A Guiding Hand for Families in Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 46
Special Care Nursery (SCN)
How to Deal with Post-birth Hormones
The Baby Blues
Baby blues are best described as the feelings of sadness you may have
three to five days after having a baby. These feelings are most likely caused
by the post-birth hormones in your body. You may feel sad or down and you
may cry a lot. By about 10 days after baby’s birth, these feelings should go
away. If they don’t, tell your health care provider or your GP.
What can I do to get rid of the baby blues?
Talk to your partner or a good friend about how you’re feeling. You may also
find it helpful to speak to a hospital counsellor. It’s really common to have
the baby blues and talking about your feelings may help you feel better.
Ask your partner, friends and family to help you with chores around the
house and to help you get ready for when your baby comes home. It’s
OK to ask for help so don’t feel like you have to do everything yourself –
people do genuinely want to help you. Finally, get some fresh air every
day, even if it’s for a short walk. Don’t feel like you have
to stay home or in hospital all day by yourself. Getting
up and out can make you feel energised and back in
touch with the rest of the world.
What you might be feeling about having a
premature or sick baby
Many deliveries resulting in SCN admission are traumatic
and not how parents planned them to be. Parents of premature and sick
babies often feel a sense of loss, guilt, regret and distress about how their
baby came into the world. These feelings are common to most SCN parents
and understanding that you are not alone in these emotions can provide
much needed relief.
Some common feelings are:
• Loss at not having a normal pregnancy
• Anger that your pregnancy was difficult and you missed out on the joy
and excitements that normal pregnancy might have brought
• Loss at not being ready for your pregnancy to end
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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