Risk Factors for Maternal Blues
A lot of women get the maternal blues with the birth of their child. There are various risk factors that may make you more likely to develop this. Knowing these factors may help you be more on the lookout for such a situation.
History of depression
If you have a history of depression, then you may be more likely to start feeling it as you have your child. Your hormones are changing so much at this time, and adding a previous history to it might be a disastrous combination. If you are used to dealing with these issues, then be especially diligent about looking out for them now. This is especially true if you have had post-partum depression in the past.
Not getting enough support/help
Women who have to do everything on their own may feel more of the overwhelming feelings that can lead to maternal blues. Some women have their mothers, sisters, friends and other loved ones there to provide physical, mental and emotional help. Others will have few people to turn to, which can lead them to feel more overworked.
Not enough sleep
Of course, most new mothers are sleep-deprived. There are levels of this, however. Some mothers may have a husband who can take turns getting up with the baby so they may not be quite as sleep-deprived. Some women do not have other commitments and can nap during the day when the baby sleeps whereas others have other children or work and cannot get the sleep then.
Too many other commitments
Some women get the maternal blues because they feel like they are falling behind on everything. They may simply have too much on their plate such as school or work.
Hormones
Of course, a big part of maternal blues is the hormones, which cannot be helped. Some people are just more prone to getting the maternal blues.
Does not choose to deal with it/be on the lookout for it
Although there are parts to the maternal blues that cannot be avoided, a person does have a lot of control on how they deal with it. If you are watching for it and proactively try to prevent it or deal with it, then the symptoms may be much less. If you just let it sweep you up and only think about the bad in your life, then it may be much worse.
There are many factors that can affect the maternal blues. The above ones are just a few that may be at play.