Let me begin by saying congratulations! You have just accomplished the single most amazing thing any human can do, grow a living human being inside of your body and then bring that tiny, amazing little human into the world. Your amazing and if no one has told you yet, you are a phenomenal mom and an amazing, strong and beautiful woman, and I am proud of you.
Now, I'm not a doctor and this is just my opinion and feelings on postpartum depression. I'm a new mom right there with you! This is hard! There's not a day that goes by where we don't doubt ourselves and our abilities. So that's why I want to write this post. Being a mother and a wife, taking care of the house, dishes, laundry, dogs, husband and then we're up all night to take care of this perfect little baby that we can't even describe how much we love! There is A LOT of feelings and emotions that go on in the first weeks ( more like years) of motherhood. Obviously there will be some days when you're in need of some normalcy! So here are some tips that have helped me and so many of my close mommy friends get through the tough times:
SLEEP!!!! If your baby goes down for a nap, even if it's for five minutes, lay down and close your eyes. Even if you can't actually sleep you're getting rest. The dishes and floors and everything else can wait it will be there when you get up, this 5 minute opportunity for a nap will not.
YOU COME FIRST!!! Yeah yeah yeah the baby is fine she's fed, she's clean she's ok! Relax and take every opportunity to take care of yourself. Bring that baby in the bathroom with you and take a damn shower! And while your in there brush your teeth! Then shave your legs! Now, put on a clean bra that doesn't smell like milk! It takes 5 minutes and trust me it's worth the effort! You will feel like a human again. Which brings me to me next point...
Wear something that makes you feel good and look good. Now I know your body is probably in this weird mushy kinda look pregnant but kinda not thing going on. And if your like me, covered in stretch marks! Your not quite fitting back into your pre pregnancy clothes yet and that's normal, and guess what?! Everything will go back to normal with time and some exercise! So let that go and focus on your baby and building that unbelievable loving bond with her!
Wear a maxi skirt, some cute shorts, a dress that's loose and flowy. Brush your hair and put on some lotion and perfume, a little mascara and BOOM! Just like that you will feel like a woman again!! Gasp!Drink lots and lots of water my friend! When you feel tired and you have a headache and your in an anxious spiral, stop. Take a deep breath and have a glass of water. You will be super dehydrated from that traumatic thing that just happened to you called childbirth. Your bleeding and hormones have you sweating like never before! Not to mention your producing tons of milk. Where does all that fluid come from? Dehydration causes fatigue, headache, anxiety, depression and so much more!
Ok so this might be the most important one. Visitors..... yeah those people. If you want help ask for it, if you don't want help say it! If you don't want visitors tell them that today is not a good day, say you and the baby had a long night and you really need some rest. Nobody can get upset with the baby so blame it on her! On the other hand, if you need help with something, groceries, dishes, dinner whatever! Just say it! People can't read your mind and when they ask you if you need anything take advantage! Get all the help you can!
There are so many things to help you feel better these are just top 5 for me. Talk to your doctor if you have feelings of depression or harmful thoughts toward yourself and others this isn't a cure or I'd be rich! Just some suggestions from one new mom to another! You're doing great and you're not alone in this crazy journey we're all on. You got this girl stay strong and kiss that beautiful baby! Tomorrow is another day!