The baby blues
Why am I not okay?
After pregnancy, the sudden drop in progestin hormones, associated with the expulsion of the placenta, can temporarily cause disturbances of the internal rhythms, and therefore also of the emotional state.
Also, especially if you have been afraid of childbirth, it is possible that you are still suffering a backlash related to your anguish.
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If the birth did not go as you wished, you may experience a feeling of resentment, of disappointment; or, it may also happen that, in front of the child in flesh and blood that you now have to take care of, you have a more or less conscious nostalgia for pregnancy, when all hopes were allowed.
Especially if it's the first time, becoming a mother is an important moment in a woman's life. You are becoming a mother, your partner, your father, your parents, grandparents ... it is a marital and family dynamic that you have to assume all of a sudden. Even if you've been pregnant all over to prepare for this change, you may now feel taken aback.
Or more simply, taking care of a child represents such a great responsibility that it scares you, or gives you the impression of not being up to par.
What to do?
Before giving birth, it is good to prepare for the baby's arrival: it will prevent you from feeling watery in your throat when the time comes.
After birth, try not to be alone with your fears. It's time to be pampered and supported. If you express your hypersensitivity to your partner, loved ones or maternity staff, they are sure to be understanding and ready to help you. Do not hesitate, therefore, to delegate tasks for which your presence is not essential ... and if cleaning or ironing is affected for a while, it doesn't matter!
It's time to take advantage of your network of friends, to call your sister or your mother! And by talking about it, you will see that you will no longer feel alone and you will discover that they too have probably gone through this hard phase. After a few days, things will get better and everything will be fine.
What if it doesn't pass?
If, after 15 days, things don't improve, don't hesitate to see a doctor. He will understand if you have true postpartum depression and if you need medical treatment. Postpartum depression affects about 10% of young mothers. It manifests itself with the persistence of an intense feeling of guilt or with the conviction of being unable to take care of the child. This disorder is often associated with great fatigue, suicidal ideas and even hallucinations. In these cases, there is a need to resort to serious care, to avoid repercussions in the mother-child bond (a risk that, however, the baby blues does not present).
Your doctor will also be able to direct you, if necessary, to a psychotherapist. In fact, perhaps your distress is caused by hidden difficulties, which date back to relationships with your parents, especially your mother. Some psychotherapy sessions can therefore be important to solve the problem.
Read the complete dossier on the baby blues.
