5 Practical Tips For Beating Postpartum Blues

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While bringing a little one into the world can be an incredible journey, it’s not unusual to feel a mix of emotions afterwards. The responsibility, lack of sleep and lack of freedom that comes with looking after a newborn can be tough to handle. This can progress into postpartum depression – which can be very serious. Fortunately, it’s possible to pull yourself out of this by reaching out for help and making time for yourself as well as your baby. Below are a few practical tips that could help you beat postpartum blues.

Reach out to friends and family

In years gone by, it was normal for grandparents and friends to help raise a child. Nowadays, many of us feel we have to do it alone, but in reality many of us still need that help. Even if you just need help with chores or someone to babysit for an hour of two, it’s important that you reach out to loved ones, and don’t suffer in silence. Similarly, don’t turn down help that is offered to you if you need it. Even if you don’t want hands-on help, it’s important to stay connected with friends and family so that you don’t feel isolated and so that you can vent your feelings. This could include meeting up for coffee, inviting friends over or simply talking on the phone. 

Look into support groups

If you feel you don’t have anyone to talk to who can relate to your struggles, why not consider looking into support groups? This could be a general support group for parents or something more specialist like a support group for single moms or a support group for parents of disabled children. You’ll meet people in similar situations who you can share your feelings with and you may even be able to trade tips for coping with parenthood.

Talk to a doctor or therapist

Professional help can be useful if you’re feeling truly overwhelmed. Schedule a check-in with your doctor or a therapist who specializes in postpartum care – you may be able to explore options like counselling or even medication. Many healthcare providers offer telehealth options for those with busy schedules or for those who struggle to get out of the house. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a proactive step towards feeling yourself again. 

Schedule time for yourself

Among the chaos of feedings and diaper changes, it’s important to set aside some ‘me time’. This includes time to relax, partake in hobbies/interests and socialize. This often requires asking someone trusted to look after your little one – whether it be a partner or a family member – so that you focus on yourself without guilt or paranoia. By scheduling time for yourself each week, you can benefit from a routine in which there is always guaranteed ‘me time’ to look forward to.

Don’t neglect your physical healthYour body has gone through a lot, and treating it kindly is key to emotional recovery. Focus on eating easy-to-prepare but nutritious meals and healthy snacks. Go outside every day and try to do some exercise even if it’s just walking with your baby (many people find that exercise is the best form of stress relief). While getting plenty of sleep is also important for mental health, this is an unrealistic expectation for new parents. The best you can do is to try to nap throughout the day when your baby is napping, or ask people to babysit for an hour or two for times when you need to catch up on sleep.