What is the "Baby Blues"? And is there a way to stop them?

Question

I have a five day old baby and I have been crying all day and I am really stressed out. it isn't the baby she is great I couldn't ask for a better baby what is wrong with me I don't like feeling like this. I feel like I am a bad mom because i am crying and everything. Please someone help me I don't know what to do.

Answer 1

I went through the same thing with my son! He was barely a day old, and I suddenly became depressed and started to cry because I was worried about when the day would come that he would be grown up, and would leave the nest! Barely a day old, and it had already started. I tried to be patient, and wait it out, but eventually, I had to see my doctor to have him prescribe some anti-depressants for me. I didn't have to stay on them forever, but they did help me get through the roughest spots. You may find that you come out of it a lot faster, and don't need them. But, if it gets to the point that you think you need something to make you feel better, don't hesitate to call your doctor. You would be surprised at how many moms go through this, so you are definitely not alone. Best wishes with your new baby, and I hope you start to feel better soon!

Answer 2

You're NOT a bad mom, repeat after me "I am NOT a bad mom" you are doing a MUCH better job than you're giving yourself credit for.

You're crying and all emotional because you just had a baby and your hormones are crashing back down to their normal levels at an alarming rate and it's going to make you feel over emotional and easily stressed. To top that all off you're dealing with exhaustion (c'mon I'm sure you're not sleeping too well), this tiny little being that depends on you for EVERYTHING, your body is doing all kinds of whacky things, you probably have stitches in places NO HUMAN should EVER have to have stitches, and what is that bloody horror show leaking from your vagina?? If ANYONE deserves a good cry, it's YOU babe!!!

But relax. it will pass as you become more confident. Keep alert though, if you start to have thoughts of harming the baby or yourself, or if you cannot sleep or find yourself becoming unresponsive to your baby's cries, call your Dr. because "Baby Blues" can turn into Post-Partum Depression, and you want to get that treated QUICKLY before something bad happens to you or your little one.

Answer 3

The best way to deal with the baby blues is to be aware of it and educate your self about what is going on and that is exactly what you are doing. It can be such a difficult adjustment having a new baby, I know, I went thru the same thing! Just take breaks when you need them, ask for help from friends and family, there is nothing wrong for asking for help, if it helps you relax it will make you a better Mom. If it keeps getting worse you can always talk to your doctor about it, they can help you and determine if it is baby blues or baby psychosis which would be very serious. Remember that it WILL pass, and you are an excellent Mom for realizing what is going on and reaching out!
Take care
Brandielion

Answer 4

It is caused by hormone imbalance. You have had a tremendous amount of progesterone going on while you were pregnant. And now it's dropped back to near normal. Sleep deprivation and exhaustion can add to it. Mild Baby Blues are ok and most of us who have had kids have gone through it.

If it lasts more than a week or two, or gets so bad that you think you might hurt yourself or your baby, then you need to get to the Dr.

In the mean time, pamper yourself, nap when baby is napping, forget the laundry and chores for a while...they'll still be there when you're ready to tackle them again, eat a balanced diet, no caffiene, refined sugars and high fats! These can all contribute to the depression.

You're not a bad mom! You will do ok...believe me...I had 5 kids and they all lived to call me a good mom!

Answer 5

After you have a baby your hormones are crazy!! You just have to get through it. Exercise helps (even if you just put the baby in a stroller and go for a quick walk) and talking to friends who have children helps a lot. If you hear voices or want to hurt your baby then you need to call your OBGYN and let them know. They will get you the help you need. You should feel better in a week or two once your hormones level out. This is so normal and will pass. I have two boys and the first child is the most stressful. If you can't quit crying or don't feel better in the next two weeks talk to your doctor. Good luck to you!

Answer 6

Call your friends. Call your mom. Have someone come over and help you.

If no one can, call your doctor immediately.

Your hormones are going berserk trying to readjust themselves in your body. It is normal to cry a lot, but it sounds like you could use the help. And if people have offered, take them up on it. You will not be considered a failure or a martyr to do so. If people tell you that you are, then they are not your friends.

Your first baby is overwhelming and you are exhausted (that's the worst part).

Get some assistance. If you cannot, call your doctor. If your doctor doesn't listen, find someone who will, such as your pastor, your rabbi or the lactation consultant at the hospital.

Also, find an on-line Mom's group--there must be tons.

You're not alone.

Answer 7

Almost all mothers experience "baby blues" or mild depressive symptoms after giving birth. They usually go away after several days or a couple weeks. This is completely normal and is believed to be related to the massive hormonal changes after giving birth. If the symptoms persist longer and become more severe then it's likely that a full-blown post-partum major depression has set in. If this happens then you need to see you doctor as soon as possible because without treatment it can get progressively worse. Hang in there and don't worry. In most cases these feelings will diminish and disappear in a few weeks.

Answer 8

It's the baby blues. For most women, it goes away on it's own within two weeks or so. If it's any longer than that, or you have feelings like you want to hurt yourself or your baby, get to a doctor IMMEDIATELY. I had a touch of it with my 2nd baby. I remember a couple of times where I just collapsed on the floor sobbing. When you're hit with a crying jag, just remind yourself that it's just "the blues" and that it's caused by hormones, and it's totally normal. Sometimes, just knowing that it's just a hormonal thing that will go away makes you feel better.

Answer 9

Having a baby is very stressful.

I'm not even talking about labor.

First off, after the baby is born you experience a total upheaval of your hormones.

I remember crying alot because I was so used to getting everything accomplished I wanted. No more of that after the baby.

Make sure you are getting your rest and eating well -- lots of green veggies and lots of water.

Take vitamins if you don't, especially food based because they are more easily tolerated by your body.

I have also heard that taking EFAs, (essential fatty acids) is very important after your baby is born.

Above all, do not think there is anything wrong. If it gets worse for you by all means call your physician or someone else who can help you out.

best,

cez

Answer 10

What you are feeling is normal. The "baby blues" is the way you feel after the baby is out of your womb and the hormones are "raging" because of the birth. Just relax, cry if you have to, you are going to be a wonderful Mom!!