Why Do I Feel Blue?

By: Rachael Bowling
Most women who have given birth can remember experiencing ‘baby blues’. This is the period of time soon after the baby’s birth, which is characterized by a great deal of crying for the new mother. This sadness is most often connected to the sudden drop in a woman’s hormone levels following delivery.

Approximately 80% of new mothers will experience ‘baby blues’ after their child’s birth. Unfortunately, some of these women will go on to experience Postpartum depression and anxiety or, even worse, Postpartum psychosis.

Symptoms of Postpartum depression and anxiety include nervousness, panic, fatigue, exhaustion, depression, hopelessness, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, memory loss and irritability, just to name a few. Postpartum psychosis can be marked by insomnia, hallucinations and bizarre feelings or behavior.

The Good News
The good news is that exercise can go a long way in the battle against all forms of Postpartum depression. As a new mother, exercise can benefit your mind, your body and your new bundle of joy. Strollerfit, just may be the perfect fit for the new mother and the new baby.

Exercise For Mind/Body Benefits
Exercise has many benefits for the mind. Physical activity takes the edge off of daily tension and triggers the release of endorphins – the pituitary gland hormones that are capable of producing feelings of euphoria. Depression is often linked to low endorphin levels.

Exercise can also help the body burn off excess amounts of adrenaline that the body produces during times of panic and anxiety. Depression and anxiety can also be experienced when a person feels that they have little or no control over certain aspects or their life. Exercise becomes a form of control, control over one’s own body. Exercise also promotes restful sleep, which can be invaluable when you have a newborn to dictate your schedule.

The physical benefits of exercise for the body are numerous. Skin tone and muscle tone are improved and revitalized. Strength and endurance are enhanced as well. Blood circulation gets better with exercise and the heart is able to function with greater ease. Lung capacity is also increased through exercise.

Of course, exercise also burns lots of calories, which will help a new mother to shed some of the weight that was put on during pregnancy. The bottom line is that a healthy looking and feeling body can help a new mother create a positive self esteem, and a positive self esteem can go a long way in fighting Postpartum depression.

Getting Motivated
It's important to remember that a mom suffering from Postpartum depression has a lack of motivation. Getting involved in a pre-organized program like Strollerfit can help overcome a lack of motivation. To know that someone is ready for you and your baby to be involved is a mental motivation that will help keep you going on the days that seem too much to bear.

Don't Forget Your Baby
Your new baby will benefit from your exercise program as well, especially if it includes Strollerfit. It’s a truly wonderful way for your baby to get out and experience all the world has to offer. The sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors will be very stimulating for your baby. And who knows, your baby just may make some new friends while your exercising and showing him/her off.

You can get a handle on the 'baby blues'. The key is getting started. Make a pact with yourself to take a walk today. Step by step you will start feeling better. Make the healthy choice; start exercising today.