Mother’s Mental Health Checklist

Virginia Watford, a psychologist who leads a postpartum support group at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo, offers these suggestions for making new motherhood easier:

Get plenty of rest. “Many new mothers are deprived of sleep, and it’s important to pay attention to that. Rest when the baby’s resting. Give yourself permission to do that.”

Lower your expectations of yourself. “Many mothers feel that they have to continue with all their household responsibilities, have dinner on the table every night, when it is an extreme effort just for them to get up in the morning and get dressed.”

Encourage the father to participate. Some mothers have trouble trusting anyone else, even the father, with their baby, Watford says.

Talk to your husband about your feelings. “Very often there are major changes in the marital relationship during this time, and it’s very important for the mom to be able to communicate with her husband.”

Get help with the housework if possible.

Exercise regularly.

Ask other people for help. “Many times moms think they have to do this alone, because the baby is their responsibility. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Take time for yourself away from the baby.