Team Webmaster : blues syndrome is a condition experienced by most mothers who have just given birth. Given that new mothers tend to have messy bedtimes, lack of sleep, and lack of time for themselves, it’s not surprising that many new mothers experience mild depression and mood swings.
After giving birth, hormone levels will drop, which will affect mood. A newborn baby may also wake up all the time, so the mother does not get enough sleep. Not to mention that most mothers will feel worried about taking care of the baby, and it makes the mother feel stress that has never been handled before.
So, what are the characteristics of baby blues syndrome, causes, and how to overcome it? Come on, find out more in the following article.
What is baby blue syndrome?
Baby blues syndrome is a feeling of sadness that many women experience in the early days after giving birth. This condition tends to appear on the 2nd or 3rd day postpartum.
Generally, baby blues will last for a few days and up to 2 weeks at most. Baby blues are experienced by 4 out of 5 new parents or about 80 percent. This condition can be experienced by new parents, no matter how many times they have given birth, of any age, income, culture or educational level.
Baby blues can go away on their own, without special treatment, intervention or medication. However, if the symptoms do not go away after a few weeks or even worsen, the mother may be suffering from postpartum depression.
About 10% of women experience postpartum depression. Unlike the baby blues, postpartum depression is a more serious problem and should not be ignored.
Also read: Know the symptoms of depression, causes, and how to overcome it
Characteristics of baby blues syndrome
The main characteristics of baby blues syndrome are rapid mood swings from happy to sad. For example, you can feel happy and proud of the work done as a new mom. Next, you cry because you feel difficult and unable to do the task as a new mother.
In addition, some symptoms of baby blues syndrome may include:
Fatigue that makes the mother unable to take care of themselves.
Feeling irritable, irritable, and anxious.
Sadness, depression, anxiety.
Crying.
Loss of appetite.
Trouble sleeping.
Feeling overwhelmed with the duties of the baby.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
These symptoms usually begin to improve on Day 10. However, if you feel that the symptoms do not improve or even get worse, you should ask for further help because it could be that the mother is experiencing postpartum depression.
At first, postpartum depression can look like the baby blues because it has many of the same symptoms, including mood swings, easy crying, sadness, insomnia, and irritability.
The difference is that postpartum depression, the symptoms are more severe such as feeling hopeless, feeling worthless, feeling that you do not have a bond with your baby, until thoughts of suicide or inability to care for the newborn appear.
Causes of baby blues
What is the cause of many new mothers experiencing baby blues syndrome is almost not known for certain. However, there are some things that are believed to be the cause of mothers experiencing mild postpartum depression, namely:
- Hormonal changes
The body of a woman who has just given birth, both normally and by caesarean section, will undergo many adjustments.
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy and shortly after delivery are one explanation for why some women experience the baby blues.
- Stress when caring for a newborn baby
The stress of adjusting to motherhood and caring for a newborn also explains why women may feel more sad or anxious during this time.
Having a baby is a significant life change and can cause a variety of emotions such as worry, fear, and doubt in her ability to meet the demands of this new role.
This is so natural that postpartum women should be reminded that these feelings are normal and get support during the transition.
- Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep during the postpartum period is also believed to be linked to why some women experience baby blues.
Studies have found that postpartum women who sleep poorly are more likely to feel depressed. Lack of sleep during the third trimester of pregnancy is also linked to a higher chance of developing baby blues after birth.
Therefore, adequate rest during pregnancy and after childbirth is important to help prevent and cope with the baby blues.
Also read: What is Anxiety Disorder? Recognize the symptoms and treatment
Risk factors that increase the likelihood of baby blues
Certain risk factors are associated with a more intense reaction to the baby blues. Some risk factors for baby blues include:
Having an unwanted pregnancy
Low self-esteem
Not having a partner
Feeling disappointed or dissatisfied with their partner
Fear of childbirth
Giving birth by caesarean section, having a risky delivery, or postpartum complications
Experiencing anxiety and stress at birth
Giving birth to the first baby
History of depression or anxiety
Lack of social support
Lack of certain vitamins and minerals
Sleep problems
Younger mother’s age
How to treat baby blues
As previously explained, the baby blues usually go away on their own within a few weeks of giving birth. However, if left unchecked, some women may find that their symptoms worsen so much that they develop postpartum depression.
During experiencing baby blues syndrome, Mika’s friend should do the following things to overcome the symptoms and treat it:
Get enough sleep.
Rest while the baby is napping.
Eat good food and improve your mood.
Take a walk to breathe fresh air and sunshine
Time to do sports
Accept help when others offer it.
Relax. Don’t worry about your tasks but just focus on yourself and the baby.