In part one of Understanding Baby Blues, we discussed what is baby blues (BB) and how it differs from postpartum depression (PPD). We uncovered its causes and identified the factors that increase the risk of experiencing BB.

We will now help you identify BB’s symptoms and cover preventative measures or countermeasures if you’re currently experiencing the condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Baby Blues?

Every mom has a different BB symptom to overcome. The level of depression varies, but in general, here are the most common signs you will experience when you have BB:

1. Impatience over minor things;

2. Feeling moody, cranky, irritated;

3. Loneliness or having gloomy sad days;

4. Self-pitying or weeping over small things and other triggers;

5. Crying for no reason;

6. Difficulty in thinking clearly and making simple decisions;

7. Having a reduced appetite;

8. Worrying too much about the health and safety of your baby;

9. Insomnia or feeling restless despite having ample time to sleep while the baby sleeps;

10. Feeling overwhelmed about having a baby;

11. Getting exhausted or tired;

12. Having less affection towards the baby or feeling unattached;

13. Missing single life, bonding with friends, ultimately, freedom to do anything at will; and

14. Having poor concentration.

How to Prevent Baby Blues

Experiencing depression as early as during pregnancy can help pregnant moms in dealing with baby blues later on. Your doctor can assist you in monitoring early signs and symptoms of depression, too. He may suggest counseling and safe medications, like antidepressants, be taken during pregnancy. Once the baby arrives, an early post-partum check-up with your doctor can help detect signs of depression. This means you can schedule your treatment earlier.

Studies show that Omega-3 fats, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) can reduce the risk of depression in new mothers. Moms must regularly eat foods like fish to get enough Omega-3s because they will directly transfer from their brains to their fetus. Without enough Omega-3s in a mom’s diet, she may feel depleted and exhausted, which can trigger BB.

How to Treat Baby Blues

Lessening the symptoms of baby blues means taking care of ourselves too. If you feel like you are experiencing BB, take a break, Mommy! Find time to do things you love while adjusting to your new life. Settle into a routine with your baby and devote some time for yourself.

You can deal with this smoothly. Just hang in there! To help you out, here’s a list of what you can do if you have baby blues:

1. Sleep whenever you can. Sleeping is your best weapon. Let all other things pile up in the morning or as soon as you wake up if you need to. You will have a bigger chance of finishing the chores when you get to sleep and re-energized.
2. Talk about what you are going through. You don’t need to have someone in the medical field, a doctor, therapist, or an expert - though it can help. All you need is someone who will lend full ears. Find someone you trust and who is willing to listen without judgment. You will need support, so spend your time with positive people.
3. Try to relax and breathe. Find a good view, chill, and stay out for a while. Being confined within the four corners of your room or even house can be very suffocating. So, find time to relax and enjoy nature. If it is possible for you to leave the baby with someone else, then have a date with your husband. Special moments like this can help strengthen your bond as a couple, too.
4. Eat a balanced diet. Nutrition should always be your priority when it comes to food. Your food choice will help you provide nutrition to your baby. So, consume nutritious meals and eat on time. It can be difficult to meal prep and cook, but…
5. Ask someone to help you out. Juggling everything while you are in transition is very stressful. You don’t need to become a supermom. Be better and more productive by appreciating the help of others. Let your spouse, family, or friends finish some tasks for you. Remember, no matter how little they can help, it is still a tick in your to-do-list.
6. Do what you love. Being your old self after all the changes will avoid major burnout. Cherish your freedom even for just a couple of minutes a day. However, you should avoid doing things that can harm your little one, so stay away from drinking too much liquor, smoking cigarettes, and taking unprescribed drugs.
7. Lastly, find time to pray or meditate. For many, a god-figure is bigger than all worries and struggles in life. Find comfort in prayer or meditation through surrendering to the fact that things in life just happen.

Conclusion

Baby blues is one of the side effects of motherhood for some. It’s normal given the complete life change that is making a baby. Though you may feel embarrassed to experience it, you are certainly not alone. You are now empowered with understanding why you feel as you do and what you can do about it.