Yesterday marks 7 weeks since Peter’s birth and 7 weeks of motherhood.
It’s been beautiful. Peter is a little angel sent from heaven. He still hardly ever cries, just makes the cutest noises. He melts my heart every time I look at him. Whenever I look down as he’s breastfeeding I feel an overwhelming love. I love our daily snuggles (especially after he’s slept a long stretch at night and I’m not completely exhausted). I have loved seeing Carter step into the role of father. Really, there have been so many wonderful things.
But it has also been hard.
Suddenly I can see how many women struggle with postpartum depression. Your whole life is turned upside down. Beautiful, yes. But it’s not without its challenges and many many adjustments. (See my post Understanding Postpartum Depression).
Almost 2 months postpartum and the baby blues have really seemed to hit me this week.
We are preparing to move next month. I am starting school again this week. Marriage and intimacy is different and something we have to figure out all over again. With me not working these past few months, finances are spread thin. I am tired and still find it difficult to get out and do all that I would like to do.
The list could go on. Yes, it’s difficult, but it’s not impossible. Despite these “blue feelings”, motherhood is so beautiful.
While so much is out of my control and so much is more difficult, I’ve realized there are so many things that I can do to take control of my mental health. The hope is to combat the blues as soon as they hit. Fight off postpartum depression before it comes. Here are my tips for fighting the baby blues.
Focus on the things you CAN do
For the first few weeks especially, it’s hard as you are still recovering and baby is so dependent upon you at all times. You may have a lot of limitations, making you feel like you can’t do anything you used to do. But try not to focus on those things. Instead, look to what you can do.
Find ways to be intimate with your spouse
There’s a lot to figure out postpartum and your relationship with your spouse is one of the most important. Take the time to connect with your spouse emotionally and physically. Confide in each other about the beauties and struggles of your day. Take time to hold hands. Cuddle before going to bed at night. Take time for kisses and warm hugs. Listen, love, and serve each other.
Try to get outside each day
Fresh air and sunlight can work wonders for the soul. Get out, even if just on your front porch or in your own backyard.
Ease into daily walks
By day one postpartum my bum was so sore from constantly sitting in bed resting and breastfeeding! While I couldn’t go far, it felt amazing when I was finally able to get up and walk around. It started as a little walk down the hall at the hospital and has slowly built up to longer walks to the park and in the canyon. Getting my body moving in gentle was has been so helpful, especially during this healing period when exercise was discouraged.
Gentle postpartum yoga
Make sure you do not push yourself beyond your current postpartum healing! Your body needs time to recover. This is why gentle yoga can be so helpful and restorative of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Ease into the physical poses gradually. In the meantime, you can focus on your breathing or take up meditation. These are amazing ways to keep your mind centered and keep yourself in a positive, productive, happy place.
Interact with your baby
Instead of scrolling on your phone or watching TV while breastfeeding, take the time to look down and connect with your baby. Soak in the sweetness of their spirit. Talk or sing to him or her while nursing. These precious moments will be gone before your know it. Love and cherish your little one.
Did you know that the simple act of looking at a baby releases oxytocin? (the love hormone). So look at your baby and interact with him/her. This act alone is literally healing you.
Practice Mindfulness
Take a moment to truly experience whatever it is you are experiencing. Look beyond the seemingly mundane or repetitive routine you find yourself in. Appreciate those moments with your baby. Listen to the sounds he or she makes. Notice the little things. Be grateful for all you are experiencing at present, the beautiful and the difficult.
This period is a beautifully difficult time. In a previous post, I mentioned the sweet exhaustion that has come with motherhood. It is just that! While such a tender time, you don’t need to feel ashamed if you are exhausted, moody, or feeling down. Try to talk about it with your partner or a friend. Fellow mamas know what you are experiencing. I hope this post can help you experience this time as the beautiful experience that it is!
Please comment below with your insights or tips on how to combat the blues! What helped you to overcome the difficult times associated with motherhood?
