While "baby blues" are common among new parents, one in eight people who have recently experienced a live birth may show symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD), according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Do you remember a wonderful nightly activity that involves closing your eyes and remaining horizontal for eight hours until sunrise? Teach your (age appropriate) babies and children how to sleep through the night soundly without you so that you all can get the rest your bodies need. I try to drink lots of water and move a lot (gym at lunch and getting up to ask co-workers questions when I can).

If your baby isn't on a regular nap schedule, take advantage of offers of help from friends and relatives. Before their 2-month shots, this may be ill-advised from the standpoint of their health, but as you navigate a new life with your little one, be comfortable saying “no” or asking to delay a visit until you and your baby have a bit more of a routine. Experiencing the stress of motherhood, baby blues or even postpartum depression does not mean you are a bad mother or that you have done something wrong.There’s something so nice about not having to worry about cooking and cleaning up dinner, or treating yourself to a latte. It is imperative for mom and baby that mom seeks professional help from a trained psychiatric provider for any symptoms of postpartum depression. As a mom of 5 kids, born in 5 years, I understand what it’s like for lots of small problems to take over, leaving you stressed to the max. My office has a door that can be closed without raising any eyebrows and so I usually take a 15-20 min nap to recharge my batteries on days I need it.

All the information in this article can be related to the experiences of dads who are taking on the challenges of childcare, whether they stay home and do the work 24-7 or balance the demands as single dads working and caring for their families. Your doctor can determine if your experiences are part of normal postpartum fatigue or something requiring further medical attention. This wasn’t the life I wanted us to have or the mom and wife I wanted my kids and husband experiencing. Prior she’d been getting up once or twice a night, or more recently up at 5 and then maybe (or maybe not) going back to sleep.I’m here to try and convince you that caffeine is not a good replacement for a full night’s sleep and your own sleep should be a priority.