Post-natal depression and pain after birth

Baby Blues

Many new moms have the feeling of baby blues. This is when you keep feeling worried and anxious in the first few days of childbirth. You might feel sad, irritable, discouraged, unhappy, tired, or moody. Baby blues usually last only a few days or a week or two. This generally happens because of the effect of hormones during pregnancy and birth. These pregnancy hormones (estrogen and progesterone) can affect your mood. Few days after childbirth, these hormones will be in control and you will start feeling better.

To avoid baby blues, don’t hesitate in taking help form family and friends. Let them help with all the shopping, taking care of your house, and also your baby. You should rest and eat well during this period and keep talking to people you like. Even if you get depressive thoughts, try and take control of your mind and let that time pass.

Postpartum Depression

If you are still feeling depressed and your baby blues are still with you even after 2-3 weeks of childbirth, you are probably suffering from postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can start shortly before birth or any time up to 12 months after birth.

Symptoms of postpartum depression include:

• Feeling anxious, angry, irritable and sad
• Trouble concentrating on or completing routine tasks
• Low food intake
• You tend to think that you are not a good mother
• Lack of interest in the baby
• Feel like things will never get better

You may feel angry about having these kinds of feelings. But instead of hiding, you should talk to your family, friends, and doctor.

Stress at home, medical problems during pregnancy, no support from a partner can also be some of the reasons for developing postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can affect any woman — but some may be more at risk for developing it. Women who have a history of individual or family depression are more likely to get postpartum depression.

Physical changes post childbirth

Giving birth is an intense physical experience and your body is going to take some time to recover from that. You should try and get as much sleep as you can to get well soon.

You may experience bruising due to injections, cramping, itchiness and tremendous bleeding after pregnancy. C-Section can further cause back and lower abdominal pain.

Getting back to normal self

You may take some time to get back to normal depending on birth. Here are some tips to help you deal with pain and get back to normal:

• You will have to take a lot of rest to get better. Stretch your legs slowly and sit up in bed if you can. When you want to get out of bed, let your partner or family help
• If you have stitches on your pelvic muscles, talk to your doctor before giving any kind of pressure on the muscle
• After a few days, take walks around the room and later go for small walks for some fresh air
• Eat enough protein and drink at least 2 liters of water a day
• If you are facing any issue with urination or bowel movements, talk to your doctor
• Let the housework wait, spend as much time as you can with your family and your baby

Health Check-up

Post 6 weeks, you will have a checkup planned with your doctor for your baby’s development and recovery. While eventually the pain will subside, consult your doctor in case of any issues.