Giving birth to a child is a happy moment, and it calls for celebrations and thanksgiving. However, for some new mothers, things might turn out to be different shortly after birth. Some mothers may suffer mental problems such as depression, anxiety, sadness, and great exhaustion. Postpartum mental illness may make the mother unable to look after themselves and even the child.
Postpartum Period
The postpartum period generally refers to a period that includes the first six weeks of a mother after childbirth. Postpartum depression (PPD) usually occurs around this period but may begin during pregnancy or even after six months. Hence, do not ignore early signs or signs that show up later.
How to Manage Your Mental Health After Birth
It’s essential to take care of your mental health whether you are experiencing symptoms of PPD or not. Symptoms of PPD may include anxiety, extreme anger and sadness, extreme exhaustion, and anxiety. Here we look at how you can take care of your mental health postpartum.
1. Eat Healthily
When you make it a habit to feed on healthy meals, your body can reset to good moods and prevent fluctuations of moods. Your outlook improves, and you look happier and calm. Even with depression and anxiety, a healthy diet helps alleviate symptoms. Essential foods for your diet include fiber, dried seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods. Remember to hydrate enough for optimal functioning of your body.
It’s important to note that foods rich in sugar can cause body inflammation and aggravate mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. If you are looking for a well-packaged nutritional solution, then Mother Nutrient’s postpartum mood box is designed to give you all the nutrient needed for a healthy and happy life after pregnancy.
2. Identify Someone You Are Completely Free With
Have someone can communicate with freely, and plan to share your feelings with the person. Regardless of how frustrated you’re or how bad you think your feelings could be, have someone to open up to and validate your experiences. Opening up to someone you are close to freely helps break the ice and free up the emotions and the pressure that could be building up. Communicating your challenges restores your calmness and prevents you from exploding from your feelings.
Sharing may also help you have a different point of view on your situation and generally feel better.
3. Sleep Enough
After giving birth, you may not have a time of your own. Your child may take much of your and hence find yourself not sleeping enough. However, there are some measures you can take to ensure you get enough sleep daily. You can decide to set your child’s sleeping time as yours as well. Engaging a friend or your loved ones to help take care of your child may free you with some time so that you can take a nap.
Sleep improves your health, including your mental health. When you are asleep, your body can get rid of body toxins, which accumulate when active. Sleeping also helps eliminate mental exhaustion by calming your mind. An optimally functioning body will also lead to good mental health.
4. Have time for Laughter and to Catch Up
The pressures of taking care of your beloved child can be significant. Though your child needs your care round the clock, it’s essential to get some close and responsible to help you look after the child. You can consider your partner, friend, or a responsible relative.
Do what you love but remember you are two in one; you can’t harm yourself or your child. You can also invite your friend and have good times together. Hence, as you take a break to watch a movie or chat with a friend, don’t indulge in something harmful. Your mind will refresh after changing from your routine. Enjoy your time of play responsibly!
Conclusion
Taking care of your mental health immediately after giving birth is one of the most valuable things you can do to yourself. Love yourself and take the necessary measures to ensure you don’t break down. It’s important to remember that taking care of your child is only for a season; it won’t last forever! Be strong, talk to that friend, let the pressures of life fall along the way you forge ahead. You will come out victorious and have a chance to mentor other new mums.
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