Introduction
Becoming a mother can be difficult. This is due
to a major psychological shift from viewing oneself as a woman who is pregnant
to viewing oneself as a new mother. This major emotional shift may create
problems.
Following childbirth, seesawing emotions and heightened
emotional responses may occur. This emergence of emotions is either called
postpartum blues or baby blues. The frequency varies, but may occur around 50 percent of the time. It is considered
a normal variant following the birthing process. These periods may be characterized
by mood lability, irritability, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, periods
of weeping may be present, and other mood disorders. It usually tends to
occur two to five days after giving birth. It usually resolves without
requiring medical treatment within a week or two. In addition to mood swings,
crying spells may occur as well. This is not unusual as the woman’s body
tries to readjust itself after the momentous events of childbirth. Mood
swings are usually due to changing hormone levels in the woman’s body.
It is a common finding following many pregnancies. In addition to discussing
the symptoms with your gynecologist and obstetrician, it may also help
you to discuss your feelings with friends, your spouse, and your family.
The key is not to be afraid to ask for help, especially when you need to
sleep. Postpartum blues is a mild form of depression, however, and if it
does get more severe, the term is postpartum depression.
If this is the case there may be a persistent inability to cope.
