Health after your baby is born

Post Natal Depression

It’s really normal to get the ‘baby blues’ which usually begins within a few days of your baby’s birth and as many as 8 out of 10 women will experience this. The baby blues can be caused by hormone changes, tiredness or discomfort as your body has gone through an enormous change. The baby blues symptoms usually only last about a week. You might cry for no obvious reason, or feel on top of the world one minute and miserable the next.

But postnatal depression is more than feeling unhappy and you may feel increasingly depressed and looking after yourself or your baby may become too much. It may seem as though there is no answer and no end to the way you are feeling. Postnatal depression usually occurs 2 to 8 weeks after the birth, although it can happen at any time up to a year after your baby is born, it is very common and is thought to affect up to 4 in 10 young mothers.

Suffering from postnatal depression is not failing or being a ‘bad mother’. Here are some of the symptoms and you may feel some or all of these things:

• Crying a lot, often over small things
• Poor concentration
• Guilt, worry and stress
• Feeling that you’re a bad mother or not enjoying being a mum
• Fear of harming yourself or your baby
• Sleeping problems or extreme tiredness
• The smallest jobs seem almost impossible to manage
• No appetite, or overeating

If you do feel that you have postnatal depression speak to your GP or health visitor and they will be able to help you. If you want someone to support you when you see your doctor take someone with you – your partner, mum or friend. But if you feel that going to your doctor is too scary make sure you tell someone how you are feeling – don’t suffer alone.   

Bonding with your baby

What is ‘bonding’?

When people talk about ‘bonding’ this is the intense attachment you develop with your baby. It's the feeling you get when you know you would do anything to protect your baby and the intense love you have for your baby. For some new mums and dads they feel this straight away in the first few days or even minutes with their new baby. But for other parents it takes a bit longer.  

But what if I don't bond with my baby right away?

First of all don't worry! Bonding is complicated and over time, as you get to know your baby, your feelings will deepen. Don’t forget your baby is an entirely new person with a unique personality which you will have to get to know.

When should I worry?

If you feel that after a few weeks you don't feel more attached to and comfortable with your baby, or you feel detached from your baby, resentful or very anxious, talk to your doctor or health visitor. You could be suffering from postnatal depression and this can delay bonding, and it's best to seek help as soon as possible.

What about if my child has a disability?

Oxfordshire County Council has social workers and support staff who will help you and your family if your child with a disability. They will be able to tell you about funding and all the support services that are available to you.   

Children need to be assessed by the Oxfordshire County Council Children and Families team. If you would like more information about this service, you can call Social & Community Services on 0845 050 7666. There is information about the services that Oxfordshire County Council can offer you on the website.

What if my baby is ill?

If your baby becomes ill seek medical advice as soon as possible from your doctor or health visitor. It can be really scary as babies can’t tell you what’s wrong or how they are feeling.

You can contact NHS Direct 24 hours a day on 0845 4647 and talk through your baby’s symptoms or you can do a symptom checker on their website: NHS Direct

Breastfeeding

Why breastfeed?

Breastfeeding your baby has loads of advantages for you and your baby.

• It helps you to bond with your baby
• It’s a natural food which gives your baby all the nutrition they need, as well as helping to make your baby immune to illnesses
• Can reduce your risk of getting ovarian or breast cancers
• It’s free and there are no bottles to sterilise!
• It’s always ready – even in the middle of the night   
• You can do it anywhere
• It helps you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight as it uses more calories – up to 500 calories per day.
• Dads can also be involved in the feeding if you express your breast milk 

Can anyone help me with breastfeeding?

Not everyone finds breastfeeding easy to start off with but your midwife, health visitor or children’s centre will be able to offer support and advice about breastfeeding. There are also drop-in groups and Baby Cafés in Children’s Centres and other venues around Oxford to help with breastfeeding. The Baby Café supports breastfeeding mums and is free and open to all, staff can help you find ways to feed comfortably and you can chat about any concerns or questions you have in a relaxed, informal, safe, child-friendly, non-medical environment of the  Baby Café

There is information about breastfeeding support all around the county with lists of the different drop in centres find out about it on the Maternity Services website.

What if I can’t breastfeed?

Almost all women can breastfeed with the right support and advice but not all babies can. If you decide to bottle feed your baby you need to be really thorough with cleaning the bottles and preparing the formula. Your baby can get ill if the bottles and equipment are not sterilised properly or the amount of water in the formula is not correct. Your midwife or health visitor will be able to show you how to prepare the formula and how to sterilise your bottles and equipment.