Post-Partum Blues: How Exercise Can Help

Majority of mothers undergo a period of feeling highly sensitive after giving birth to a baby. It can stem from a sense of loss after getting baby out of the womb, or an overall self-esteem beating from extra weight. In any case, it is one of the most tumultuous times for the mom, as well as for the dad, who might not know the first thing in dealing with her frequent mood swings. A good way to help prevent the emotional extremes is to get into a workout program as soon as possible.

This is largely because exercise releases endorphins, or hormones that result in happy feelings. These are the hormones in charge of relieving stress. When you exercise, it triggers the release of these hormones, resulting in a happy feeling. In a way, they will be able to curb the emotional highs and lows caused by hormonal imbalances during and after pregnancy. It also serves as a better way to relieve stress instead of depending on the refrigerator.

Exercise can also fight her feelings of ugliness by giving her some confidence again. Even though she may not necessarily look fit right away, knowing that she is doing something to achieve it will indeed boost her self-esteem. Being preoccupied with the workout will also mean she won't have to spend her time moping around the house. An important side comment is necessary, that she gets the approval from her obstetrician before commencing on the exercise program. Usually, doctors allow exercise starting from one or two months after birth, depending on the mode of delivery.

Lastly, exercising will also give her some sense of control over her general situation. Struggling to take care of a newborn usually adds stress to the new mother. As such, doing something familiar like taking a brisk walk or working out on home fitness equipment will at least lend some sense of being in control. To some extent, it will help give her a sense of calm. As a result, a less harassed mom will also be more confident in learning to care for her newborn, and a chain-reaction will follow.

Knowing how to cope with post-partum depression is very important for the benefit of the mom, the dad, and the entire family. This is especially important since looking on the wrong way to feel good will only snowball into a worse set of mood swings at this very sensitive time. At least exercise is proven to have positive effects all throughout. This makes it one of the best ways to battle the blues that come on right after delivery!

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