Postpartum depression also termed as baby blues is the low
and sad feeling which new mothers experience within 2 to 3 days post delivering
the baby. Sometimes it lasts for a few days or weeks and eventually fades away.
But sometimes the lows stay with you for a bit longer. In my case it refused to
budge and hung around for a good 11 months or so.
The only Blue I knew until I delivered was the color. Being
an avid reader myself and travel restrictions due to the pandemic gave me ample of
time to read and prepare for my baby’s arrival. That’s when I came across the
term “Postpartum Depression”. Initially I was intrigued by this, thinking how
could one of the most happiest moments possibly become the start of lows in a
mothers life. Until I felt it myself and that too deeply and for months.
I had an emergency c-section after being in labor for
15hours. The day after, we found that our baby’s Bilirubin levels were very
high. And so he was given photo therapy for 24 hours. It was then that the
postpartum depression started creeping in. Since it was me and my husband
during my entire pregnancy and even afterwards (all thanks to the pandemic. I
started having meltdown thinking I won’t be able to care enough for my baby.
After 4 days at the hospital, we came back (to a visibly empty) house. That was
the second trigger. Spending all my time in the bedroom (since it was cold
outside), constantly waking up to feed my baby every 2hrs, added fuel to the
fire. I cried day in and day out and felt useless for no reason.
The meltdowns peaked and then the frequency went down (once
I was at my parent’s) eventually but continued for months. The things which
helped me in coping with my postpartum depression were:
1. Confiding
in and finding support in your partner: Ever since I met my (now)
husband (16 years ago), he has been nothing but supportive. The minute I
started feeling low I confided and found solace in him. There were times when I
would cry inconsolably but instead of asking me to stop, he would let me be,
only to embrace me and tell me how strong and capable I was. Believe me when
such lows hit you nothing works better than a warm hug and loving words.
2.
Ask for
help, whenever possible: Once I was at my mother’s place, I
practically had nothing to worry about when it came to my baby. She literally
took care of everything. I moved around the house, got time to do my personal
chores (let’s say take proper bath). This made me feel better and lively.
Even
if your parents are not around do not hesitate to take help from other family
members or friends. I am sure my friend, if you look around you will find at
least one person who will be happy to help you in this journey of recovery,
both physically and mentally. And if you are on the other side, I hope you will
understand and help your fellow new mothers in sailing through.
3. Sleep
as much as you can: We all know it’s difficult to stick to
or rather have a sleep schedule with a new-born. But all the night wakings and
multiple feeding windows make your postpartum depression even worse. So, catch
up on your sleep as much as possible and whenever you can. Sleep deprivation
can not only take a toll on your mental health but can severely damage your
physical well-being too, in the long run.
4.
Eat
Right: You have literally delivered a new life! Your body has
just pushed out a little human being. And with all the hormonal imbalances going
on, skipping meals is just not the right thing to do. You need all the energy
to be up and about. At this point of time eat what you like. But do not forget
to keep a check on those nutritional values as well. If you are breast feeding
you will need an extra punch of energy and nourishment. Honestly speaking food
has always been the mood setter for me. It has also helped me immensely in my
speedy recovery post-delivery. I’ll share some of my most favorite recipes in
my upcoming blogs.
5.Get
some fresh air: Do not confide yourself behind those
walls, go out. Take a walk in your terrace, in your neighborhood, in the
garden. Get some fresh air and rejuvenate yourself naturally. Getting out and
about can really work wonders.
6.
Do
something you love:Talking with people and getting your
emotions out will make you feel better and heard. Take out time and do
something you love. Listening to music, reading, writing, watching movies etc.
Spend some time with yourself and address your emotions and feelings.
I’ve been there for a long-long time (which
I had never even imagined). And I know it becomes difficult to remain sane and
composed, at times. You have got to be strong but at the same time don’t overdo
yourself. Just hang in there for your little munchkin and more than that for
yourself. And always remember You Are Not Alone.
The sad and low feelings usually fade away
within a couple of days or weeks. But if the postpartum depression last longer,
please talk to your doctor or health care provider. I am not a medical expert
myself but I have shared the things that worked for me. They have helped me in
the long run and I hope it will help you too.
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