Baby Blues: The Notmuch Talked About Aspect Of Being A Mother

 

Baby blues might seem wholly different and even out of place in a rejoicing scenario like the birth of a baby, the beginning of a new life. But the fact is that baby blues are often overlooked, not much discussed in most societies as the conversation is around pregnancy.

 

Here are a few facts to make you aware of what exactly is baby blues and some basic information about it:

 

1. Baby blues, also called postpartum/maternity blues, is a widespread condition experienced by mothers shortly after the child’s birth. The symptoms include mood swings, irritability, and tearfulness, sometimes followed by intense periods of joy.

 

2. Baby blues affect nearly 85% of new mothers. The symptoms become visible after a few days of childbirth and can last up to two weeks. 

 

3. Suppose the symptoms last longer than two weeks, or the severity affects daily functioning. In that case, the individual might be diagnosed with postpartum psychiatric conditions such as postpartum depression, which is different from baby blues.

 

4. Symptoms of baby blues vary from person to person and include tearfulness, mood swings, loss of appetite, fatigue, difficulty in sleeping and concentration, and anxiety, to name a few.

 

5. The baby blues often do not require any treatment, and the symptoms subside themselves. Still, the individual can put in some efforts to keep these at bay: getting proper sleep, taking time for themselves, connecting with other new moms and support groups, etc., can help the affected individual.

 

6. There isn’t much clarity about the exact causes of baby blues. Most of the hypotheses consider the biological and psychosocial changes that occur with childbirth as responsible for it.

 

7. Commonly acknowledged reasons which cause baby blues: sleep deprivation, change in routine, lack of support from family and friends, financial stress, looking after the baby 24/7, etc.

 

8. Although prevention strategies wouldn’t be an effective way to counter the baby blues, if new parents have a prior understanding of it, they can prepare themselves for these symptoms.

 

9. As per the survey reports, not only the new mothers but the fathers of newborn babies also experience baby blues. Although the ratio of males experiencing baby blues is lesser than that of females. Studies show that it takes some 3-6 months for baby blues to peak among the new fathers.

 

Parents with baby blues often feel ashamed and guilty for feeling anxious and depressed rather than happy. But, if you are reading this, make sure to spread the education and extend support to the new parents that you might know.