Stress After Childbirth

There is usually a reaction of elation, a real 'high' after the birth of a first baby, and you will want to take every opportunity to hold him, caress and fondle him, and it is important that you should do so if it is possible.  Some hospitals allow mother to suckle the baby immediately to enhance the 'bonding' process between mother and baby and aid the breastfeeding reflex. The close interaction between the mother and her baby in the first hour after birth is believed to be important for breastfeeding and the way the mother holds the baby.  For this, calm, quiet and privacy are important.

Once your baby has been taken away it will be tempting to stay awake deliberately to savor all the vents, relive the excitement and think about the baby. But remember that hospital life is busy and may be noisy and you will be awakened early. It is important that you should sleep when you can, so use your relaxation to calm down and sleep. Use it also at night and during the afternoon rest period. Don't hesitate to cut down the number of visitors if you feel tired.

Postnatal Depression

It is quite common for a mother to experience baby blues three or four days after the baby's birth and to feel weepy for no real reason. For some mothers this is only the anti-climax after a tremendous event, for others it may be sheer lack of sleep, but for a few it may be the result of a sudden drop of hormone levels.  In most cases the passes quickly without becoming a problem, but sometimes the physical and psychological reaction to great changes in hormone levels causes more serious depression.  This needs expert help and under standing from relatives and friends. 

it is a mistake to try to hide these distressing feelings and no one should be ashamed to seek qualified medical help.

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