After your baby is born, you may feel tired after sleepless nights. In addition, her body has been through a great experience with the baby for 9 months, followed by the effort of giving birth. Maybe you’ve had a long labor, or maybe you’re feeling anxious and wondering how you’ll cope with taking care of this helpless little lump. Perhaps you are worried about not automatically bonding with your baby. On top of these concerns, your hormones are running amok in your body, which can make you cry for no reason. This will usually pass fairly quickly and you’ll really start to enjoy motherhood, but if it continues or you’re concerned, talk to your physician assistant or doctor for advice.

Accept help from family and friends, but tell them what would really help you. Maybe it’s babysitting in your sleep, from a trusted friend, or vacuuming or shopping. He also shares your feelings with your partner, he will probably be happy to help and support you, if you tell him what would help him the most. You’re probably not sure what to do and feel a bit left out. Share your problems and you will build a stronger relationship.

Occasionally, instead of getting better, postpartum depression sets in. This can be from 2 to 8 weeks after birth or even up to a year. If this happens and your symptoms get worse, seek help. Postpartum depression can include deep anxiety and a feeling of helplessness. It can include panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, and a general feeling of hopelessness. It’s not clear why some pregnancies end this way, as it can affect moms with multiple babies, but there may be only one that causes a problem.

Try to bond with your baby, respond to her smiles by smiling back and talking quietly. If you focus on his needs, you may find that it helps you and it will certainly help him. All babies need the love and touch of their parents to be happy and thrive. If she needs help, don’t face her alone; see a professional. Also go out and meet others moms in a group of babies it could help. You will enjoy the company and perhaps make new friends.

I trust you will feel better soon. Your moments of anxiety will be subsidized so that you can really start enjoying the care of your new family member.