Puryear LJ. (2014) Postpartum adjustment: what is normal and what is not. In: Barnes DL. (ed) Women's Reproductive Mental Health Across the Lifespan. Switzerland, Springer: 109-122. If your feelings don’t go away or get worse, this could be a sign of a more serious mental health problem, such as postnatal depression. This is nothing to be ashamed of and you are not alone. Up to 1 in 5 women develop mental health problems during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth.

There’s also the fact that you are now responsible for another human being. You’ll probably have lots of lovely moments in the first few days after the birth, but it can also be overwhelming. Not only will you be recovering from the birth, but you’ll also be learning how to feed your baby, how to soothe them, how to bathe them – all of this, and you’ll probably be learning to cope with less sleep too.Rezaie-Keikhaie K, Arbabshastan ME, Rafiemanesh H, Amirshahi M, Ostadkelayeh SM, Arbabisarjou A. (2020) Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of the maternity blues in the postpartum period. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 49(2):127-136. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32035973/ [Accessed 14th January 2022]. Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby: 0300 330 0700. We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby. NICE. (2014) Antenatal and postnatal mental health. Clinical management and service guidance CG192. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg192 [Accessed 14th January 2022].

There’s also the huge weight of responsibility that comes with bringing a human into the world. Much as you love your child, it’s ok to admit that when you first get home, having a baby can feel seriously overwhelming (MIND, 2020). How can I reduce the impact of the baby blues? These feelings usually start in the week after birth and usually last for a few days. What causes the baby blues? Baby blues are due to the sudden hormonal and chemical changes that happen in your body after giving birth. Your body (and mind) have just been through an extraordinary experience – it will take a bit of time to adjust. Find out more about what your body goes through after giving birth. MIND. (2020) Understanding postnatal depression and perinatal mental health. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/about-maternal-mental-health-problems/ [Accessed 14th January 2022].

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It may be difficult but try to look after yourself as well as your new baby. Even little things can help. You could try: During the first week after childbirth, many women get what's often called the 'baby blues'. Women who experience this may feel low for a little while shortly after having their baby. This can take you by surprise. After all, you’re probably expecting to feel nothing but happiness after having a baby. But the baby blues are normal and nothing to worry about. What are the symptoms of the baby blues? Many people find it hard to talk about negative feelings after having a baby because they feel under pressure to be happy. But don’t be afraid to tell someone how you feel. Your midwife, GP and health visitor will understand and will do whatever they can to support you. If you think it might be something more serious, talk to your GP or health visitor. What causes the baby blues? There are treatments available if you have a mental health condition during or after pregnancy. What you are offered will depend partly on what your symptoms are, how severe they are and what’s available locally. Find out more about treatments for mental health conditions.