After Delivery: Dealing with Stress
Sometimes trying to raise a newborn can be a very stressful situation. Below are some helpful tips and things to think about when you are feeling frustrated or depressed.
- Guard yourself against stress after birth by saving your energy.
- Prepare simple meals; don't worry about keeping a spotless home.
- Don't sweat the small stuff.
- Newborns are demanding and you will be sleep deprived — limit visitors if necessary.
- Expect to have times when you feel overwhelmed, or not up to the task of taking care of your baby. As a new parent, please remember that you will not know what to do for your new baby all the time. Be wise enough to ask for help.
- It takes time to learn to understand your baby's cries and learn how to calm her down. You are building a relationship with your child.
Postpartum Depression
Many new mothers are a little depressed after the birth of a child. The baby blues may last up to 10 days after delivery. If your baby blues are bad and last a long time, you may have an illness called postpartum depression. Postpartum depression affects some women after the birth of a baby. It can be treated with therapy, support networks and medicines.
Here are some symptoms of postpartum depression:
- Sleeping more or less than usual.
- Losing weight or appetite.
- Crying a lot.
- Feeling like life is not worth living.
- Having thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby.
Your depression can seriously harm your baby's emotional and physical well-being. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you need help. Call the Help Me Grow Helpline at 1-800-755-GROW (4769) for a referral to a child-abuse prevention program if you think you may harm your child.
Dad: Tips on Being A Good Father
Raising a newborn is also an experience for the new father. Below are some suggestions for how to adapt to fatherhood and assist your partner with the new baby.
- You won't break the baby: hold, rock and talk to your baby right from birth.
- Be more active: learn how to change diapers, give baths, help with breastfeeding and be part of her daily life.
- Get more practice: parenting is learned on the job by everyone, moms and dads.
- Be available to your child: you may have to make life changes to spend time with your child. Building a good relationship requires time.
- Be a partner, not a helper: take some of the stress off your partner by sharing household and child care responsibilities.
- When needed, take time to communicate: a new baby requires major adjustments and you may be feeling left out. Talk with your partner when stressed out. If you can't handle it, seek the help of a wise friend or a mental health professional.
This page last updated on 4/14/08.