• Things To Do
    • Animal Encounters
    • Fairs & Festivals
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Performing Arts
  • Readers’ Choice Awards
  • School Heroes
  • Contests
  • Advertise
  • Digital Editions
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Tiktok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Digital Editions

Parenting OC

Get the latest, straight to your inbox!Subscribe
MenuClose
  • Things To Do
    • Animal Encounters
    • Fairs & Festivals
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Performing Arts
  • Readers’ Choice Awards
  • School Heroes
  • Contests
  • Advertise
  • Digital Editions
  • Health & Wellness
    • Allergy, Colds, & Flu
    • Mindfulness
    • Mental Health
    • Spas & Gyms for Mom
    • Therapies for Kids
  • Camps & Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Performing Arts
    • Sports
    • STEM Learning
    • Day Camps
    • Overnight/Away Camps
    • Special Needs Camps
  • Education
    • Private Schools
    • Public Schools
    • Alternative Education
    • Child Care & Pre-K
    • Tutoring
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty & Style
    • Food
    • Pets
    • Spas & Gyms for Mom
    • Gift Guides
    • Travel
  • Special Needs
    • Learning Resources
    • Inspiration
    • Therapies & Treatments
  • OC Families
    • Local Heroes
    • OC Dads
    • OC Moms
  • The Fun Finder
  • Calendar

Health & Wellness, Mental Health

New Mommy Self-Care

Published June 27, 2018Admin Only:

mother holding baby

Q: [Adult] I’ve been really sad after giving birth to my daughter three weeks ago, and I cry all the time. Is this normal?

A: Having a baby can be one of the most joyous experiences a woman can go through; it can also be one of the most difficult. Having emotional highs and lows are very common in the postnatal time period and can be caused by many things, including hormonal fluctuations, fatigue, and adjusting to the demands of a newborn baby. Typically during this time, a mom may experience mild fatigue, irritability, sadness, low energy, and nervousness within the first 2-3 weeks postnatal, which is commonly referred to as the “Baby Blues.” However, if you are noticing that your moods are more severe and/or have lasted longer than 2-3 week postnatal period, you may be experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.

Postpartum mood disorders are more common than you may think, are experienced by approximately 1 in 7 women, and can occur at any stage of the perinatal period (pregnancy through the first year postpartum). Many women do not disclose their struggle with anxiety or depression due to lack of knowledge, feeling of shame and guilt, or fear of judgment. While women suffer in silence, their attachment with their child and relationships with others are also suffering. It’s important to know the warning signs of postpartum depression and anxiety so that you can get the help you may need.

I know you’re worried and it feels scary. How you are feeling is treatable and you will feel better! Take special care of yourself right now. Listen to your body, trust your instincts, and do what’s best for you. For some moms this may mean focusing on getting more sleep, while for others it may be exercising or joining a local moms group to build connections with, and get support from, other moms. No matter what you do, don’t dismiss or ignore how you’re feeling. Talk about it! Whether that’s to family or friends, or seeking support from a trained professional, the goal is to feel better and there are lots of ways to do that.


Kris La Fave SmithKris La Fave Smith, LMFT, is a Licensed Psychotherapist and owner of Mother Warrior Counseling. Her practice is dedicated to helping moms have easier access to treatment and raising awareness of maternal mental health. motherwarrior.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like...
Maximizing the Annual School Physical
Richard Uruchurtu
Q&A with a Dog Trainer
Mom and daughter laughing
The Power of Presence
Mindfullness
7 Simple Mindfulness Activities for Autism
Family Wellness
Positivity and Partnership
Moms Walking Baby
Postpartum Fitness
Free Weekly Newsletter
Stay up to date on current events, hot topics, contests and giveaways by signing up for Parenting OC’s mailing list.
Name
Parenting OC
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Tiktok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

The Villa Del Sol
305 North Harbor Blvd, Suite 320

Office hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Phone: 714-630-4510
Fax: 714-492-8434
Advertising: 714-630-4510 (ext. 1 for North County, ext. 2 for Central County, ext. 3 for South County)
Events: 714-630-4510 ext. 4
Publisher: 714-630-4510 ext. 5

© Copyright 2025 Parenting OC. All rights reserved.

  • Parenting OC Newsletter Sign Up
  • Advertise
  • Contact

Website Design & Development by Guido Media

Close
Type your search and press enter
Search