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What new mother hasn't suffered these symptoms? Especially first-time moms!
Symptoms include feelings of increased tension, helplessness, inadequacy, fear, distress and worry.
Physical symptoms may also be seen, including palpitations (rapid heartbeat), trembling, shaking voice, white skin, sweaty hands and inability to sleep.
But it may not be unnatural. For the first time in my life, I felt like (and still do) I would joyfully kill any person who touched my daughter with less than loving intentions. A new mom is never sure she's doing the right thing, worries all night if the baby is still breathing, feels that she doesn't know what she's doing. Anyone who claims otherwise either grew up with a boatload of siblings, or was older when a sibling was born and was at least partially responsible for their care. I know I was a basket case, and on at least one occasion called my mom "I'm so lonely!". Sleep deprivation had a lot to do with it.
That's not to say that symptoms aren't exaggerated. I believe there are some women for whom there exists a chemical imbalance, and they deserved all the care and treatment available.
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