You are now home from the hospital with your new bundle of joy and you should be feeling over the moon, but you are not. What you are experiencing is called “mommy blues” and you are not alone. As many as 8 out of 10 moms experience a dramatic change in their moods after giving birth.
What are the “mommy blues”?
The mommy blues are characterized by moodiness, sadness, irritability and sleep issues that last a few weeks. Unlike post-partum depression that lasts longer, most women take a good three weeks to grow out of the baby blues.
“Having a baby is a huge change in your life” according to Temple University OB-GYN Dr. Laura Goetzl, so if you find yourself experiencing the mommy blues, do not be alarmed. Relax and follow these healthy habits that will help you overcome it.
1. Talk and listen to your partner
Having regular conversations with your partner is a preventive measure against resentments or disappointments that can sneak into your relationship and worsen the emotional roller coaster you are already dealing with. Talk to your partner about your hopes and expectations and listen to what he has to say.
3. Use essential oils
Essential oils are popular these days for a good reason. Many oils can help you release feelings of stress and tension. Try using essential oils like rose, frankincense, lavender, bergamot, marjoram, chamomile, lemon, geranium, cinnamon and rosewood. Take a huge whiff or use them with your diffuser.
4. Spend time with your partner
Make couple time a priority. Ask a person you trust to look after your baby and make time to be together with your partner. As you spend time with each other, you will have more opportunities to talk and you will also get a chance to understand how your partner feels about being a new parent.
5. Take some alone time
Spending time with yourself allows you to recalibrate your emotions and summon a fresh store of energy. In addition, it enables you to reconnect with the strong, capable person you are. If no one is available to look after your baby while you are away, you can simply spend 10 minutes reading a book or taking a relaxing soak while your baby is asleep.
6. Take care of yourself
Because they are too busy taking care of their babies, many mothers forget to take care of themselves. It may seem like the right thing to do but to be a good mother, you have to give yourself some attention too. Have a relaxing shower, call a friend whom you have wanted to talk to or sip a cup of tea while reading a magazine. Try any of these while your baby takes a nap.
7. Eat clean and drink plenty of water
What you eat and drink affects how you feel. If you eat a lot of processed or sugary foods, you are putting extra stress on your body. Strive to eat whole foods and good sources of protein. Eggs, lean meat, vegetables, fruits and nuts are all great sources of nutrition, and will help your body recover much faster. Be sure to drink plenty of water too especially if you are breastfeeding.
8. Reach out for support
There are plenty of support groups that extend help to mothers struggling with the mommy blues. Do not hesitate to reach out to them. Also, if you see fellow mommies at the playground say hi and introduce yourself. You will realize that you are not alone, that there are other women who are going through or went through the same thing you are experiencing.
Motherhood is a journey and it can be a bit of a bumpy ride. By interacting with your fellow travelers, you will feel better and you will learn lots of helpful lessons from other mothers.
You can also find much-needed support from hypnosis. With the help of a qualified hypnotherapist, you can release tension and learn how you can manage stress. It will also allow you to release negative self-thoughts that hinder you from savoring the joys of motherhood.
You don’t have to deal with the mommy blues alone. At Hypnotherapy Healing, we can work together to overcome it. Call me today at (510) 253-3549 or send me a message at [email protected].