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Postpartum Depression: Adjusting to a New Role

It's not uncommon for new moms to develop what's commonly referred to as the "baby blues" because of sharp drops in hormones after giving birth. But postpartum depression is different. Its lows are profound, and symptoms rarely go away without treatment.

While you get treatment, experts offer these lifestyle tips:

  1. Ask friends and family to call you often, and plan outings and visits with friends and relatives.
  2. Exercise every day, doing things you enjoy such as outdoor stroller walks. Exercise helps improve mood.
  3. Ask family and friends to help by bringing over meals, or going shopping for you.
  4. Join a support group of new mothers. No one can better understand the challenges of caring for a new baby than other moms.
Sources:

Amber Koter-Puline, peer support facilitator, Atlanta Post Partum Support Group.

Patrice Harris, MD, Psychiatrist and Director of Health for Fulton County Georgia.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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