Sometimes, with all the happiness, glee and confusion that comes with newborn babies, its easy to overlook the most important person in the entire process – the mother. After childbirth, life can be very difficult, especially for a first time mum, and when you throw these mixed feelings in with those miserable winter blues that are affecting more and more of us each year, life can be very tough indeed.

There are some rather obvious signs and symptoms that you could be on the lookout for, and just being aware of them could help to change that new mum’s life.

  • Are they withdrawn and not interested in classes, appointments, etc. that they should be?
  • Are they quiet? Withdrawn?  
  • Has their appetite changed? 
  • Does there seem to be some distance between new mother and baby? 
  • Are they having trouble sleeping? Staying asleep? Getting asleep?
  • Is she having difficulty for concentrating on something for longer than five minutes?
  • Are they very critical of themselves?

All of the above could be s something known as ‘baby blues’ but if it seems to carry on for longer than two weeks, and seems to be especially prolific during the winter months, it could be just as the name suggests – the winter blues with new-born babies.

Now, it’s easy enough to spot the signs of the winter blues in new mothers, but approaching the subject with them is another matter entirely. They probably haven’t quite come to terms with it themselves, so the fact that you are asking them about it face to face might cause quite the stir. Rather than trying to tackle it head-on, like a bull in a the proverbial china shop, why not ‘assist’ in day to day life so that you help her to feel happier?

Simple things such as taking a walk, listening to soothing or upbeat music, taking part in yoga or other relaxation and mediation activities, and even swimming have all been shown to have a positive effect on the lives of those suffering with the winter blues, and perhaps getting in the pool with their baby is the perfect thing for shaking them out of it. It might take a while to persuade them but in the long run, they will feel better.

Life is hard with a newborn baby. Life is very hard with a newborn baby in the middle of January when getting to the shops is like ice skating for milk and bread, and the cold air is so biting, you are sure you are going to damage your baby in some way. Getting out in the daylight hours can prove to be very tough. The vitamin D deficiency starts to kick in and thus, postpartum depression and winter blues have reared their ugly heads.

There are plenty of new-mother-safe places to take a newborn baby. Why not have a look around those museums you didn’t quite make it to see before you and your beautiful partner had your little bundle of joy? It’s a quiet place, and you won’t be distracted by large groups of people. Time to reflect and marvel is time well-spent, and it’s amazing the effects that something this small just a couple of times per week can have.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_cta_button call_text=”Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to our newsletter and make sure you don’t miss our latest posts! ” title=”Subscribe to newsletter” target=”_self” color=”btn-primary” icon=”wpb_mail” size=”btn-large” position=”cta_align_bottom” css_animation=”right-to-left” href=”http://www.beatthewinterblues.info/newsletter-signup/”][/vc_column][/vc_row]