How to beat the blues...

Blues after birth are really quite easy to come by. Lack of sleep, compounded by a feeling of inadequacy for new mothers, drive one up the wall.

Those who still think that people can snap out of depression like snapping fingers, should have their spines snapped in two. They shouldn't read this post either.

Well, the important part is not to let the blues develop into something more serious that requires hospitalisation or medication. So actually I've been preparing myself before Ecclesias was even out. From experience of being pissed off so frequently by insensitive souls during pregnancy, I knew I had to or going mad would be at my expense.

So here's the list of things I keep myself happy with (some were good ideas from friends)

1. I had a "no complaints" haircut. Since most would-be mothers cut their hair, one might as well turn the haircut into something symbolic.

2. Pre-empt friends to cheer you up when you're down. Pick these people carefully of course.

3. Network with those who are already mothers. If you must receive advice aplenty, might as well make sure it comes from someone qualified.

4. Breadtalk has this delightful pastry called "An-Pan Man". It comes in the shape of a happy face, so it makes me happy to bite into it.

5. Train your hubby to be understanding. Let him do some of the baby-minding.

6. Buy an earplug.

7. Take funny pics of your kiddo.

8. You'll receive a lot of conflicting advice from well-meaning and not-so-well-meaning people. If you think it'll work for you, it's worth a try. Else, if this person is too important to you to tell them to slime off elsewhere, then just ...

just...

just...

make baby uncomfortable enough to wriggle or cry... that'll get your attention... and that's enough for the conversation to be part of prehistory.

I hope I've been useful. Please let me know if this has been helpful. You can also donate some money for my baby education fund if it has been really useful. :-)