Baby Blues

Up to 80% of mothers are affected by 'baby blues', a condition that lasts up to two weeks after birth. Because it is so common after childbirth, it isn't considered a clinical form of depression, but that doesn't mean it doesn't negatively impact women. The symptoms of baby blues, which is also called maternity blues, includes weeping, rapid mood changes and general irritability, inability to sleep, and poor concentration. Mothers with baby blues are also unable to bond with their new child. Rest assured, if you've experienced any of this you aren't alone.

Baby blues are caused by the influx of the various hormones in a woman's body after birth. These hormones, such as endorphin, estrogen, and progesterone, are at their highest, and the amount produced begins to plummet after the child is born. These new mothers are also exhausted from the physical and emotional demands of a new life to care for, up at all hours of the night. This leads to an incredibly drained woman.

If the condition lasts longer than two weeks, it is considered postpartum depression. The symptoms of postpartum are the same, but the time line is extended or the symptoms are more severe. In these more extreme or longer term cases, doctors often recommend medication or therapy. For those who suffer from the shorter term condition that so many other women go through are often able to manage without the help of medication. If negative emotions persist though, contact your health care provider.

As with any form of depression, making sure your body is in its peak physical form is the best thing you can do for yourself. Of course, this is a near impossible feat for women who just gave birth. The exhaustion is nearly unavoidable, in even the most ideal situations. At night, even if you do fall asleep you're woken up for feedings. The advice commonly given to women is to take a nap whenever the baby does. As a new mother though sometimes your mind isn't able to calm down enough for you to sleep.

So as much as we can tell you it's sleep that you need, we know that's not always possible. The next best thing you can do for your body in this case, which hopefully you would do anyway, is to take care of yourself body and mind as best as you can. This includes eating right and not taking on too much stress on yourself. We know that being a new mother is scary - you're in charge of another life. Share some of this stress with others who are in the same situation, and have been in the same situation. Join a support group for new mothers. Talk to a family member, or your spouse. Getting your feelings out will help alleviate some of your fears. Another suggestion is to keep a diary, as it often helps to get your feelings on paper.

Eating right is just as important as feeling right. In fact, it can help you feel better. Be sure to include plenty of vitamins and essential nutrients in your diet, especially zinc and vitamin A and B. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like albacore tuna and salmon, are essential for a new mother. For an extra boost, Avlimil Complete is an all-natural herbal supplement for women that balances hormone levels. It contains ingredients that have been used by midwives for many years to ease postpartum and baby blues, such as sage leaf, black cohosh root and soybean isoflavones. As an added bonus, it also contains a number of other ingredients that ease discomfort after childbirth, such as red raspberry leaf and valerian. Note that while no adverse side effects have been reported, it is always important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.

Katrin Brik writes for www.female-enhancement.com, a site dedicated to female health and female enhancement products review including Avlimil Complete. For more information on Avlimil Complete visit www.female-enhancement.com/Avlimil.htm