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3rd Trimester
How do you plan on handling "the baby blues" after giving birth?
I've read that about 80% of women experience "the baby blues" for 3 - 7 days after giving birth due to the major drop in hormones. If it lasts longer that means post-partum depression (per my child birth classes.) How do you plan on handling the baby blues? Is there anything specific you are/will be doing or what not?
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Re: How do you plan on handling "the baby blues" after giving birth?
I'm not thinking about it.. My plan is not to worry about it and it wont happen.. My cousin said she cried in the beginning everytime her LO would cry she would as well..it lasted a week. My friend said she cried her eyes out the day before her SO had to go back to work and she would be alone with LO..
I'm not sure how I'll react my hormones are already out of wack and I dont think theyll get worse..but I might snap on the IL's since I really dont want to share LO as it is and shes not even here yet..I will not tolerate them hogging her from me even though they will only be here a week and wont see her much after..They could have decided to come later..
LOL I've actually had dreams of LO transforming into a kitten whenever I'd try to breast feed her.. guess I just relate the whole thing to an animalistic tendency..and everyone loves kittens!
I really think the two biggest reasons I was upset last time was my DH was being a complete poop-head, and I felt depressed about my looks.
I'm anticipating DH being MUCH better this time around since we've been through this before....and if he's not, well I'M prepared because I dealt with his butt last time. And I posted earlier this week about my *stash* of things I bought to pamper myself with after the baby is born, yummy lotion, new make-up, ect.
Cam 6.6.10 - Autism, Global Developmental Delay, Mixed Receptive/Expressive Communication Disorder
I'm already experiencing some depression (which I've suffered from before pregnancy) so I'm trying to not be "surprised" if I need a little help after the birth. I've discussed it with my OB and with DH and my mom so they will know what to look for.
Unfortunately, one of my friends lost his older sister to suicide because of issues with post-partum depression last month. That event definitely made me and DH sit down and have a serious talk about it, especially since I've had a history with depression before.
W/ DD I was a little down because my milk didn't come in for 5 days (once my milk came in and I was able to feed her I felt MUCH better) and I had a crazy long induction L&D experience that left me super bloated, which was depressing- I was still retaining fluid 2 weeks after having her and that made me really upset.
This time I am hoping for a med-free birth w/ no IV, etc. so less swelling. Also I am not stressed about Bf'ing as much since I managed to successfully bf DD for 20 months.
I went through this last time and it was compounded by the emotional fallout of an unplanned c-section & breastfeeding difficulties. This is what I wish someone had told me -
1) Put tissue and water in every room. 2) Prepare DH: we didn't know what to expect and mine was bewildered by the weepiness & frustrated by not knowing how to make it better. 3) Try to line up experienced Moms or professionals who you can talk to for reassurance. 4) Line up help for chores to avoid exhausting yourself. 5) Realize that some days all you will accomplish is feeding and cleaning the baby and that is normal. 6) Write a letter or record a message reminding yourself that you are an amazing powerful woman, that this is very temporary, this is hormones, and if you can create and birth this perfect little angel you can do anything, including getting through the first couple weeks.
Personally I think my LO is a persian. Why? Cuz they are adorable kittens and IMO the cutest cats ever (I have one if your wondering lol).
What helped for me was making sure that I took a shower EVERY DAY. It seems like a small thing and, before you have kids, it doesn't seem possible that you may not be able to have a shower every day, but... well... let's just say, it's possible. And, not only take a shower, but, as a pp said, have some sort of pampering for yourself in there. A friend of mine got me a Mama Mio new mom set and it was just so great to have something special to pamper myself. (Plus, DS was really colicky, and I could keep telling myself that by the time I finished the bottle of soap, DS would no longer be colicky!)
I also went to a new mom's group, which was awesome.
Oh yeah, and also, don't be surprised if it lasts longer than 3-7 days. If you have a baby who is colicky and/or does not sleep well, sheer fatigue may make the "down" thoughts linger. Still not ppd, but longer than just a week.
I didn't think about planning for the blues before LO was born and I never really got them.
I was "emotional" for about 6 weeks in a , "I love my baby so much, this card someone sent us is sooo beautiful" and I'd get weepy. But in a happy, grateful way.
Day 3 me and DH had an argument but that's it.
If you do want to plan I agree with pp about having things on hand to make you feel nice...make-up, a haircut before delivery, a new "perfume" you may not want a perfume but floral water is refreshing.
Also make sure you have nutritious snacks on hand and drink plenty of water and try and get some fresh air, even if it's just sitting on the deck with a cup of tea.
Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old
This is what helped me deal with the "baby blues" with DS. Thankfully, I had my mom, a wonderful aunt, and cousin who were a great emotional support for me. It was nice to talk to women who had been through it, too.
Massage, especially reflexology, always feels like an emotional and physical reset button to me - I think I'll schedule an in-home one for around a week after. My sister had great results too with accupuncture - she said it was instant relief from her blues.