Bringing a new life into the world is a miraculous experience, yet many mothers find themselves asking, "Why am I crying? I'm supposed to be happy." This question is all too familiar for new mothers, as fluctuating emotions often accompany childbirth. Whether you've experienced this before or are preparing for your first baby, understanding the reasons behind postpartum emotions can help in navigating those early days.

For many women, the anticipation of meeting their new baby is filled with excitement, yet the days following childbirth can also bring unexpected sadness. This emotional state is often referred to as the "baby blues." If you haven't experienced this before, it's crucial to prepare yourself and communicate with your husband and family about what may occur.
​In this blog post, I want to explore what causes these emotions, what happens during this phase, and how to differentiate between normal baby blues and something more serious. Grab a pen and notebook; you'll want to remember these insights!

The primary reason for baby blues is the significant shift in hormones that occurs after childbirth. During pregnancy, certain hormones remain high to maintain the pregnancy and prepare the body for childbirth and breastfeeding. Once the baby is born, these hormones drop dramatically, causing emotional turbulence. This shift can happen within the first few days after delivery and can lead to feelings of sadness and emotional imbalance.

Childbirth is physically exhausting, and both mothers and partners find themselves worn out. The lack of sleep due to nighttime feedings and the demands of a newborn can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with additional stressors.

Challenges like breastfeeding difficulties or an unexpectedly fussy baby can compound the exhaustion and hormonal changes. It’s natural to feel emotional under such circumstances, but remember, it's a temporary phase.

While there isn’t a quick fix for the baby blues, certain strategies can help you manage your emotions during this time:
1. Cry if You Need to: Sometimes a good cry is cathartic. Allowing yourself to
2. Get Outside: When possible, get some fresh air and sunshine. A short walk can provide a new perspective and help clear your mind.
3. Accept Help: It can be challenging to let others assist, but allowing friends and family to support you is beneficial. Whether it's preparing meals, doing laundry, or babysitting your other children, every bit helps.
4. Set Boundaries: While it’s good to accept help, it’s also okay to set boundaries regarding visitors, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
5. Prepare Ahead of Time: Before the baby arrives, create a plan to reduce stress postpartum. Freezer meals and arranging help for daily tasks can make a difference.

While baby blues affect about 80% of new mothers, it's essential to recognize if these feelings evolve into postpartum depression, which is more severe and requires medical attention. Symptoms include prolonged sadness, lack of interest in everyday activities, and thoughts of self-harm or harm to your baby. If these symptoms persist, seek help immediately from a healthcare professional.