2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 11:16
A few days after giving birth, a little depression can assail the new mother. Fortunately, the "baby blues", or depression of the mothers, is only temporary.
It is said that this small temporary depression appears on the third day after childbirth, shortly after leaving the hospital. It also bears another very appropriate name in French: third-day syndrome. Yesterday, everything was magical and marvelous, but today, you are no longer so certain… This feeling of depression therefore appears without warning and leaves you perplexed and worried.
Baby blues
You are not the only one, since what is called the baby blues affects 30 to 80% of women! The reason the statistic is so broad is because not all women will experience it as intensely and necessarily report it to doctors. It is recognized because it almost always occurs on the third day after childbirth, and is accompanied by fatigue, crying, sad thoughts and sleep disturbances. Obviously, you feel guilty: you should be having the best time of your life, but it is not! First of all, it is imperative that yourelieve yourself of guilt, since this fleeting period is beyond your control. Take comfort: a few days are enough, a few weeks at most, for this little depression to finally disappear.
What to do?
Explain to those around you what is going on, so that they can support you as much as possible. Indeed, this troubled period could make you, you can imagine, more irritable. For example, reduce the number of visitors. It's normal to want to be quiet with your baby for the first few days and, unfortunately, this is also a time when family and friends will be quite present. Even though they are all full of good intentions, there is no shame in explaining to them that you prefer to get used to your new life and that when things are set, you will receive them with open arms. Take the time to recover, it's essential for you, but also for your baby.
What is causing this depression?
As of today, specialists are suggesting a few hypotheses. First, the sudden drop in the concentration of hormones is pointed out. We also point in the direction of pre-delivery anxieties that would suddenly come to life, such as the fear of not being up to it.
Breastfeeding that does not go as planned can also be the cause of this little crisis. It is therefore best to talk about it with a he alth professional or breastfeeding specialist. This oneshould be able to help you, advise you and, above all, make you feel guilty.
It goes on…
Remember that you have just gone through an intense physical experience. Giving life is not nothing! Of course, childbirth is extremely demanding, but, on top of that, you had to go through the ups and downs of pregnancy. Baby arrives so quickly and, despite everything you have done to prepare for his arrival, it is unfortunately impossible to predict everything. All children are different and it will take time for you to adapt to yours, and, at the same time, to your new life. Remember how stressful and exhausting starting a new job can be. Now imagine this being a job for which you had no direct training. Add to that the fact that you have just completed a marathon (childbirth!) followed by a few sleepless nights… It is therefore completely normal that you feel overwhelmed! This is why everyone repeats ad nauseam how important it is to sleep when baby sleeps. What this means, concretely, is that you also have to learn to “let go”. Washing and washing up sometimes has to wait – or, better, be done by someone else!
Postnatal depression
postnatal or postpartum depression is different from the baby blues, and occurs within a year of giving birth. It is manifested, among other things, by a sudden emotional sensitivity,intense feelings of sadness and helplessness, states of fear (not measuring up) and contradiction. Some mothers may experience drastic weight loss or have difficulty eating. Women with postpartum depression are also prone to insomnia and sleep disturbances. Some may even see their interest in their child diminish.
If you think you are suffering from postpartum depression, it is important to seek help quickly. The sooner this depression will be detected, the more effective and rapid the treatment will be.
For immediate assistance, call Info-Santé (8-1-1) or LigneParents, an intervention service available 24/7, free and confidential (1 -800-361-5085).
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