After your baby is born, you will likely feel tired after sleepless nights. Also, your body has been through a pretty tough ordeal of carrying a baby for 9 months, followed by the effort of giving birth. Perhaps you had a prolonged labor, or perhaps you are feeling anxious wondering how you will cope with caring for this helpless little lump. You may be concerned that you won’t bond with your baby automatically. In addition to these concerns, your hormones are running rampant in your body, which can make you cry for no reason. Usually this will pass fairly quickly and you will really start to enjoy motherhood, but if you continue or are concerned, talk to your doctor or health visitor for advice.
Accept help from family and friends, but tell them what would really help you. Maybe it’s a little babysitting while you sleep, a trusted friend, or vacuuming or shopping. Also share your feelings with your partner, he will probably be happy to help and support you, if you tell him what would be most helpful. You’re probably not sure what to do and feel a bit left out. Share your problems and you will build a stronger relationship.
Every now and then, instead of getting better, postpartum depression appears. This can be from 2 to 8 weeks after birth or even up to a year. If this happens and your symptoms get worse, seek help. Postpartum depression can include deep anxiety and a feeling of helplessness. It can include panic attacks, palpitations, and a general feeling of hopelessness. It is not clear why some pregnancies end this way, as it can affect moms with multiple babies, but only one may cause a problem.
Try to bond with your baby, respond to his smiles by smiling back and speaking in a low voice. If you focus on his needs, you may and will certainly help him. All babies need the love and contact of their parents to be happy and thrive. If you need help, don’t solve it alone; see a professional. Also go out and meet others moms in a group of babies it might help. You will enjoy the company and may make new friends.
I hope you feel better soon. Your anxious moments will disappear so that you can really begin to enjoy caring for your new family member.