Struggling With Being a New Mom

Physical

• You'd think after nine months of morning sickness, constipation, swollen feet and the other aches and pains of pregnancy which culminated in labor and delivery, you'd get a break in the postpartum period. Unfortunately, whether you had a vaginal or Cesarean delivery, you can expect the first few weeks after birth to be uncomfortable. Common postpartum symptoms include cramping, vaginal bleeding, constipation, sweating, blood-shot eyes, perineal pain and swollen or cracked nipples from breastfeeding. You may feel like your body is falling apart at the seams, but don't despair. Within a few weeks, you'll stop hurting and will be able to resume normal activities.

Emotionally

• Bringing a new life into the world should give any mother an emotional high. Instead, the American Pregnancy Association reports that 70 to 80 percent of new mothers experience the "baby blues" or a period of mild postpartum depression. Typically the baby blues start a few days after delivery and continue for up to two postpartum weeks. The symptoms include weepiness, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, inability to concentrate, restlessness, impatience and anxiety. If you are struggling emotionally, remember that your hormones are in flux and will take awhile to settle.

What to Do

• The birth of a child means that life will never be the same. Your life as a parent will be wonderful and rewarding, but it's important to give yourself time to adjust. If possible, take time away from work so that you can rest and heal. Ask friends and family members for help with meals, childcare, laundry and housekeeping. Eat a well-balanced diet and take time for exercise. Taking care of your body will boost your mood. Talk to friends and your partner about your feelings and let go of your expectations of perfection. It's enough just to care for your baby and yourself for the first few months.

Considerations

• While it's normal for new moms to struggle emotionally and physically in the first few weeks after birth, some women develop a more severe form of depression called postpartum depression. Unlike the "baby blues," postpartum depression lasts for months after the birth and is characterized by insomnia, anger, irritability, low libido, severe mood swings, feelings of sadness, shame, guilt and inadequacy, loss of appetite, difficulty connecting with the baby and thoughts of harming oneself or one's child. Occasionally, women develop postpartum psychosis in the first two weeks after delivery. The symptoms of psychosis include hallucinations, disorientation, paranoia, suicide attempts and attempts to harm the baby. Seek help immediately if you suspect you may be suffering from either postpartum depression or psychosis.