Mom, make and keep the appointment for your own 6-week doctor’s check-up. This is very important! During the first few weeks after your baby is born, it is not unusual to feel tired or depressed or find yourself on the verge of tears for no apparent reason. Both mothers and fathers may experience a letdown — similar to what most of us feel after any long awaited moment has come and gone. New mothers may go through “the baby blues” or postpartum blues. The baby blues come from the many changes your body goes through after your baby is born. You may feel discouraged, tense, or feel like crying. These feelings are perfectly normal. Be reassured that many parents have them and they are temporary. To deal with the baby blues, keep your days simple. Talk to your partner, a family member, a good friend or your doctor about your feelings. It helps to talk to someone who is close to you and cares about you. If you have a partner, remember you're in this together. The information in Parenting Partners can help you start a conversation with your partner and can be found at http://web.aces.uiuc.edu/familylife/parentingpartners/. Ask nothing of yourself except what you must do, the basic essentials. Plan a nap for yourself around your baby’s schedule. Take time to eat healthy food and take relaxing breaks. Try to be flexible. You will feel less worn out at the end of the day if you can relax more during the day. Give yourself a chance. Pretty soon you will feel better about yourself and parenting.

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