Just leave me alone
Young Parents Singapore|March 2017

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.
Just leave me alone

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”).

This story is from the March 2017 edition of Young Parents Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 2017 edition of Young Parents Singapore.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOUNG PARENTS SINGAPOREView All
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
Young Parents Singapore

Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission

If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.

time-read
6 mins  |
March - April 2019
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Young Parents Singapore

What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?

Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2019
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
Young Parents Singapore

Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life

PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2019
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Young Parents Singapore

Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?

Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2019
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Young Parents Singapore

Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues

Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.

time-read
8 mins  |
January 2019
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
Young Parents Singapore

Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?

School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2019
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
Young Parents Singapore

Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?

How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.

time-read
8 mins  |
March - April 2019
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Young Parents Singapore

The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids

Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.

time-read
9 mins  |
March - April 2019
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Young Parents Singapore

Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?

Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.

time-read
8 mins  |
March - April 2019
Bottoms Up!
Young Parents Singapore

Bottoms Up!

Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2017