Baby Care

Looking after yourself

After you have your baby, you will feel very tired. You may not be getting much sleep because the baby is waking you up during the night.

• Ask your partner and family to help with the baby and the housework
• Try to take a nap when the baby is asleep
• Make sure you are eating properly
• Don't worry about the housework too much

Some women experience the 'baby blues' after they give birth which makes them feel very sad and tearful. This may last for a few hours or, at most, for a few days and then it disappears.

Some mothers (about 10%) continue to feel down and develop postnatal depression. The depression often starts after the mother has left hospital and been discharged by the midwife.

Mothers who are suffering from this illness often feel that they can't cope with their baby, they feel sad and cry a lot.

If you think you may have postnatal depression, contact your doctor or
National Deaf Services

Old Church, 146a Bedford Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9HW
www.nationaldeafservices.com

Association for Post-Natal Illness

25 Jerdan Place, London. SW6 1BE
Tel: 0207 386 0868, Fax: 0207 386 8885
www.apni.org

Useful resource: Pregnancy & Birth– a Guide for Deaf Women