The last think you thing will happen is that you will feel a little low or depressed after you have your baby, in many cases something that you have been waiting for a very long time! But it happens and you should not ignore it or get angry at your self for feeling that way!
Postpartum depression is never a matter that should be taken lightly. Each year, thousands of mothers experience the detrimental effects of postpartum depression after giving birth, and very few seek the help they need. However, there is a difference between postpartum depression and just generally moodiness or lack of motivation that are often experienced after a woman gives birth.
Postpartum depression makes a new mom incredibly depressed with a lack of interest in things once enjoyed, a lack of motivation to care for your newborn, and general thoughts of suicide. However, the hormonal imbalance caused after giving birth doesn’t always lead to clinical depression. Basic feelings of sluggishness or simply feeling low are actually fairly common. So if you have just had a child and are feeling a little low, but not so depressed that you can not get out of bed, there may be a few natural remedies that can help you kick that low mood:
Start Exercising Again
After birth, many mother’s become very insecure about their bodies. While this low body image can affect a woman’s mood negatively, so can the simply action of not working out at all. Exercise increases the endorphins released in our bodies, and higher levels of endorphins tend to make for happier individuals. So if you want to give your mood a boost while shaking off some of that baby weight, try to make it to the gym or work out to an exercise video a couple of times a week.
Watch What You Eat
While you may have found yourself eating everything under the sun while you were pregnant, continuing to do so after you give birth can deeply affect your mood. Foods that are greasy, fried, and high in fat can actually leave you feeling groggy and depressed – even if they seem comforting at the time of consumption. To increase your mood and to help you shed some baby weight, stick to a diet that is rich in fruits and veggies and low in-fat. Not only will you feel better, but your waistline should start shrinking a bit too.
Consider Therapy
The demands of having a baby in the home are incredible – especially for first-time mothers who may not have adequate support or great systems in place. Sometimes all you need is someone to talk to in an unbiased setting in order to feel better about what you are going through. If you feel like you just need to “talk it out” with someone, consider visiting a therapist once a week. He or she will be able to help you form positive coping mechanisms, and will be able to help you determine if you are actually suffering from postpostum depression which may require additional treatment.
Depression is no laughing matter, and if you are feeling that your mood has been a bit low since having your child consider speaking with a medical professional or getting on sites, such as Depression Connect, to find additional information and support. Either way, your health, both mental and physical is just as important as that of your child’s, and you need to be at your best to be a fully engaged mom. So if you find yourself feeling depressed, don’t hesitate to take the time necessary to get yourself feeling more positive and motivated to tackle the day.
Circle + Bloom offers meditation programs to help women with depression. Our Energy for Empowerment Program helps improve key components of energy; metabolism, endocrine circulation and sleep. Our Happy Mind + Healthy Body Program empowers better health, reduce stress, and create new wellness habits that will change your life forever.
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