The first month can be extremely challenging for you as your body recovers from pregnancy and childbirth. It will take several weeks for you to fully recover, and if you had a C-section, it will take time for the incision to heal before you can resume normal daily activities. Due to hormonal changes, you may experience intense mood swings. This can lead to unprovoked crying or feeling down. Every night, you will have to wake up every 2-3 hours to feed or change your newborn, which will leave you exhausted and exacerbate mood swings.
This postpartum depression might make you feel somewhat "crazy," embarrassed, or even like a "bad mother." However, you must constantly remind yourself that these feelings are very common after pregnancy and childbirth. Though it is difficult, try to view these emotions rationally and objectively. Sometimes, fathers also feel unhappy and emotional after the birth of a child. To prevent this depression from controlling your life and overshadowing the joy of your baby's birth, avoid being alone as much as possible during the first few weeks. Take naps when the baby sleeps to avoid becoming overly fatigued. If the feelings of depression persist and worsen after a few weeks, seek help by consulting a doctor.
Visits from friends and family can help you combat these feelings of depression, as they will celebrate the birth of your child with you. They may bring gifts for the baby and might even help with cooking or other chores in the first few weeks. However, too many visits can overwhelm you and your baby, potentially exposing the baby to infections. Therefore, control the number of visitors in the initial weeks and avoid contact with those who are coughing or suffering from influenza or other infectious diseases. Inform visitors to call before coming, wash their hands before holding the baby, and avoid staying too long until you have fully recovered. If the baby appears unsettled due to too much attention, do not let people you are not close with hold the baby.
The birth of a newborn, the stream of visitors, physical pain, fluctuating emotions, and possibly caring for other children all require your attention. It is no wonder that you might neglect some other household activities. Be mentally prepared for these situations. The most important thing for you is to focus on your recovery and enjoy the joy of your newborn's arrival. Allow other family members or friends to help you with some tasks from time to time. This is not a sign of weakness but rather an indication that you understand the importance of prioritizing tasks. It also gives those who love you a chance to care for you and feel that they are an important part of the newborn's life.