Aboriginal - a new baby

Aboriginal; baby; anxiety; depression; sad; healthy; family; support;;

All mums, after they have babies, have some bad days when they feel really 'down' - this can be due to tiredness, being constantly on call, not being able to keep up with things, losing their old lifestyle and so on. This is normal.
	Mums need extra help and support when they are caring for a new baby - this is the time to accept offers of help and ask for what you need.
	Most mums feel a bit sad and weepy a few days or so after they have a baby. This is due to all the changes in their own bodies and lives and it usually goes away before long.
	For some mums, however, it is more than just having a bad day or days - it's when the bad feelings take over - this is called post natal depression.
	Postnatal depression can happen soon after birth or several weeks or months down the track. It is very distressing and can make life very difficult for a mother and her family but it can be helped and it is important to get support and help as soon as possible.
	Sometimes counselling and perhaps medicine may help. With support and time - you will begin to feel much better and will get back to feeling yourself again.
	It is not your fault. Just like other illnesses, it happens to many new mothers, and you will get better.
Here are some things to think about:
	Maybe you feel sad or have lost your spirit? How do you feel now?
	Are there things to look forward to?
	What makes you most sad?
	What makes you feel good?
The information in this topic was developed by Child and Youth Health with help from: - Aboriginal families and women from a number of   Aboriginal-focused Playgroups - Young Mum's groups in Adelaide - Aboriginal staff from CYH - Pika Wiya Health Service - Aboriginal Health Council - Aboriginal Health Worker Forum
Acknowledgement: - Background image, copyright with permission, R Taylor.
With thanks to: - Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal Corporation whose work   'Pipirri Palya - kids are good' guided us.

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).

This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.