Baby Blues

Did you know that about 80 percent of new mothers experience postpartum depression within the first month after giving birth? The usual symptoms include unexplainable weepiness, irritability, and anxiety. You may also have difficulty sleeping. Is this you? Try the following tips to help ease the depression.

1. Stop comparing yourself to other mothers.

Each mother is different just like each baby is different. What works for others may not necessarily work for you, but it’s not your fault—or your baby’s.

2. Step outside.

It’s easy to mix up days and nights taking care of a newborn. Make an effort to step outside, by yourself, even for a few minutes every day. The fresh air, change in scenery, and blessed silence will do you worlds of good.

3. Talk it out.

Seek out a friend who gets your situation—a fellow mother, perhaps—and pour your heart out. Even if you can’t put all your feelings into words, it will be good to sit with a friend who understands.