Baby blues syndrome is a mood disorder or psychological disorder that can occur in mothers after giving birth. For example, feeling excessively anxious and sad.
This situation causes the mother to become irritable, sad, cry, and tired without any clear cause. Mothers will even become more restless and have difficulty concentrating every day. Especially for young mothers who are giving birth for the first time.
This disorder generally appears from the first to second week after giving birth. Sometimes it can appear and sometimes disappear. That way the mother doesn’t always feel it all at once.
Getting to know Baby Blues Syndrome
As explained above, baby blues is a psychological condition that can be present during the postpartum period and can cause depression and anxiety in the mother. According to a scientific journal entitled How to Cope With Baby Blues: A Case Report in the Journal of Psychiatry Psychology and Behavioral Research, 50 to 85% of mothers will experience baby blues after giving birth.
Usually, this condition will appear between days 1 to 5 and can take as long as 10 days. Although most women can recover on their own without needing professional treatment. However, several women experience this situation more seriously. For example, experiencing perinatal anxiety or depression that requires medical treatment.
Not only does it get good treatment, but this situation can also endanger the health of the mother and baby. Baby blues is also related to the emotional and physical changes experienced by mothers when giving birth. Even though it is common for mothers to give birth, feelings of anger, worry, sadness, anxiety, and the like also require attention.Although it is not yet known for certain. However, the following are common causes of baby blues syndrome.
1. Adaptation to Being a Mother
Difficulty in adapting to the new role of a mother can also increase the risk of baby blues. Especially if the mother also needs to take responsibility for daily activities. Lack of sleep can also be a symptom of this syndrome. For example, feeling irritable and sad.
2. Hormonal Changes
After giving birth, there are hormonal changes in the body. These hormones can affect the mother’s mood or feelings. There is a decrease in levels of estrogen and progesterone or other hormones that the thyroid gland produces. It can cause mothers to become emotionally volatile, tired easily and even depressed.
3. Fatigue and Lack of Rest
Feelings of depression can also arise due to changes in sleep patterns while caring for a baby. Not only that, there is a lack of good support from the family or the surrounding environment. It could also be a cause of baby blues syndrome. So, this situation can make the mother’s body tired due to lack of rest time.
How to Treat Baby Blues?
Although baby blues is common and temporary, it is important for mothers to know how to overcome it. This is so that new parents can go through the postpartum period better. Here are some ways that can help overcome baby blues according to the experience on YouTube FirstCry Parenting, including:
1. Get Emotional Support
One way to overcome baby blues is to get support from those closest to you. Talk to your partner, family or friends who can provide emotional support. Sometimes, just sharing your feelings and listening to others can help relieve anxiety and feelings of isolation.
2. Get Enough Rest
Getting enough sleep is very important in physical and emotional recovery after giving birth. Although newborns need attention, try to take a nap when the baby is sleeping. Ask your partner or family to look after the baby while you rest. Lack of sleep can worsen feelings of anxiety and depression.
3. Maintain Physical Health
Maintaining physical health is an important step in overcoming baby blues syndrome. Eat nutritious foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to help keep your body fit. Try to keep moving even if it’s just a light walk around the house. Light exercise can help relieve stress and improve mood.
4. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Often, new mothers feel pressured by having too high expectations for themselves. Remember that no mother is perfect. Everyone needs time to adapt to their new role. Giving yourself space to learn and grow as a mother will help reduce feelings of stress.
5. Interact with Your Baby
Although baby blues can be confusing, interact with your baby through gentle touch, talking or just looking into their eyes. This simple activity can strengthen the emotional bond. It also provides a sense of calm and happiness that is beneficial for the mother’s well-being.
That’s the explanation of baby blues syndrome. With understanding and steps to deal with it, mothers can get through this period more calmly and emotionally healthy. If baby blues persists, it is important to seek medical help so that it can be treated immediately.
