women suffer from postpartum depression.
Symptoms which, according to MayoClinic.org,
last longer than “baby blues” and may begin
within the first few weeks of birth or even six
months later, include:
• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty bonding with baby
• Withdrawal from family/friends
of appetite or eating much more than
• Loss
usual
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming fatigue
interest in activities formerly
• Reduced
enjoyed
• Intense irritability and anger
• Fear that you’re not a good mother
of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or
• Feelings
inadequacy
ability to think clearly,
• Diminished
concentrate, or make decisions
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming self or baby
• Thoughts of death or suicide
“When a baby is inside, a woman takes
amazing care of herself. But then, once the
baby is born, it becomes all about the baby. As
soon as mom starts to struggle and suffer, she
no longer has what is required to care for her
baby the way she wants to. Not because she
isn’t a good mom or doesn’t love her child, but
simply because she’s human,” Kripke says. “I
find that the women who enjoy motherhood
the most and feel the healthiest are the ones
who are receiving help.” For more information,
visit Dona.org.
•
How to Help a New Mom
Coordinate an online care train
(mealtrain.com) where loved ones can sign
up for time slots to deliver meals, take care
of siblings, help clean, etc.
to rock baby for a couple of hours to
• Offer
give mom a chance to take a shower or a
nap.
easy to grab snacks, such as muffins,
• Deliver
granola, nuts, and fruit.
off a fully prepared meal with
• Drop
reheating instructions.
older children (or serve as a
• Babysit
chauffeur).
care of errands (walk dog, pick up dry
• Take
cleaning, etc.).
• Give gift card to favorite take-out restaurant.
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