Chiromom’s Soap Box

How many of us have had that, “Oh my God, how am I going to handle this?”after delivery. I remember clearly, days after my son was born, feeling so overwhelmed and saddened that hubby and I wouldn’t have any time alone together. It made me grow up really fast. I was fortunate in having lots of help with my little guy and only suffered the “baby blues” for a week but for countless moms out there, they may sustain a lot more than just the blues, and develop postpartum depression. There has been quite a lot of information brought up about this topic in recent years. For those of you that have a little time to stay connected with the media world, you may recall, Tom Cruise’s comments on how to treat it and Brooke Shield’s candid portrayal of this condition. Once you have given birth I guarantee you that this precious being is going to rock your world, in mostly good, but not always, easy ways.

What are symptoms of depression?

Any of these symptoms during and after pregnancy that last longer than two weeks are signs of depression:

• Feeling restless or irritable
• Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed
• Crying a lot
• Having no energy or motivation
• Eating too little or too much
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decision
• Feeling worthless and guilty
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart beating fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing)

After pregnancy, signs of depression may also include being afraid of hurting the baby or oneself and not having any interest in the baby.

Thanks to - Women’s Health

Below is a list of some simple things to try when you are feeling beyond overwhelmed with mommyhood. Certainly, if you are having signs of depression, please talk to your doctor as well. There is a lot of support out there for new moms. You just need to give a shout out for help. Don’t let yourself believe that there is shame in asking for help. Us moms have been there.

1. Find “me” time - chances are the baby will sleep for at least ten minutes straight. Use that time to take a shower (always helps to get that baby puke rinsed off once a day=), call a friend, meditate or just lay down - whatever you can do for just yourself
2. Try to get a little move on. After you get the okay to exercise, I would start easy with walking. There are some great postpartum DVD’s out there to try. But the cheapest is put your little one in the stroller and get out of the house. Maybe you can find a friend to walk and talk with as well.
3. Get help! You do not have to be the Super Mommy martyr… Call on your family and friends. If you belong to a church or mom’s group, I’m sure there will be plenty of women who would like to help you. It’s a good excuse for them to come see the baby.
4. Please, please, please take a nap when your baby does. You DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT need to have a perfectly clean home. I take the “good enough” road. I get the minimum done when I don’t have the time or energy to do more. One thing I tried when Justin was a baby, I would give myself one task to complete a day. By doing that, I felt like I had accomplished something without being overwhelmed.
5. See your trusted chiropractor. Giving birth puts quite a lot of strain on your body as well as your spine. Getting an adjustment can help your body recover in a more proper alignment.

If any of you have any other suggestions for easing the burdens of our fellow moms, feel free to leave your ideas in the comments.