After your baby is born you may have days where you will feel a bit low or unexplainably weepy. This is perfectly normal, especially 3-4 days after the birth when your milk comes in. However if you feel that it is more than just the ‘baby blues’ then you must speak to your GP or health visitor.

• Postnatal depression can occur weeks or even months after the birth and affects 10-15% of mothers.
• Symptoms range from lethargy, tearfulness, anxiety, feelings of guilt, confusion, irritability, insomnia, loss of confidence, not enjoying motherhood, loss of appetite and loss of libido.
• There is lots of help available – speak to your GP or health visitor, who will be able to put you in touch with support groups, offer counselling or in some cases prescribe medication.
• Do not suffer in silence – if you can talk to friends, family or even complete strangers you may find this will help.
• Try and leave the house every day, even if it is just to take baby for a walk around the block.
• Take time for you – if people offer to help out then let them!

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