About 13 percent of new mothers and pregnant women experience “baby blues,” or postpartum depression, reports HealthDay News.
Symptoms include memory problems, losing interest in activities and withdrawing from family and friends, according to the Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health.
But there are ways to cope.
The National Women’s Health Information Center suggests that new moms try these tips to overcome the blues and embrace the joys of motherhood:
• Get a goodnight’s sleep, and rest often.
• Understand that you don’t have to be perfect. Relax and do what you can.
• Seek support from family and friends.
• Discuss your difficulties with loved ones.
The center also advises women to find a new-mom support group to hear how they managed their motherhood experiences.
And don’t hesitate to discuss personal difficulties with your doctor, suggests the center. He or she would know whether you need treatment with medication or therapy, especially if any of your symptoms last longer than two weeks.
Read RH’s “How I Beat the New Mom Blues” to learn how Evita Gahagan overcame postpartum depression.
Postpartum Depression Got You Down?
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