The baby blues... What are the baby blues?


The baby blues are a normal part of motherhood and are linked to hormonal changes that happen during the week after giving birth and most women will experience changes in their mood. You may feel irritable, tearful, irrational, depressed or anxious. If these symptoms last more than two weeks and are interfering with you caring for yourself and baby this may be a sign that you have developed post natal depression. So don’t suffer in silence, talk this through with your health professional.


It’s perfectly OK to feel both happy and fearful of this new responsibility. The reality of parenthood may not hit you both until you leave the hospital and feelings of being overwhelmed and fretful are common.


To help reduce the symptoms of ‘baby blues’:- 1. Accept help: Reduce stress Do one thing at a time, multi-tasking is a myth


and will only increase your stress. Delegate the housework, and don’t turn down any offers of help. Remember, stress creates adrenaline and the production of stress hormones that increase anxiety.


2. Exercise


Once you have had the all clear, start walking. A daily ten to fifteen minute walk releases neurotransmitters in the brain and makes you feel better.


3. Baby asleep: Be kind to yourself


Don’t fill your time with catching up on housework. Get some ZZZs, even if it’s just a 20 minute cat nap. Take a bath, eat a nutritional snack and remember alcohol is a depressant, so limit your intake.


4. Mix with other parents


Even though your mind may be critical and telling you that every other mother is coping better than you, just show up anyway, regardless of what your thoughts are saying. You may just make a lifelong friend.


Children’s Centres


The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead is committed to giving every child the best start in life. The 13 Children’s Centres spread across the borough provide a safe and welcoming environment with easy access to a range of activities and information to help you lead a happy and healthy family life.


Each Children’s Centre has been developed to meet local needs typically offering:


• Early learning activity opportunities for children under 5 years • Access to specialist services • Health Services • Family Support • Parenting • Guidance on finding employment, work and training


They aim to provide a ‘one stop shop’ for parents with children under 5 where they can get advice, guidance and support on the many aspects of Small Steps 10


raising children and family life. Raising a family can be a rewarding and enjoyable time but we know there are times when extra support is needed.


Children’s Centre staff can


help at these times by offering support that is tailored to your family’s needs or they can help you find a service that can support you.


To find your local Children’s Centre or for further information please call:


Maidenhead area: Rachael Park-Davies: Tel: 01628 685642


Datchet/Windsor area: Serena Rumsey-Mitchell: Tel: 01753 582564


Or look on the website www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/ed_childrens_centres.htm


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