Tyra talks to Moms about the dark side of motherhood.
Today, Tyra sat down with Moms who were suffering from postpartum depression and had thoughts of harming their children. Mom•Logic friend and psychotherapist Jill Spivack joined Tyra for this discussion to help these parents make sense of their feelings. Jill gave us some tips on how new Moms can transition into motherhood in a healthy way.
1) Prioritize what absolutely needs to be done. Don't worry about things like returning phone calls or thank you notes. And remember to ask for help with stuff around the house. Focus on the baby and yourself.
2) Sleep when the baby sleeps. It's easier said than done, but VERY important. You need sleep in order to care for your child with love and patience.
3) Get realistic about how your body has changed. Don't expect to bounce back like Angelina Jolie! It takes time to get back in shape.
4) Protect your marriage. Know that there are stages in a marriage and that in the first year of parenthood, you're likely to feel more disconnected as you bond with your new little baby. Remember to communicate with your husband, and make sure you both share your feelings.
5) Prioritize good sleep habits for your baby. Start a bedtime routine that can include a bath, massage, dimming lights, soft music, diaper change, etc. Create a non-stimulating sleep environment, which means removing all toys from the crib, turning off the lights to create a dark room, and using an appliance that creates white noise. Put your child to sleep while he or she is still awake, and stick to a regular sleep schedule.
6) Recognize signs of postpartum. Symptoms include panic attacks, thoughts of hurting your baby, intense anxiety, insomnia or always being tired, feeling isolated, and suicidal thoughts. Reach out to your doctor, family or a friend if you experience one or more of these signs.
7) Avoid isolating yourself. Reach out to friends, family, and other new Moms. Try finding support groups for new Moms, or turn to Web sites to connect with other mothers.
8) Put some structure back into your life. Schedule your days with different tasks or activities. After three to four months, you should have a general idea of his/her sleep pattern and begin designing balance.
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