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Postpartum Depression

Home Care Advice – For Mild Baby Blues

Reassurance: Many women feel sad and depressed at some point during the days and weeks after delivery. These changes in mood are called the "baby blues". Women with Baby Blues do get through this – even women who feel as badly as you feel now. You can be helped.
Suggestions for Healthy Living: there are things that you can do to make yourself feel better:
- Eat healthy: Eat a well-balanced diet. Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
- Get more sleep: Try to take naps while the baby is sleeping during the day. Ask for help from friends, family, or church; if someone comes over during waking hours to help, then you can take a longer nap. Have the baby sleep in another room; you will sleep more soundly.
- Communicate: Share how you are feeling with someone in your life who is a good listener. Make certain that your husband, family, or friends know how you are feeling.
- Exercise regularly: Take a daily walk.
- Stay active: Get out of the house periodically. Go on an outing with a family member or friend. Go to the store. Go to a movie.
- Avoid alcohol.
Expected Course: Generally, mild baby blues last 2-14 days.
IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.

CRISIS RESOURCES

National Hopeline Network
Hotline for suicide intervention:
Toll free: 1-800-784-2433
Visit the website: www.hopeline.com
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
Referral hotline for substance abuse treatment:
Toll free: 1-800-662-4357
Visit the website: www.samhsa.gov
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
Network of local support grops for the mentally ill and their families:
Toll free: 1-800-950-6264
Visit the website: www.nami.org