GOT THE BLUES

After giving birth hormones shift, sleepless nights and the challenge of dealing with a newborn all kick in! Many moms develop postpartum depression up to a year after giving birth. My gynae gave my husband strict instructions to watch me like a hawk! – though I doubt he would have picked it up he was so sleep deprived himself!

Although some women may need some medication to help during this time, the way you eat and what you eat can help stabilize mood or send you into an erratic cycle of highs and lows!

Skipping meals is a common phenomenon among new moms. This can however send your blood sugar spiralling low and leave you craving those high GI carbs i.e. chips, sweet drinks, sweets, cake and chocolate. These foods will give you a quick energy boost but will also crash you down quickly, leaving you tired, hungry, low in mood and possibly gaining weight.

Try maintaining a regular meal pattern, i.e. breakfast, lunch, supper. Include some low GI carb at each meal with protein or a healthy fat –i.e. A slice of rye with egg, sugar free peanut or avocado can do – throw in some baby tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, a few fruits and a handful of nuts as snacks - and you are providing yourself with some good nutrients - Keep it simple – no one needs to be a chef at this point!

Studies have shown that there can be a link between nutritional deficiencies and depression. Continue to take your Prenatal Vitamins and Omega 3 supplement for up to 6 months to a year after giving birth or up to 6 months after finishing breastfeeding.

But most importantly – Enjoy your beautiful babies!