Just leave me alone

Whether you’re feeling mildly or severely depresed after you become a mum, it’s important to recognise the symptoms and seek treatment

- Dr Richard C. Woolfson.

As you’ve now discovered, childbirth is a stressful experience and coping with your baby in this first year is very demanding, both physically and psychologically.

It’s hardly surprising that new mums often feel a whole range of positive and negative feelings immediately, following the birth of their baby.

True, some mothers are very optimistic and upbeat right from the start, but others – perhaps the majority – are more apprehensive, less self-assured and with a lower level of self-confidence.

Bear in mind that childbirth is an enormous strain on your body, the intensity depending on many factors, including your health, the length of the labour and the method of delivery.

Then there is increased tiredness due to your baby’s feeding, sleeping and bathing schedule.

There may be other stresses for you, including lack of privacy with your spouse (because you are constantly surrounded by visitors), lack of understanding from other people (“In my day, you just got on with it”), and perhaps unhelpful comments (“I don’t know how you manage with your baby screaming all the time”).