Baby Blues

Experiencing the "baby blues" is common after giving birth, especially after the first baby. According to the Center for Postpartum Adjustment 50-80% of women experience postpartum baby blues. While the common consensus among health professionals is that the baby blues is caused by hormones, I believe that the major life changes occurring in a woman's life after she gives birth, as well as the changes in her personal life rhythm, venturing into the "unknown" and not fully understanding newborns or how to be a mother, as well as sleep deprivation, a loss of the ability to tend to her own needs, and many other factors, all contribute to the "baby blues." The symptoms of the "baby blues" are very similar to the symptoms of culture shock. When someone travels to a foreign culture and has to interact with people she does not know and suddenly adhere to traditions, life rhythms, and a foreign language that are new to her, she experiences culture shock. When a woman delivers her first baby and makes her first foray into motherhood, she is dealing with many of the same issues (unless she has been a nanny or has experience dealing with a newborn).

If you are experiencing sadness, irritability, confusion, etc. here is a link to a website about the baby blues that may be helpful:

http://www.babybluesconnection.org/


Original post on New Mom Central.