Health Tip: Dealing With Depression After Pregnancy

(HealthDay News) -- As many as 13 percent of new mothers are depressed after giving birth.

The National Women''s Health Information Center offers these suggestions to help ease postpartum depression:

• Don''t worry about making sure you''re doing everything perfectly. Do what you can, the best you can.
• Don''t be afraid to ask for help from your spouse or partner, friends or family.
• Sleep as much as you can. Take advantage of your baby''s nap time to catch up.
• Plan dates with your partner or outings with your friends to have some time to yourself.
• Talk about what you''re feeling with friends and family, as well as other new moms going through the same thing.
• Join a support group for new mothers.
• Keep life as simple as possible after the baby is born. Now is not the time to make major decisions or life changes, unless you must.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Feb. 27, 2009

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