Having a baby is meant to be one of the happiest days of a woman's life. In our culture we see women on t.v. and in movies toting their sleeping newborns around and doing everything that they did pre-baby. When our bundle arrives we wonder why no one told us that newborn babies need way more attention than we ever expected. Is it our expectations that were wrong, or is it us we may wonder?
After the birth of a baby most moms experience emotional ups and downs. This may be in part from hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, an unfulfilling birth experience, lack of support or relationship stresses. About 80% of women experience something referred to as the Baby Blues. This generally occurs about a week after birth, and symptoms include crying easily, feeling overwhelmed, loss of control, exhaustion, feeling anxious or sad or and perhaps a lack of confidence about being a parent. The baby blues are temporary, and usually cure themselves with time, healing and support.Here is a site that differentiates between normal baby blues and postpartum depression.
I have heard many mothers express their surprise about crying "over nothing" after their baby was born. And I wondered if there is more that could be done to prepare couples for the arrival of their newborn!?
In Birthing From Within preparation classes we do a lot to educate and normalize the changes that come up in this adjustment period. The couples do a Postpartum Adjustment Plan worksheet together, and need to brainstorm. Who knows if it really works or not, but I feel that the awareness that things are going to change, and that they may need two heads to figure it out, is a good stepping stone either way!
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