Health Tip: Dealing With Depression After Pregnancy

By
Diana Kohnle
February 27, 2009, 11:24 AM ET
1 min read

Feb. 28 -- (HealthDay News) -- As many as 13 percent of new mothers are depressed after giving birth.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers these suggestions to help ease postpartum depression:

  • Don't worry about making sure you're doing everything perfectly. Do what you can, the best you can.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help from your spouse or partner, friends or family.
  • Sleep as much as you can. Take advantage of your baby's nap time to catch up.
  • Plan dates with your partner or outings with your friends to have some time to yourself.
  • Talk about what you're feeling with friends and family, as well as other new moms going through the same thing.
  • Join a support group for new mothers.
  • Keep life as simple as possible after the baby is born. Now is not the time to make major decisions or life changes, unless you must.