You’ve just welcomed your new baby into the world. Becoming a mother has been a whirlwind of complicated emotions. You’re somehow overjoyed and utterly exhausted at the same time. Naturally, you don’t quite feel like “yourself” anymore. You have a new, all-consuming responsibility. Plus, your body is physically recovering from pregnancy and giving birth. Now, you might be concerned about your mental health, and how you’ll be able to handle all of the changes to come.
It will take you time to adjust to your new role and to heal when you’re postpartum. But in the meantime, here are a few things you can do to support your mental health after having a baby.
Ask for Help
When you have a baby, your friends and family might say that if there’s anything they can do to help, just let them know. However, if you don’t ask them for specific requests, you might find that you’re not getting as much help as you had hoped! Instead, take people up on their offers to help. Ask for particular things that you need assistance with. This could be anything from dropping off meals to pitching in with chores around the house when you’re ready to have visitors.
Furthermore, as you get settled into your new routine, check in with your partner to see how you’re both feeling about the way you’ve split up your responsibilities. It’s important for you to get as much time to rest and recover as possible. Therefore, your partner may need to do more around the house for a truly equitable arrangement.
Prioritize Your Physical Health
Your physical health is deeply connected with your mental health. Of course, it’s difficult to get enough sleep when you have a new baby. But resting whenever you can is essential. Furthermore, eating plenty of nutritious food, drinking lots of water, and keeping up with any other habits that your doctor has recommended are key.
Spend Time Away from Social Media
As you scroll through social media and look at parenting content, it’s easy to start worrying that everything you’re doing is wrong. You might feel like you’re constantly seeing contradictory advice, and you don’t know who to believe. It’s a good idea to log off from social media for a while. Letting go of these expectations can help you feel a little lighter.
Enjoy Fresh Air
Spending time outside is a boon for your mental and physical health. Even if you don’t feel comfortable going out and about in your neighborhood yet, simply sitting outdoors with your baby can be refreshing. The sunlight and fresh air can lift your mood! When you’re feeling up to it, you may want to start taking daily walks with your baby. This can be a great way for the two of you to bond.
Talk to a Therapist
What if you’ve made some healthy lifestyle changes, asked everyone around you for help, and put your phone down — yet you’re still feeling blue? If you’re suffering from postpartum depression, it’s best to talk to a therapist. There are therapists who specialize in working with women struggling with postpartum depression, and talking to one may help you navigate this difficult transition. You may not be able to visit a therapist in person at the moment. This doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea. Instead, you may want to seek out a therapist who offers online services.
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Are you struggling with your mental health after having a baby? Working with a therapist can help you recover. Reach out to us to discuss your options for scheduling a session for postpartum therapy.