Newborns from The Complete Guide to Baby & Child Care Many mothers who have just had a mountaintop experience in the delivery room are often dismayed to find themselves in a dark, turbulent, emotional valley during the first weeks after their babies are born. Between 50 percent and 60 percent of women have a temporary emotional slump commonly known as baby blues, while 5 percent to 10 percent of women suffer from a more severe disturbance known as postpartum depression. A less common — but more severe — disturbance known as postpartum psychosis occurs after about one in 1,000 deliveries. When one considers all the intense physical and psychological changes that accompany the birth of a baby, it is surprising that storm clouds aren't part of every mother's emotional weather after childbirth. Dramatic shifts in the levels of some hormones (estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, cortisone and others) after delivery. Physical exhaustion following labor. Blood loss during and after delivery. Pain after childbirth, especially following a cesarean section. Drugs that may be needed to kill pain can also affect mood and energy level. Loss of sleep, perhaps starting with an all-night labor and continuing with the around-the-clock needs of a newborn. Genetic factors. Depression, anxiety syndromes, panic attacks and even more severe disturbances have a biochemical component. Personal and family issues that can affect emotions include: A difficult labor and delivery during which little went according to plan. Problems with the baby. These might include a complex medical concern such as prematurity or a normal baby with feeding problems or unusual irritability. Mismatch of expectations. The time and effort involved in caring for a newborn may come as a shock to some (especially first-time) mothers, who may have never experienced being on call 24 hours a day. Lack of family support. If Dad is gone most of the day (or there is no dad in the picture) and relatives are not available to lend a hand, taking care of a newborn can be overwhelming. Perfectionism. With a new baby (or even with one or more older children) it is not possible to be the Mother of the Year, keeper of the showcase home, rising young executive and amorous wife. Financial pressure. Budgets are often tight in new families, and the expenses surrounding childbirth will add stress to family finances. Feelings of being stuck or trapped in the new role. A woman who has been pursuing a rewarding career or who is accustomed to a carefree lifestyle might feel that nonstop responsibility for a helpless newborn is a ball and chain. How do I know the severity of my situation? Baby blues, the most common mood problem related to childbirth, usually develops during the first week after delivery. Symptoms include irritability, tearfulness, anxiety, insomnia, lack of energy, loss of appetite and difficulty concentrating. This emotional and physical slump typically resolves itself within two weeks. However, it should not be met with an attitude of "ignore it and it will go away." Support and reassurance from husband, family and friends are important. In addition, help with the baby, housekeeping and other practical details can make a difference. Postpartum depression (PDD) is a more serious condition, though many of its symptoms are similar to those of baby blues. Not only does it last longer, but its impact on both mother and baby is more profound. A mother with PPD may be so depressed that she has difficulty caring for her baby, or she may develop extreme and unrealistic anxiety over the infant's health. Furthermore, ongoing disruption of mother-child interactions can adversely affect the infant's long-term development. PPD can begin at any time during the first six months after childbirth. While two out of three mothers recover within one year, this problem should not be left to run its course. Like a major depression occurring at any other time in life, PPD is not a situation in which a little "attitude adjustment" is all that is needed. If symptoms such as those listed above continue for more than two weeks, seek professional help. Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious disorder in which a woman experiences not only a disturbance in mood but also a break with reality. At some time during the first month after delivery, she may become confused and experience hallucinations and delusions. She may even consider harming herself or her baby. A woman who develops postpartum psychosis must be evaluated immediately by a qualified psychiatrist, though it might be difficult to convince her that this is necessary. This condition can and should be treated with appropriate medication. There is, however, a 1 in 7 chance that it will recur with a subsequent pregnancy. It is important to note that postpartum depression and psychosis can occur without warning. A woman's mood during her pregnancy does not necessarily predict how she will feel after the baby comes home. However, if a woman has a history of depression or other significant emotional problems, or if these problems have occurred in her immediate family, those close to her should be alert for signs of turbulence during the days and weeks following childbirth. A mother who has suffered postpartum psychosis in the past must be observed carefully for signs of recurrence after future deliveries. If you have additional questions about postpartum depression or feel you need to talk with someone in more detail, contact your physician. Taken from the Complete Guide to Baby & Child Care, a Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Copyright © 1999, Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission. How to Survive Baby Boot Camp When you bring your baby home from the hospital, the rigors of basic training begin. by The Complete Guide to Baby & Child Care It seems like the crying, rocking, feeding, walking-the-floor insanity is going to last forever. "Baby Boot Camp" aptly describes life with a newborn. New moms are often flustered and bewildered during those early days with a baby. Besides having a body that's getting back to normal, postpartum mothers must deal with fluctuating hormones, extreme fatigue and roller-coaster emotions. This wasn't what you signed up for! When you bring your baby home from the hospital, however, the rigors of basic training begin. Here are five ways to stay balanced when a new baby rocks your world. Recognize that your situation is temporary. It seems like the crying, rocking, feeding, walking-the-floor insanity is going to last forever, but it doesn't. Eventually babies sleep, sore nipples heal and your energy returns. The love you have for your little one, however, is permanent! Re-evaluate your priorities. The priorities of the first six weeks are basic. Rest. Eat. Drink lots of water. And did I say rest? Now is not the time to insist on a spotless house or to dwell on what's going on at work while you are on leave. Your day begins and ends with meeting the needs of a tiny person who is relying on you for survival. As far as anything else is concerned, this is one time in your life when it will be easier to catch up than to keep up. Relinquish your need to control. When it comes to a newborn, the only thing you can count on is unpredictability. Don't be afraid to admit that you need help. There are lots of people who really mean it when they ask if there is anything they can do. Never turn down gifts of food or offers to baby-sit. When a friend or a grandmother comes over to help you, let her! Someone else can wash a load of clothes or run the vacuum just as well as you can. Loosen up. Realize that new relationships are forming. When a new baby arrives, everyone in the family assumes a new role. As these new identities evolve, families are required to make a transition. Patience is a must as you and your husband, as well as your parents and in-laws, adjust to your new name tags. Now you're "Mom." Your mother-in-law is "Grandma." As you step into these new roles, it will take a while to get used to the way they fit. Remember you are not alone. Every new recruit feels overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood. At the same time, the joy of motherhood is utterly transforming. Be encouraged: You have joined the ranks of billions of women who also experienced these feelings as they began the journey of motherhood. It is a comfort to remember that you are always in the heart of a loving Father who has a plan for both you and your baby. Trust God to guide you through this wonderful season of life. My Baby Is Better Than Your Baby A competitive parent's struggle to stop the comparison game by The Complete Guide to Baby & Child Care Ever since my daughter was born, I've referred to her as my "dream baby." From day one, she ate when she was supposed to eat, burped when she was supposed to burp and slept when she was supposed to sleep. By 6 weeks old, she was already sleeping through the night. I was so proud. One day I met another child, five months older than mine, who was still waking several times each night. "I'm glad I don't have that baby," I said. "His parents must be delirious from lack of sleep." Shortly afterward, however, I spent time with another family whose baby was already crawling. He was nearly two months younger than my daughter. I wonder why my baby isn't crawling yet, I thought. Is she slow in developing? Is something wrong? Pride vs. proving It's normal for parents to be proud of their child's smallest accomplishments. Even during pregnancy, I beamed with pride when the doctor said my child was healthy and strong. But as a first-time parent, I also felt unsure of myself and began to look at other families to see if I was doing things correctly. Before long I noticed my daughter was healthier than other children. She was pleasant-natured and fussed much less than others. I also found that although she slept well, she didn't sleep as long as her cousin. And I was slightly disappointed that she didn't crawl as early as my friend's baby. Soon, my observations evolved into a passive-aggressive competition. I began constantly comparing my daughter — her clothing, diet, how much she drooled — to the kids around us. Nothing escaped my attention. The very accomplishments on which I prided myself began to eat away at my thoughts, morphing into endless comparisons. I no longer simply adored my child; I had to prove why she was adorable. The harm in comparing I'm not the first parent to experience this impulse. Even Isaac and Rebekah compared their twin boys, Jacob and Esau. Each preferred one over the other — a competition that led to deceit and bitter strife. Similarly, when Jacob had children, his preference for Joseph made his other sons jealous, spawning hatred, lies and plans for murder. Comparison pits child against child, parent against child, and parent against parent. If my child sees me comparing her to others, she'll probably learn to do it herself. I dread the thought of my daughter treating others with contempt because she thinks she's better than they are. I've seen teens grow up to live double lives, desperately avoiding the scrutiny of a parent to whom they could never measure up. I've witnessed the destruction that petty competition can inflict on friendships, families and marriages. Incomparable God At times I feel I am fighting a hopeless battle. Even though I cry out for God to rid my heart of this ugly habit, I still catch myself making comparisons. But God has helped me understand something that gives me hope: I am not perfect, nor can my children ever be perfect, but Jesus is. Ironically, this comparison between Christ's perfection and my inadequacy doesn't make me feel miserable. Instead, the more time I spend looking at Him, the more I become like Him. I feel secure knowing that He loves me in spite of my faults and never criticizes me when I fall short. My hope is that as I grow more into His image, I can relay that security to my daughter. I want her value to come from Him, not from tallying her accomplishments next to someone else's. I want her to rejoice in who she is, not stress over who she isn't. Old habits die hard, and I may struggle with the urge to compare for the rest of my life. I just need to remember that my job as a parent goes beyond shuttling my daughter through a set of developmental milestones. Parenting success does not come by comparing my child's achievements, but by introducing her to an incomparable God. This article first appeared in the October, 2008 issue of Focus on the Family magazine. Copyright © 2008 Audra Charlebois. All rights reserved. Next Steps and Related Information Additional resources to help you adjust to a newborn The Complete Guide to Baby & Child Care Popular questions on this topic: How can I ease my daughter's adjustment to a new baby? What's your opinion of the "family bed?" How do we get our newborn to sleep? My infant cries constantly, and nothing I do seems to help! Related Resources Your Marriage Can Survive a Newborn Complete Guide to Baby & Child Care Rattled Related Articles Becoming a Parent
Many mothers who have just had a mountaintop experience in the delivery room are often dismayed to find themselves in a dark, turbulent, emotional valley during the first weeks after their babies are born. Between 50 percent and 60 percent of women have a temporary emotional slump commonly known as baby blues, while 5 percent to 10 percent of women suffer from a more severe disturbance known as postpartum depression. A less common — but more severe — disturbance known as postpartum psychosis occurs after about one in 1,000 deliveries.
When one considers all the intense physical and psychological changes that accompany the birth of a baby, it is surprising that storm clouds aren't part of every mother's emotional weather after childbirth.
Personal and family issues that can affect emotions include:
Baby blues, the most common mood problem related to childbirth, usually develops during the first week after delivery. Symptoms include irritability, tearfulness, anxiety, insomnia, lack of energy, loss of appetite and difficulty concentrating. This emotional and physical slump typically resolves itself within two weeks. However, it should not be met with an attitude of "ignore it and it will go away." Support and reassurance from husband, family and friends are important. In addition, help with the baby, housekeeping and other practical details can make a difference.
Postpartum depression (PDD) is a more serious condition, though many of its symptoms are similar to those of baby blues. Not only does it last longer, but its impact on both mother and baby is more profound. A mother with PPD may be so depressed that she has difficulty caring for her baby, or she may develop extreme and unrealistic anxiety over the infant's health. Furthermore, ongoing disruption of mother-child interactions can adversely affect the infant's long-term development.
PPD can begin at any time during the first six months after childbirth. While two out of three mothers recover within one year, this problem should not be left to run its course. Like a major depression occurring at any other time in life, PPD is not a situation in which a little "attitude adjustment" is all that is needed. If symptoms such as those listed above continue for more than two weeks, seek professional help.
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious disorder in which a woman experiences not only a disturbance in mood but also a break with reality. At some time during the first month after delivery, she may become confused and experience hallucinations and delusions. She may even consider harming herself or her baby. A woman who develops postpartum psychosis must be evaluated immediately by a qualified psychiatrist, though it might be difficult to convince her that this is necessary. This condition can and should be treated with appropriate medication. There is, however, a 1 in 7 chance that it will recur with a subsequent pregnancy.
It is important to note that postpartum depression and psychosis can occur without warning. A woman's mood during her pregnancy does not necessarily predict how she will feel after the baby comes home. However, if a woman has a history of depression or other significant emotional problems, or if these problems have occurred in her immediate family, those close to her should be alert for signs of turbulence during the days and weeks following childbirth. A mother who has suffered postpartum psychosis in the past must be observed carefully for signs of recurrence after future deliveries. If you have additional questions about postpartum depression or feel you need to talk with someone in more detail, contact your physician.
It seems like the crying, rocking, feeding, walking-the-floor insanity is going to last forever.
"Baby Boot Camp" aptly describes life with a newborn. New moms are often flustered and bewildered during those early days with a baby. Besides having a body that's getting back to normal, postpartum mothers must deal with fluctuating hormones, extreme fatigue and roller-coaster emotions.
This wasn't what you signed up for! When you bring your baby home from the hospital, however, the rigors of basic training begin. Here are five ways to stay balanced when a new baby rocks your world.
Ever since my daughter was born, I've referred to her as my "dream baby." From day one, she ate when she was supposed to eat, burped when she was supposed to burp and slept when she was supposed to sleep. By 6 weeks old, she was already sleeping through the night. I was so proud.
One day I met another child, five months older than mine, who was still waking several times each night. "I'm glad I don't have that baby," I said. "His parents must be delirious from lack of sleep."
Shortly afterward, however, I spent time with another family whose baby was already crawling. He was nearly two months younger than my daughter. I wonder why my baby isn't crawling yet, I thought. Is she slow in developing? Is something wrong?
It's normal for parents to be proud of their child's smallest accomplishments. Even during pregnancy, I beamed with pride when the doctor said my child was healthy and strong. But as a first-time parent, I also felt unsure of myself and began to look at other families to see if I was doing things correctly.
Before long I noticed my daughter was healthier than other children. She was pleasant-natured and fussed much less than others. I also found that although she slept well, she didn't sleep as long as her cousin. And I was slightly disappointed that she didn't crawl as early as my friend's baby.
Soon, my observations evolved into a passive-aggressive competition. I began constantly comparing my daughter — her clothing, diet, how much she drooled — to the kids around us. Nothing escaped my attention. The very accomplishments on which I prided myself began to eat away at my thoughts, morphing into endless comparisons. I no longer simply adored my child; I had to prove why she was adorable.
I'm not the first parent to experience this impulse. Even Isaac and Rebekah compared their twin boys, Jacob and Esau. Each preferred one over the other — a competition that led to deceit and bitter strife. Similarly, when Jacob had children, his preference for Joseph made his other sons jealous, spawning hatred, lies and plans for murder.
Comparison pits child against child, parent against child, and parent against parent. If my child sees me comparing her to others, she'll probably learn to do it herself. I dread the thought of my daughter treating others with contempt because she thinks she's better than they are. I've seen teens grow up to live double lives, desperately avoiding the scrutiny of a parent to whom they could never measure up. I've witnessed the destruction that petty competition can inflict on friendships, families and marriages.
At times I feel I am fighting a hopeless battle. Even though I cry out for God to rid my heart of this ugly habit, I still catch myself making comparisons. But God has helped me understand something that gives me hope: I am not perfect, nor can my children ever be perfect, but Jesus is. Ironically, this comparison between Christ's perfection and my inadequacy doesn't make me feel miserable. Instead, the more time I spend looking at Him, the more I become like Him. I feel secure knowing that He loves me in spite of my faults and never criticizes me when I fall short.
My hope is that as I grow more into His image, I can relay that security to my daughter. I want her value to come from Him, not from tallying her accomplishments next to someone else's. I want her to rejoice in who she is, not stress over who she isn't.
Old habits die hard, and I may struggle with the urge to compare for the rest of my life. I just need to remember that my job as a parent goes beyond shuttling my daughter through a set of developmental milestones. Parenting success does not come by comparing my child's achievements, but by introducing her to an incomparable God.
