But let’s think about where you’ve just come from! Keep in mind, the baby blues begin around day 2 or 3 post birth…
The baby blues. Short-term emotional ups and downs that stem from the recent birth of a baby that are actually, very normal. In fact, up to 80% of postpartum individuals report having these mood changes.
Typically beginning just 2-3 days post birth, the baby blues sneak up on us and last about a week or two. They usually reveal themselves in waves and can cause us to question our abilities.
One moment we feel confident and proud of ourselves. We feel like we are absolutely slaying this parenting thing and couldn’t be more in love with our sweet bundle of delicious baby. The next minute we’re crying because minutes after a diaper change, the kid crapped all over himself and we feel like we can’t get anything right…
But let’s think about where you’ve just come from! Keep in mind, the baby blues begin around day 2 or 3 post birth…
Let’s say 6 days ago, you worked all day, came home, made dinner, cleaned up, did a load of laundry, sat down on your computer to prep a few things for work before your maternity leave begins and finally hit the hay around 11pm. At 1:00am after 2 hours of sleep, a long and slow labor begin with some mild contractions.
Those labor contractions woke you up and that was the last sleep you got for the next 46 hours!
That is just shy of 2 DAYS with NO SLEEP after only having 2 HOURS of SLEEP! So to say you’re a bit tired might just be the understatement of the year! Do not underestimate the physical exhaustion that comes with 46 hours of labor… It is exhaustion like you have never experienced in your life.
Once that baby arrived, sleep became snack–sized periods of closed eyes and deep breathing that quickly ended with the stirring of your baby.
Ok, back to the baby blues which by now should make perfect sense, right?!
Of course, the emotional twists and turns and the laughter quickly turning to tears are normal! You. Are. Exhausted.
The following are the signs and symptoms associated with the baby blues:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Overwhelm
- Frustration
- Restlessness
- Impatience
- Sadness
- Rapid mood changes
See a trend here?? Aren’t these ALL of the same signs and symptoms associated with complete EXHAUSTION?!
Here is what one can do to get themselves back on track:
- Hire a postpartum doula
- Talk about how you are feeling
- Eat well
- Stay hydrated
- Rest as much as possible
- Go easy on yourself
- Did I mention, HIRE A POSTPARTUM DOULA???
Keep in mind that if 80% of birthing humans are experiencing the baby blues, and you think you are too, there is a good chance that you are absolutely normal!
Authored by: Randy Patterson