Postpartum Depression: Beating New Mommy Blues
Your childless friends don't get what you're going through, you have yet to make any "mommy friends" and your baby's conversations aren't yet intelligible. Welcome to parenthood! If you're feeling a little lonely, you're not alone. Having a baby is amazing, but it's also amazingly overwhelming and you can easily end up feeling like you're the only one stuck at home under a pile of dirty diapers 24/7. Most new parents feel isolated and lonely at times, but there are ways to get in touch with some grownups who get it.
What You're Thinking: "I just want to talk to another grownup for five minutes."
Baby Milestones
Of course your baby is still the center of your universe, growing faster than a Chia pet, and becoming more gorgeous and irresistible every day, but this newsletter is all about YOU—because you, mama, are AWESOME!
Mommy Milestones
- Join a new parent group in your 'hood. It'll be a great resource and they may even be able to set you up in a playgroup with other mamas.
- If you can't find a playgroup, consider starting your own with cool moms you meet. Don't be shy! Remember, they're all feeling as lonely as you are!
- Sign up for a Mommy and Me class or a postpartum exercise class where you can get in shape and make new BFFs at the same time—it's a two-fer!.
- Try to get out of the house every day, even if it's only to run to the grocery store or take a walk. You'll remember that there's a whole world out there beyond the nursery walls. And if you time it right, you can even catch a movie or grab a pedicure with baby in tow!
- If you feel really isolated and down and just can't shake it, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. The key to feeling better is to get help pronto. Call your doctor!
Home Front
If you feel like you really can't get out of the house yet—or sometimes you just can't manage to get you and the baby washed and dressed at the same time!—try to make the most of staying in! We've got some ideas to help you make the best of staying at home. Read more...
Everything you ever wanted to know...and were just about to ask...
Cook It:
Classic Guacamole
Wow your playgroup friends with this homemade guac!
Buy It: Mommy Cards
A little 'social' security for you and your kid.
Share It: Meeting Other Mommies
Making "Mommy Friends" isn't always that easy.
Discuss It: Chat with other new mamas and papas on our Baby Board.
BACK: Baby Development: Month 4 / NEXT: Baby Development: Month 5
All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street, you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
report abuseWow your playgroup friends with this homemade guac!
Buy It: Mommy Cards
A little 'social' security for you and your kid.
Share It: Meeting Other Mommies
Making "Mommy Friends" isn't always that easy.
Discuss It: Chat with other new mamas and papas on our Baby Board.
BACK: Baby Development: Month 4 / NEXT: Baby Development: Month 5
All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street, you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.
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