Unsurprisingly, many new Mothers experience a variety of emotions and feelings once their new-born baby is placed into their arms. Feelings of relief, joy, sheer disbelief and over-powering sensations of love are some of the most common feelings.

But sometimes after the baby is born, this sense of euphoria can disappear rapidly and many new Mothers are shocked that they experience sudden and unexpected feelings of depression and misery. During and after pregnancy, there are severe and very sudden changes to the Mothers hormones which may trigger off these feelings of despair.

Extreme tiredness can be overwhelming after the birth itself, feelings of exhaustion if the birth was a difficult one and an inability to sleep if the baby is excessively restless at night can cause tearfulness and an inability to cope or the tiredness may be coupled with anxiety if there has been little experience caring for babies previously or if the baby has a slight health problem.

Usually the blues only last for a few days but this should be monitored and the sufferer should seek medical help if this condition continues or indeed grows worse. Patience and understanding are the key words when dealing with someone who is suffering from post -baby blues and the worst thing to say is to tell her to pull herself together. She should be allowed to cry and to be able to rest as much as possible during those initial few days. Constant reassurance may be necessary during this difficult time and it may help to emphasise that she is not alone, many women suffer this condition and that is does pass.

Keeping visiting times at home to a minimum in the early stages can be useful as well. As much as families and well-wishers desperately want to visit the new baby, the Mothers feelings should be considered and visits could be scheduled where possible around the baby's sleep pattern to avoid disruption.

Because new Mother's will be understandably sensitive to how they are coping with their baby and also to how well the baby is developing, it is advisable for those connected to the family, to be careful with how and what they say.

Sleep

Sleep is very important and as much as possible, try to sleep when the baby does so that the disruption to the Mothers sleep pattern is kept to a minimal and energy levels can be renewed.

Allow the emotions to flow

If the Mother wishes to cry, then allow that emotion to flow. There is no shame in shedding tears.

Journal

Start a baby journal and let all those jumbled emotions be put onto paper. Writing down thoughts and feelings are very therapeutic.

Get practical help

If someone offers to help for a few hours, then accept it. This is no slur on the Mother's capabilities.

Talk through issues

It is important for those suffering from the baby blues that the communication airwaves are kept open. Talk to friends, family, other new Mum's and also seek professional help by way of a counsellor.

Meditation

Learning to meditate will help to keep clarity of mind, helps to re-energise and combats everyday stress.