Page 23 - GreenBook

« during the day while your baby is sleeping. Another solution is to get some help
from your spouse or partner, family members or friends. Do not be afraid to
admit that you need a little mothering yourself. Most important of all is to realize
that what you are feeling is not awful. It does not make you a bad parent, just a

mi very normal one. As the days go by (and they do tend to run together) you may
begin to wonder just what you did with your time before the baby arrived. It is
hard to believe that a package that small could create so much work and worry.
If you seem to worry about everything the baby does (that he/she is sleeping too

mm much or not enough, eating too much or not enough) there is at least one thing
that you can stop worrying about. That is whether all this worrying is normal. It
is, it comes with the baby just like stretch marks and diapers.

^ Things will start to fall into place. The first six weeks to two months are a time
for enjoying and learning about your baby. You will find by trial and error when

he/she needs to be fed, what way he/she likes to be held, and a million other
wonderful things. Your baby will start to do things by a schedule, but don't get
too complacent. Babies change their schedule every few weeks just to keep you
on your toes. The two most important things to remember are that someday you
will get a full night's sleep and to try to keep your sense of humor.

Most of us want to be the very best parent we can be. It's our desire to do
everything the "right" way so that our child will be healthy both physically and
emotionally. That sounds like a good solid goal for parents, and it is. One
problem with this goal is that there are many "right" ways. Mothers, fathers,
grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, cousins, friends, the authors of child care
books, etc., all have different ideas about the "right" way to raise a child. For a
new mother and father this can all be very confusing. You need to absorb all the
information, try it and keep what is useful. Babies are all different. What makes
one baby comfortable and happy will not necessarily bring a glow of contentment
^ to another. Another problem with this goal is that sometimes we expect much
more from ourselves than is possible to achieve. You will not always do
everything perfectly. Be forgiving of yourself and each other.

^ POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Having a baby may be one of the biggest and happiest events in your life. The
reality of meeting a tiny infant's needs, however, can be stressful and
exhausting. The process of pregnancy and childbirth brings many physical,

hormonal and emotional changes that may become oven/vhelming. These
changes may make you feel sad, anxious, confused, lonely and worried. You
may have sudden mood swings from joy and relief to deep depression and
anxiety. This is called the "baby blues" and is normal. Baby blues will often pass
^ with time, rest and support from your partner, family or friends. Your local
community may have a new mother's support group. Information may be posted
at your local library.
Sometimes these feelings become very strong and persistent. They can
^ interfere with a mother's ability to function in caring for her child and in day to
day activities. This is called postpartum depression, and if left untreated can
worsen, and threaten the life and health of both the mother and child. Treatment
may include counseling and medication. If you think that you might have
m postpartum depression, or if the baby blues seem to be hanging on or getting

22