A new life
Pregnancy and childbirth are periods of profound change and adjustment at the physical, psychological and emotional levels. Like many young mothers, you may feel tired, stressed or depressed.
Be indulgent with yourself and give yourself time to adapt to your new way of life. Your baby is your priority, but do not forget yourself. Make sure you get enough rest, it will be good for your baby, too.
Do not hesitate to ask for help from those around you with regard to shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.
Interview about birth experience
Sometimes things do not turn out as expected. In order to respond to the demand of women and couples who have had a recent difficult birth on a physical, psychological or emotional level, a oneon-one interview is offered. This is carried out by a trained midwife or senior obstetrician. Such an interview is also possible during a new pregnancy which follows a difficult delivery.
This contact will allow you to express your feelings and ask any questions you may have about obstetric care. The aim is not to let emotions or fears overshadow the future.
An appointment can be made at any time, right after birth or later.
To arrange an appointment contact :
Tel : +41(0)79 553 23 02 / +41(0)22 372 41 48
Email : vecuaccouchement@hug.ch
Baby blues
Between the 2nd and 5th day after birth, you may experience very strong emotions or mood changes. Nearly 70% of women experience “baby blues”. This phenomenon, linked to fatigue, emotions, hormonal changes and new parenthood, is short-lived (at most just a few days). Rest and caring support from those around you and/or professional carers will help you to negotiate this obstacle.
Perinatal depression
During pregnancy or in the first year after the birth of a child, 1 in 8 women is affected by depression. If you recognize any of the following signs, talk to your spouse, a loved one, your midwife or your doctor:
- you feel anguish
- your past obsesses you
- you have difficulty feeling like a mother or you feel like a “bad mother”
- you worry constantly and without reason about your child or yourself
- you feel constantly downcast or hopeless.
Do not stay alone. Instead, seek help before depression sets in so as to avoid its consequences. Know that perinatal depression can be easily treated, often even without the need of drugs, with the aid of short psychological therapies.
For further information see : Mental health during the perinatal period | Tel : +41(0)22 372 41 48
The partner
For your partner also, pregnancy and childbirth have been an intense period. The baby has been born and a daily routine has set in. The role and responsibilities as a father require him to adapt. In general, fathers are much more involved today than in the past.
Everyone has to find his own place and his own style: caring for the baby, supporting you, learning about education and how to care... The pressure can be intense and he should not hesitate to talk with
a professional about how to cope.
Paternal depression
It is not well known, but postpartum depression affects one in 10 fathers. The risk is even higher where the mother also suffers from depression. Anxiety, feelings of oppression, the difficulty in feeling like a father and despondency are just some of the symptoms. Paternal depression may also be manifested by greater absence, physical disorders (somatization) or an excessive consumption of alcohol.
In the case of distress, stay close to your partner and encourage
him/her to confide in you, a family member, family doctor or a
psychotherapist.
