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Lose Those Baby Blues

June 16, 2014

It’s been a struggle, but you’ve made the decision to parent. You knew it was the right one for you. But now you’re home, it’s been a few days and you feel like you’re an emotional wreck.


The crying…the moodiness. At any given minute you go from extreme love and joy for your new baby, to wanting to rip someone’s head off. The emotional roller coaster can feel relentless after childbirth.


You’re not alone. Hormone changes, extreme exhaustion and feeling like you’re physically and emotionally overwhelmed are normal. We wanted to give you practical advice so Collage recently asked some new moms to share their best tips on how to lose those baby blues.


Before we share this advice, one thing to note is the baby blues usually happen a few days after giving birth and can last a few weeks. If you are experiencing extreme forms of depression over a longer period of time, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. You aren’t a bad mother for feeling this way. This is simply a complication that affects a number of women after childbirth. If you show symptoms of postpartum depression you need to see a medical professional. This will help you manage your symptoms and enjoy your baby.


So what did our new moms suggest for battling the baby blues? Here’s their advice in their own words. We think the practical tips they shared are pretty awesome!


I would say that women need to know that it’s okay to feel blue, that not every mommy will be head over heels in love with their babies, that babies can be kind of strange and ugly when they are born. Also keep in mind that you aren’t born a mother, you become one over time. It’s okay to ask for help from others, and it’s okay to put the baby in the car seat in the bathroom while you shower.


Get out of the house and go for a walk. Let a friend or parent take the baby for a little while and get some time for you. Talk to someone. If you are feeling something, don’t pretend that it isn’t real. Remember that even though it feels impossible it WILL get better. And above all, remember that if it gets bad enough, absolutely seek help.


Everyone says it, but rest when the baby rests. Don’t feel guilty about this! You need sleep. Don’t be temped to text, be on a computer, or watch TV when the baby naps. Take a nap as well.


Get sunshine. Join a positive mom’s Facebook group that can cheer you on even when you feel trapped inside.


Get out of the house at least once every day. I hate to say it, but going to my local big box store and just walking around with the baby tucked in her car seat in the cart saved my sanity some days.


Take a shower everyday. No matter what! This will help you to feel human.


Consider food and nutrition. The body of a pregnant or nursing woman should first be concerned with sustaining your little one. It is imperative that you stay well hydrated and fed. Too many new moms focus on immediately losing pregnancy weight, and they deny themselves.


Don’t say no to free meals! Freeze some of them early on, so that you don’t have to cook later.

April 2, 2025
What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty.  Schedule a confidential appointment today.
March 7, 2025
Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.
February 13, 2025
If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.
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