How to Handle Stress After Having a Baby

How to Handle Stress After Having a Baby.30% of women consider their childbirth to be traumatic.Postpartum moms are prone to symptoms of acute and post-traumatic stress disorder.

the consequences of postnatal stress

Childbirth is often a happy event, but up to a third of mothers see their childbirth traumatic, leading to various psychological problems (depression, acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder).The negative impact of maternal post-traumatic stress disorder after childbirth can likely affect the baby's development and possibly the couple's relationship.

It’s not that you don’t love that precious, gorgeous baby. You would easily sacrifice your life for hers and you now understand why so many lionesses, of both the human and feline variety, would readily take on a bear to protect their offspring.

how to take care of yourself

But, you are at the breaking point and you’re so tired you could literally sleep standing up. What can you do to take care of yourself, avoid that meltdown, and still feel like not quite the worst mother on the planet?.Well, one of the nasty little secrets we don’t seem to share with new moms is that stress after having a baby is quite real and nearly tangible. Not only are you sleep deprived, but the feelings of doubt that come naturally with being new at such an important job are bound to cause even the most secure person stress.

Get over the guilt. 

You need to make peace with the dust and forgive yourself for not being able to do everything. No one expects you to.

Well, that’s not true. You do. So, get over it. Step number one for dealing with the stress is to get over the feeling that you have to do it all. The dust bunnies will be right where you left them when you’re ready.

stop doing everything yourself.

stop doing everything yourself. People love to offer their help when there is a new baby involved. Are you insane, or why do you keep turning them down? Don’t want the offers for babysitting? Fine. Take them up on a modified offer. Learn to say, without cringing, “You know what I would really love? If you could swing by with some diapers and wipes, that would be terrific. I couldn’t thank you enough!”

the right solutions to relieve your stress

Take care of yourself. Now don’t laugh, but you really do need to take a shower and have a nap. So, hand over that baby to somebody, the baby’s father will work just fine. He won’t break her. No, jump in the shower and let peace reign for a while.

If you’re too edgy to do that, hire someone for a few hours. They really do have professional nurses who will come to your house for any length of time and take care of your baby. I know you think that’s extravagant, but, as the saying goes, if you’re not good to yourself, you’re absolutely no good to anyone else either.

Take care of yourself. Yes, I know I said that already, but this is true on many more levels. Stress burns up great amounts of antioxidants in your body. Did you stop taking your prenatals? Your body needs nutrition, especially B vitamins and magnesium to counteract the effects of stress.While you’re at it, grab some chocolate (better yet, have someone else do that for you). Chocolate is full of antioxidants and trace minerals, like zinc, magnesium, and potassium, and the effect of chocolate is to both calm you and make you a little more alert.

Face reality, be realistic

Look, you cannot do it all and the truth is no one expects you to. Your little one is only this age for a very small time. Trust me. I know, I’ve been there. It seems overwhelming right now, but, before you know it, this incredible time in your life will be over. So, let go of the guilt, forgive yourself, take care of yourself, and snuggle up with your little one .