One Mommy No Cry!

Hi S.,
My son is now 3mo and - trust me - you will feel better soon. I found myself tearing up at least a dozen times a day and rarely allowing myself the good cry that I needed. It REALLY is the hormones, lack of sleep and new mommy adjustment combo that causes these wacky feelings. You won't melt down in public if you let yourself do it in private when you need to. Grab the baby and the stroller, load up the car and go to the nearest indoor shopping mall and walk some laps - maybe get a snack. You will be amazed by how much better you will feel. It really does get better once your hormone levels even out a bit. I LOVE being a mommy - its the best thing I ever did, but some days are really, really hard. Best of luck and congrats on the new little one!!
T.

Even when you don't have "baby blues" having a new baby is an incredibly emotional time. I remember looking at my son when he was little and just wanting to cry because I loved him so much! Or because I was just so amazed that I had actually made a person. Even now, if he does something especially cute it brings tears to my eyes. It makes me feel silly, but I know it's because I'm happy - not because I'm sad - that I get weepy. It's just part of being a mom. Don't fight it - it's natural to just feel a bit overwhelmed with an 8-week old baby. You've gone through a lot of changes both physically, hormonally, and in your lifestyle - in that time. It's no picnic adjusting! It *will* get better soon. And getting some sleep always helps too. There's a reason most women try and take their full 12-week FMLA in this country! We need every second of it.

I cried once and it was about the baby, but luckily my mom was here. It was a few days after we brought the baby home and it was her first rough night. She wouldn't eat and just cried. I was tired and frustrated. Once I had it out mom told me to go to bed that she would handle the baby. I turned out it was the horseradish I had at dinner and it made my milk taste funny.

I suggest just let it out. Tell whomever you trust that you need them to tend to the baby and cry it out. When you feel the need, just pass the baby off for a little while and cry.

Baby blues is fine, it passes and is really no big deal. It's when you are more then just "blue". Sounds like you're in no real danger. Good luck.

ditto to what everyone is saying - - its normal and hormonal. From a scientific perspective, crying actually releases serotonin into your system. Its actually beneficial to cry and is your body's natural way of trying to get back in balance.

Part of the reason new moms feel so sad is the sudden change in hormones from pregnancy.

It's so normal to feel sad. But, I agree that you have to get out and do something for yourself. Even if you are breastfeeding, you can leave baby with your husband or another trusted person and go get a manicure/pedicure/something that helps you get out of the house and do something you enjoy.

The one thing I learned with my kids is that mommyhood is not about being a "martyr" and all...it's about teaching your kids how to take care of themselves (eventually...), and the only way to do that is to do it yourself.

Go ahead and have a good cry. Holding it back isn't making it go away. Have a good cry and know that all moms go through this and it will pass.

Oh, and maybe find a local mom's group. They can be sanity savers...mom's night out...or even getting to know new people and going to places that you normally wouldn't go to. I know that being a part of a mom's group was heaven sent after I had my son (I didn't have anything like this when I had my daughter and it was much, much harder). Don't know where you live, but I belong to carymomsgroup.com and you can also check out meetup.com for local mom's groups, as well.

Good luck! Take care of yourself!

My baby is almost 9 months old and I still tear up very easily. I just don't let it get past a few tears while I'm in public. One thing my husband suggested is watching a touching movie. This has helped. After I put the kids to bed, I turn on a good Hallmark movie and let them flow. It usually helps me for a while. Books are good, too.

Don't worry - this is natural and part of having hormones. And even if you do end up getting some baby blues, it's only temporary. But what you are describing sounds normal. Give yourself permission to get upset - you have every right to be with an infant. Even when they are a pleasure, they are a lot of work, and unfortunately the rest of the world doesn't stop when something spectacular happens (like the miracle of a baby).

It's ok to cry! Just because you cry doesn't mean you have the baby blues or PPD. When my dd was first born I cried...a lot! I was just very tired and overwhelmed. Your hormomes are still in shift, so it's normal to feel a little blue. If you find yourself not wanting to have anything to do with your baby, or crying all the time then it's time to seek help. So, make yourself a bath, get a good book,light some candles and lock the door. If you feel like crying, then cry! It will make you feel better.

I understand. You've got to let yourself have time just for you...a bubble bath, a trip to the spa, an afternoon or evening out with your girlfriends. Have your husband or a trusted neighbor spend time with your little one--even during naptime--but be yourself--just yourself. Not your mommy self for a short while. Be honest with yourself. It's ok to cry once in a while. Get it out of your system and then make a list of all the things you're thankful for and this will keep you from sinking into the baby blues. Whatever you do, enjoy it thoroughly!

p.s. if you want to have a "new mom make-over" it's on me. My website is below.

I agree with Angel. You need to take some time for yourself. I was the same at first. I wouldn't let myself cry and then just one night I accidentally spilled a bottle all over my daughter and I (it was 3 AM and I wasn't awake and I didn't screw the top on right and sat down with her in the rocker put the nipple in her mouth and... whoosh we were both soaked with formula)and I just started bawling and couldn't stop. But then I felt better. After that I started making time where I could be by myself and cry if I needed to. I'd let my mom watch her for a little bit in one part of the house and I'd go in another and just let it out. Then I'd go back and be mommy again. I think it really helped me. Like Angel said doing things you used to do before baby will help too.
Congrats on the new baby btw.