Six weeks post-birth and feeling depressed: How can a new mum improve her Mental Health?

[morningpaper]

A friend of mine is six weeks post-birth and feeling depressed: How can she improve her Mental Health?

She's had a really rough time breastfeeding and has found the whole newborn thing quite a shock.

My suggestions are:

• Eat regularly
• Sleep early
• Get a walk every day
• Know your limits - if you are feeling SEVERELY depressed/wrong, get medical help

What else can I suggest?

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SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT
from dh/dp/friends ANYONE

Let them help!

I didn't with dd2 and got quite miserable. I have taken any bit of help that is offered this time (dd3) and it has made a BIG difference.

great stuff

keep em coming please

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Giving birth IS a shock. Do remember that. Remember your hormones are all over the place and it does get easier. Never, ever compare yourself with anyone else. At 6 weeks after dd3 I was still spending a LOT of time in bed or on the sofa.

I think getting out for a gentle walk every day is a great idea, but REST REST REST REST

LOOK AT YOUR BABY EVERY DAY and tell yourself how fabulous you are for growing this amazing person and what fun you are going to have in the future when you are less sleep deprived and hormonal.

Breastfeeding is SHITE for the first 6 weeks and it does get easier. If she has given up already, then fine, at least she tried. Breastfeeding makes you knackered anyway

Oh just send her round here

I could waffle for England on this subject

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Let her know she is not alone in this...and it does get better, with time (and maybe, in some cases, medication, if that is what it takes...)

Definitely agree she should get a walk/out of the house every day...even if it is just a stroll around the block...or pop to corner shop and buy something nice (flowers/chocolate/favourite paper/magazine). Especially when she is having 'a bad day'.

Accept help - she does NOT have to prove to herself (or anyone else) that she CAN do it all alone (I thought I needed to...quack quack oops!)

MUST change my name from this halloween one!!!

BUT...it has to be said, IMO, if she has no history of depression prior to the birth her mental state is almost certainly down to trauma AND sleep deprivation and hormones which is NORMAL and IMO does NOT need medicating - rather it needs understanding and support. Obviously if her mental state deteriorates further then yes go to the GP but honestly feeling mental is NORMAL after you have had a baby.