How To Deal With Postpartum Issues

How To Deal With Postpartum Issues

Bringing home a new baby is definitely a joyous occasion and a time to celebrate.

But with all the joy and excitement, there will inevitably be stress that takes a toll on you, and postpartum is one of those times.

As a new mama, you’ll have so much going on from your newborn to cooking, cleaning, and taking care of yourself.  All this can greatly impact your well-being.

Keep reading to find out how you can combat your postpartum struggles and enjoy the moments with the new life you brought to this earth.

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How To Deal With Postpartum Issues

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Postpartum issues

Postpartum Physical Changes

 

It isn’t unusual to feel insecure and worried about your appearance after giving birth.

Your body is going through massive changes that can be really overwhelming.

Below are the three most common postpartum physical changes:

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Postpartum Acne

 

A common struggle that impacts physical appearance is postpartum acne.

These acne breakouts are caused by the changing levels of hormones, especially progesterone.

Acne flare-ups are different for everyone, some can be temporary while others can be long-lasting. Usually, acne appears around the lower region of your face, like the chin and jawline.

Luckily these breakouts can be addressed to an extent by incorporating a solid acne treatment into your everyday routine.

Topical acne treatments that have retinoids can be prescribed through a telehealth service to help your stubborn, severe, and painful pimples go away. But only begin using Retinoids if you are bottle-feeding your baby.

Breastfeeding while using retinoids is not safe and should only be used once breastfeeding has been discontinued.

Make sure to read the ingredients list before using certain acne treatments and double-check with your healthcare provider that the ingredients are okay to be used after pregnancy.

****A Quick Note to you– Postpartum is generally very hard on your body. It can be painful. Here’s a post you should definitely read that will help you navigate this uncomfortable time in a much more comfortable way.

Stretch Marks

 

Another noticeable change you might see after pregnancy is stretch marks.

Stretch marks often appear on the belly, breasts, and bottom area and are caused by the expansion of growth by the baby.

Some may consider stretch marks as a “badge of honor.” Stretch marks do symbolize your nine-month journey of pregnancy and they are not something to be ashamed of.

However, it is understandable if one does not want their stretch marks to be visible.

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Stretch marks can fade away, however, they do not fully disappear.

You can try to moisturize your stretch marks with cream so they do not feel dry and irritated. Because using cream to moisturize your stretch marks is not guaranteed to get rid of your “battle scars,” laser therapy is a great alternative option.

Laser therapy treatment helps to restore the lack of elasticity in the skin and can change the pigmentation of the stretch marks. This is something you should consider to help reduce the appearance of your stretch marks if they really bother you.

Postpartum issues

 

Baby Weight

 

Gaining baby weight is another physical change that can cause a lot of insecurity in new mamas.

Women gain about 25-35 pounds during pregnancy and lose about 13 pounds of baby weight within the first 6 weeks of postpartum.

The rest of the weight during pregnancy, oftentimes, takes a lot of work to burn off. Instead of dieting, follow a nutritious meal plan with designated times for exercise.

Try incorporating movement into your daily routine that you enjoy, like walking. Walking is a great way to still spend time with your newborn.

You’ll get much-needed sunshine and fresh air too and that will do you a lot of good.

There’s also a great course called the Postpartum Cure that can really help you get back into your previous shape quickly. It comes with an app too and we highly recommend the program.

 

Mental Health Struggles

 

Since the beginning of your pregnancy, you’ve gone through massive hormonal shifts.

Hormones continue to change after birth during postpartum and this can make you feel very emotional and exhausted.

One of the reasons for this is that progesterone drops dramatically after giving birth.

This hormonal shift is difficult for the first month or so but over time you come to a baseline that will stay level until you finally get your next menstrual cycle.

Postpartum issues

If you’re breastfeeding your next cycle could be delayed anywhere from 6 months to a year and a half, depending on the length of time you choose to nurse.

Another hormone that can cause symptoms of baby blues is prolactin.

Prolactin is responsible for producing milk and also affects your dopamine levels. Prolactin can be the underlying reason for mood swings and low energy.

Luckily all that Oxytocin, the love hormone will help offset some of the mood instability you feel.

 

Baby Blues

A common feeling most moms have after giving birth is called baby blues. Baby blues is the feeling of sadness after pregnancy.

Baby blues is a normal side effect of hormonal changes after giving birth and usually passes within the first few weeks of postpartum.

The sudden drop of hormones like estrogen and progesterone can cause mood swings as we mentioned before.  Feeling moody, sad, irritable, or anxious are all signs of baby blues.

If these symptoms extend past a couple of weeks it’s important to reach out to your health care provider and discuss the possibility of having postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is a bit more severe than baby blues and may require treatment.

 

Postpartum Depression

 

One of the most common struggles moms deal with after giving birth is postpartum depression. According to the Office on Women’s Health, “Postpartum depression is a serious mental illness that involves the brain and affects your behavior and physical health.”

Postpartum depression can be very difficult and it can greatly affect the mental state of new mamas.

But postpartum depression doesn’t just affect new mothers. Many moms struggle with mental health challenges after giving birth to a second or third child and it can last months.

Persistent feelings of depression, helplessness, guilt, irritability, and loss of interest in things are all effects of dealing with postpartum depression.

If you feel like you are having symptoms of postpartum depression talk to your healthcare provider immediately.

 

Postpartum Psychosis

 

Another mental health struggle that women sometimes, experience, although rarely,  is postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum psychosis symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and rapid mood swings. Postpartum psychosis must be assessed and treated appropriately by a medical professional.

Mothers suffering from this mental illness should be quickly treated. It’s important to reassure mamas that they are not alone in the symptoms they are feeling and there are plenty of professionals and resources available to help.

 

Stress

 

It’s no surprise that giving birth and taking care of your newborn can cause a lot of stress.

Because of the stress and long laundry list of things you need to do, self-care can be neglected.

Make sure you consider this, get help with tasks, and take care of yourself as well as your baby.

Postpartum issues

 

Prioritizing Self-Care

 

Self-care can easily be brushed aside if it is not prioritized.

Doing anything that allows you to step away from your stressors is a good self-care practice.

Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant, it can be as simple as reading a book or doing a five-minute meditation.

So take a few moments to schedule some time for yourself.

 

Asking for Help

 

Asking for help can be difficult for some, but it is a great way to relieve some of the stress falling on your shoulders.

Many people, especially new moms, want to feel capable and strong by being able to complete tasks on their own. Dealing with a new baby, finishing chores around the house, and taking care of yourself can be a lot to handle.

However, when you’re suffering from postpartum struggles it’s crucial to have a support system. Join a support group on Facebook, lean on your friends and family or confide in a therapist.

It’s important to get the help you need so you can still enjoy your time with your child.

In the end..

There is help available for mamas struggling with postpartum depression and other postpartum struggles.

It’s important to remember that you are not alone in this journey and that you are a strong and capable mother who brought another life into this world.

Make sure to have a solid support system that can lift you up and encourage you to keep going if things become difficult.

Good luck!

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The Psychology of Being A New Mother, How You May Feel And What To Expect

The Psychology of Being A New Mother, How You May Feel And What To Expect

 

Being a new mother can be the most amazing experience but it’s also difficult and exhausting. There’s no denying the negative side of it. This happens for a lot of reasons which I know you’ve heard before; You’re not getting sleep, your body is healing, you’re on the biggest hormonal roller-coaster of your life and so on.

It’s also a challenge because of the many situations associated with the delivery and the adjustment to being a new mama. Every situation is different and can cause its own set of issues like having a c section for instance. That’s going to be rougher on you all around.

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All of this can affect you physically and especially emotionally which creates tension and frustration during this special time. You’ll feel things you’ve never felt before and be seriously overwhelmed.

In this post, I want to talk about the emotions of your new role and how you can adjust to the overwhelm of it all. Being prepared for big feelings, highs and lows can help you feel a little bit better and you’ll know what you are going through is normal.

Let’s take a look at some of the key factors that create challenges for you and how you can cope with them.

Physiological changes

After delivery, You’ll experience a significant shift in your physical body and hormones because your body needs to readjust. You know that already, I don’t have to tell you but you’ll find it shocking and aggressive never the less. It’s just really intense.

Your body will begin to change really fast and this alone will exhaust you. But oftentimes the rush from having a newborn will elate you so much that you won’t notice the exhaustion too much at first.

But your body needs to heal and you need to pay attention to yourself during this time as well as the baby. Try to eat well and get as much rest as possible. New mamas are often so excited after birth that they ignore many of their own needs but healing needs to be at the front of your mind. Consider yourself as well as your babe so that you’ll feel your very best!

The “baby blues”

Many women feel down or depressed after having a child. This can be associated with hormonal changes but also with some psychological and emotional factors. This is normal, although many women might feel guilty about this reaction. However, It usually doesn’t last very long and it will sorta come and go. Or it typically does.

the feelings of a new mother

If it persists talk to your doctor about possible solutions. You don’t want it to get out of control and you don’t have to deal with it alone.

Exhaustion

Giving birth is not easy but what comes after presents a significant challenge as well. A baby can change the existing household routines in unexpected ways and can mean that you are not getting enough sleep. A lack of sleep and an increased amount of responsibility can be exhausting.

Hang in there and get as much help as you can get. You’ll feel mentally and physically raw and having others there to support you is key to a smooth transition.

Emotional difficulties

Many mothers struggle to adjust to the new situation no matter how ready you thought you’d be, and it might bring a few emotional surprises you didn’t expect.  You may wonder if you are good enough and might feel inadequate, especially if reality doesn’t measure up to the “ideal” standards you might hear or read about. You may feel worried about your relationship with your partner or with the other children as well. A new family member can and will shift the dynamics of all your relationships and this can make your loved ones feel insecure.

Related Posts:

What To Really Expect During The first trimester.

What to expect at the hospital from check in to check out when having a baby

Labor Bag Essentials: What to take when having a new baby.

When you have several children the adjustment can be very difficult for them. This may cause you to feel a good bit of guilt. I know it did for me. My first son really struggled and it broke my heart. I really thought he was ready for a sibling but it was very upsetting for him overall so be prepared for this. You will need to give extra tender, loving care to your other child/children.

Balancing demands

As I’ve already mentioned if you have other children and responsibilities, then the demands on your time and energy increase. Your other babes will demand more from you and need increased attention to make sure they are not being replaced with the new baby. All this can be difficult to handle.

Make sure your partner helps as much as possible and gives extra attention to the other children while you take care of your baby.

You should try to carve out a little bit of time each day for your other children too, maybe 10 minutes alone with each one. Even this small amount of one on one time can make them feel better and more secure.

Ways To Cope With Your Surprising Emotions

There are many factors that affect a new mother that can make the first few months difficult. It’s a transitional period for all: the parents are adjusting to the new baby and changing the household rules and routines, the children are adjusting to a new sibling, and the baby is adjusting to a new world. So, what can you do to make this easier?

–  Plan Ahead

Please know right away that it won’t go as planned and many parts of your experience will feel very unexpected even though you knew what would happen. Just understanding that you’re going to be in uncharted waters { for Yourself } will help you be just a little more light-hearted. This helps tremendously.

No comparing

The ideal mother doesn’t exist but if you run to the Web or listen to the tales of others and of their own achievements as parents, you may feel like you’re failing.

You should definitely avoid comparing yourself or your situation to others and accept that there are going to be difficulties: it doesn’t make you inadequate. Celebrating and acknowledging your own achievements is a key factor in feeling good about your experience.

Rest

As I’ve said before, this is one of the most important things you can do. Resting can be difficult but it is important to give enough opportunities to rest and recover.

You might want to drop or delegate a few of the household chores that are not as pressing or seek other solutions that will allow you to rest more. Your sleep and well-being are more important than having a perfectly clean kitchen, and no matter how hard you try mama, you’ll fall behind so just chill for a while about it.

It also might be worth looking into things that can make one’s life easier, like getting food or groceries delivered or paying someone to clean up once a week.

Help and support

A very important aspect of all this is asking for and receiving enough support.

Your husband can help with chores or even other children in the home. You can have your mom or mother in law stay with you for the first few weeks to help out if that’s an option for you. I know that’s not for everyone though.

You can hire someone to come in and help a bit as I mentioned before.

You can have friends over for physical and emotional support. It’s always good to have someone to talk to and just expressing yourself fully can be a great mental release.

If things are really bad in some way, Physically or emotionally then you can contact your doctor for help. Don’t get too deep you know? They can help support you and give you the help you need.

Most importantly just be prepared for the ups and downs and the vast array of feelings that will bubble up that you’ve never experienced before. Embrace those happy feelings and when you start to feel really tired or down then that’s your cue.

It’s your cue to get more rest immediately, ask for some help or eat a big hearty meal. Maybe take a long hot shower then watch some tv and don’t worry about those dishes in the sink. I know that’s hard but you have to learn to prioritize. It will eventually get easier.

I want to wish you all the luck and love in the world mama and take one day at a time. It will get better and you’ll feel stronger soon enough!

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Sharing Time! How did you cope when you first had your babe? Any suggestions for the other mamas out there? Leave a comment below to let us know!

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The psychology of being a new mother