Question

With shortened hospital stays, new mothers are often discharged before they begin to experience symptoms of the baby bluesor postpartum depression. As part of the discharge teaching, the nurse can prepare the mother for this adjustment to her new role by instructing her regarding self-care activities to help prevent postpartum depression. The most accurate statement as related to these activities is to ________

Answer 1

Realize that this is a common occurrence that affects many women

Step-by-step explanation:

The majority of women experience at least some symptoms of the baby blues immediately after childbirth. It’s caused by the body readjusting after child birth immediately , combined with stress, isolation, sleep deprivation, and fatigue. You might feel more tearful, overwhelmed, and emotionally fragile. Generally, this will start within the first couple of days after delivery, peak around one week, and taper off by the end of the second week postpartum.

The baby blues are perfectly normal, but if your symptoms don’t go away after a few weeks or get worse, you may be suffering from postpartum depression.

Obviously it will be very important to let her know so she can understand if it occurs.

Answer 2

Answer: Realize that this is a common occurrence that affects many women.

Explanation: Should the new mother experience symptoms of the baby blues, it is important that she be aware that this is nothing to be ashamed of. Up to 80% of women experience this type of mild depression after the birth of their infant. Although it is important for the mother to obtain enough rest, she should not distance herself from family and friends. Her spouse or partner can communicate the best visiting times so the new mother can obtain adequate rest. It is also important that she not isolate herself at home during this time of role adjustment.