Baby Blues instead of Motherhood Happiness

"A child makes your happiness perfect," "As soon as you look at your baby after birth, all pain is forgotten," "Your favorite's smile is worth all the hardships"... This ideal image of the happily glowing new mother is often conveyed to women before birth – because how can you not be swept over by a wave of happiness when you see the adorable little being? But often, shortly after birth, the exact opposite is the case: 8 out of 10 mothers suffer from baby blues in the and it often hits them unexpectedly. But don't worry – just as quickly as the sudden mood drop comes, it usually also disappears.

In this article, we will clarify which symptoms can be associated with the Baby Blues, what causes them, and what you can do about it. Additionally, you will learn where the difference lies with a , as the two terms are often mistakenly used interchangeably.

Symptoms

The baby blues occur in the first three to five days after birth on and lasts between one day and one week s an. Usually, the symptoms disappear on their own after a few days, sometimes even after just a few hours. Since the baby blues often manifest as increased crying, the so-called "crying days" are also mentioned. In addition, the following symptoms may also be included:

• Despondency

• Emotionality

• Mood swings

• Irritability and previously unknown aggression to you

• Anxiety

• Concerns about your baby and the future

• Concentration problems

• Mild sleep disturbances

• Loss of appetite

Causes

The occurrence of the baby blues has nothing to do with not loving your newborn, being ungrateful, or being a bad mother, but has a very simple physical cause. The reason is the strong Hormone decline after the birth, which briefly causes your mood to plummet. The baby blues are therefore not a mental disorder, but part of the normal adjustment process of your body. During pregnancy, the Estrogen - and Progesterone level very high in women. The two hormones are, for example, responsible for the Placenta growth as well as responsible for the structure of the uterine lining. They also prepare your body for milk production. But they also affect your mood: estrogen stabilizes your mood, while progesterone has a relaxing and anxiety-reducing effect. If the levels of these two hormones drop rapidly after childbirth, you may feel sad and depressed – until your hormone levels stabilize back to normal after a few days.

The uncertainty with your new situation as a mom can further amplify the symptoms. You're probably exhausted because your baby demands you every two hours, everything is unfamiliar, and you haven't yet established a routine with your little one. Perhaps you also feel in your body due to Lochia and not feeling quite comfortable with the now slack belly or worrying whether you will do justice to the new role as a mother. Crying helps your body to process all these Reduce tension Some mothers only succeed because of the exhaustion caused by it. to let go and to sleep for a few hours.

Countermeasure

Since the baby blues are not a disease, there is no medical treatment and it is not necessary. Usually, the symptoms improve on their own after a few days. Nevertheless, there are a few things that can help you get through the baby blues phase:

• Adequate rest and sleep The saying "Tomorrow everything will look completely different again" has proven true in many life situations. LILLYDOO Midwife Sissi Accordingly, appearing well-rested and alert also acts as a preventive measure.

• Self-acceptance : Many women feel guilty that they are not overjoyed now that the baby is here. They wonder why they don't immediately feel that strong emotional bond with their child, which is often talked about. Try to accept your current state as completely normal and don't talk yourself into feelings of guilt. Once your hormone levels have stabilized, you'll start feeling better, and once you and your little explorer have gotten to know each other better, the close bond will develop automatically.

• Confide in someone : You don't have to go through this time alone! Share your feelings with someone close to you, whether it's your partner, your mother, or a friend. Your midwife is also a good contact person; after all, as an expert, she sees women daily who are facing the same problems.

• Understanding from the outside : The last thing you need right now are accusations or misunderstandings from your environment. A comforting word and a hug can work small miracles and show you that you don't have to pretend.

• External support : In einer Phase, in der sich alles vorübergehend überwältigend anfühlt, kann es so wertvoll sein, wenn dein Partner die Hausarbeit alleine übernimmt, Großeltern ein gekochtes Essen vorbeibringen oder dein bester Freund den Einkauf erledigt. Zögere nicht, um Hilfe zu bitten. Außenstehende unterschätzen oft, wie viel Erleichterung solche kleinen Gefälligkeiten bieten können.

• Close contact with your baby : Use this Postpartum , to spend a lot of time with your child. Skin contact is especially important for early bonding between you and your little one. So feel free to have an extra cuddle session, especially if you are not breastfeeding.

If your symptoms do not subside on their own, it could be a Unlike the baby blues, this is a serious illness that in severe cases can even lead to thoughts of suicide or infanticide (killing of one's own child). Therefore, be sure to consult a doctor if you notice that your mood persists for more than a week.

By the way: Some men also suffer from baby blues. The causes are not yet fully understood, but current research suggests that hormones play a rather minor role. Sleep deprivation, stress, being overwhelmed, and difficulties adjusting to the seem to be the more significant factors. The symptoms are similar: a diffuse sadness, sleep disturbances, irritability, and anxiety about not being able to meet expectations. Dads should also definitely consult a doctor if the baby blues persist.

We wish you that the "crying days" pass quickly and that you can look forward to the exciting future with your little explorer again!

PS: As a new mom, there are certainly some other topics that concern you and changes that surprise you. That’s why we want to accompany you during this exciting time with our and support you with helpful information and expert tips that arrive in your inbox exactly when they are relevant to you.