Baby Blues
Postpartum depression is commonly referred to as “baby blues” and is
now receiving significant attention from the media. Physically, there is a
hormonal change that takes place in a mother right after delivery. For
some women, it takes longer for those hormones to be brought back into
balance.
Although some women find themselves depressed and weepy several
days after giving birth, not all women experience postpartum depression.
Many who do have certain traits in common—they’re not on a routine,
they nurse frequently, and they are up several times during the night—all
of which leave them in a perpetual state of exhaustion. Each of these
symptoms can be traced back to the strain that lack of routine puts on a
mother. Constant fatigue will do your body no favor. You can greatly
minimize the symptoms of postpartum depression by keeping yourself on
a good routine, getting plenty of rest, and watching your diet. If you find
that after several weeks you are still abnormally melancholy, talk to your
obstetrician.
Baby Equipment
One thing to remember about baby equipment is that much of it is
optional except for car seats. You don’t need to follow all the
recommended baby equipment lists that appear in parenting magazines or
in baby stores. Your baby isn’t going to know or care if he or she has
coordinating furniture, so don’t worry if the prettiest is not in your
budget. There are some items—beyond the usual high chair, stroller,
changing table, and crib—that would be helpful and can be borrowed
from a friend or relative. Also, you can get great deals at garage sales.
Baby Monitor
A monitor can serve a useful purpose by allowing you to hear your baby
if you happen to have a large home or are working outdoors during your