/human/psychology/mommy-brain-maternal-changes.htm
“Postpartum depression: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” National
Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 13
Aug. 2013.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007215.htm