When I was a brand new mom, I was expected to feel overjoyed and excited all the time. But that's not how it was. I did feel joy, but I felt confused and upset, too. Apart from being happy, I was always in a state of self-doubt, confusion, worry and fatigue. Often I had bouts of depression, anxiety and mood swings. I would get easily angry and shout at everyone around me.

I often wondered what was wrong with me. Little did I know, I was actually suffering from postpartum depression. The moment I learned that it was normal, I breathed a sigh of relief. It was very reassuring for me that it was completely normal to feel like that, and that I was not the only woman suffering from it.

So I decided to fight to overcome it. I wanted to be a happy new mommy, bond with my little one and enjoy motherhood. My decision was firm to overcome my post-pregnancy blues and find ways to cope with them.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

I often felt confused with my new emotional state of mind. But the following symptoms helped me figure out what was going on.

• Crying often

• Extreme sadness

• State of helplessness

• Lack of enjoyment in motherhood

• Lack of interest in day-to-day activities

• Guilt and restlessness

• Difficulty in concentration

• Feeling of worthlessness

• Sleeplessness at night and a state of drowsiness in the day

• Irritable and angry all the time

How I overcame it

When post-pregnancy blues become severe, the best way to overcome them is to visit a doctor. If diagnosed early, several lifestyle changes can be made to overcome postpartum depression. Here are some ways I coped with — and overcame — mine:

1. I took time out for myself

After becoming a new mommy, I always felt overwhelmed with the addition of new responsibilities along with old ones, like household chores. I reached out for help. I asked either my husband or my mother to share my responsibilities. While my mother or hubby did the babysitting, I would finish the chores — and vice versa.

2. I exercised regularly

This may sound impossible to new mothers, but yes, I did this. I would make it a point to find time to exercise. Since I couldn't fit in long exercise workouts, I often took long walks with my baby in her stroller. We both enjoyed the fresh air, and I would get exercise, too. I noticed a dramatic change in my emotional state after I began exercising.

3. I took time to rest

I often heard, "Sleep when the baby sleeps." But I later realized how important and true this was. I decided to take naps every time my baby slept, and I saw a drastic improvement in my sleep patterns. I felt better and more refreshed.

4. I ate healthy

Eating healthy actually plays a very important role in curing postpartum depression. I began eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and milk. Eating better made me healthier both physically and mentally.

5. I added fish oil to my diet

Omega-3 fatty acids help meet your body's nutritional requirements, and are known to improve concentration and memory. I decided to add fish and fish oil to my diet regularly. I noticed a significant difference in my behavior and concentration ability. My mood swings, helplessness and feelings of worthlessness gradually disappeared.

6. I increased breastfeeding

This may not be for everyone, but I strongly recommend increasing breastfeeding, as it dramatically improved my mood and helped me bond with my little one. Additionally, the feel-good hormone oxytocin, released during nursing, made me feel happier.

7. I avoided isolation

Long days alone with my baby made me feel isolated and cut off from the world. I often felt miserable about the way my life had changed. Even though I was enjoying motherhood, I always felt a state of loneliness within me. I decided to open up with my immediate family, friends and neighbors. After I regained my social circle, I felt much more confident and happier about myself.

8. I avoided an overscheduled life

I always felt the need to get everything done, and had become a perfectionist. Then I realized that would only make me more depressed. A clean house, clean dishes and laundry are all necessary, but not above my health. I finally realized I was not a superhuman. I only did how much I could do, and spent the rest of the time with my baby, who brought joy to my world.

With so many changes happening both in and out of your body after pregnancy and childbirth, postpartum depression is more common than you think. It is important to catch it in the beginning so that simple lifestyle changes can help you overcome it. Do not be afraid to reach out for medical help. Be good to yourself. Every mother deserves to be healthy and happy.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Parenting Healthy Babies. It has been republished here with permission.

The post Postpartum depression: my post-pregnancy blues and how I overcame them appeared first on FamilyToday.

Many women face morning sickness during pregnancy, and it can feel like a never-ending problem. However, the good news is that it is temporary. It is only a very tiny part of the entire pregnancy.

You can get rid of it. There are simple home remedies which will end your suffering.

Before you know about the remedies, you should know what morning sickness is and why it happens.

What is morning sickness?

Morning sickness is often nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Even though it is called morning sickness, it can happen any time of day. In most cases it happens between 6 and twelve weeks of pregnancy, but sometimes it happens during the later stages.

Morning sickness is never fun, so here are some super easy ways to get rid of these symptoms:

1. Lemon candies

Keep a lemon candy handy everywhere you go. Keep them in your purse, under your pillow and anywhere else you can think of in case of emergency. The juice of the lemon candies will give you instant relief and will help you get rid of your nausea.

2. Peppermint candies

Just like lemon candies, peppermint candies can also be helpful. They have a similar calming effect on your stomach. This will make you feel refreshed and the taste of peppermint will make the nausea go away.

3. Lemon water

Lemon can cure your icky feeling. Add a few drops of lemon in a glass of cold water and drink it in the morning or when you're feeling sick.

4. Ginger tea

The smell and flavor of ginger has a calming effect on your belly. It will soothe you and help calm your nausea. A cup of ginger lemon tea would be even better.

5. Eat more often

During pregnancy, you can always be hungry or you can completely lose your appetite. If it is the former, then you are lucky. Because hungry or not, you should always keep something to munch on. An empty stomach will trigger sickness more than a full stomach will. Do not eat large meals. Instead, eat small meals or snacks throughout the day.

6. Keep snacks where you sleep

Cravings can happen anywhere and anytime - even in the middle of the night. Keeping food near your bed will save you time and energy, and the time it takes you to prepare a meal might make you more sick. If you keep some snacks near your bed, you can get up and munch anytime you need.

7. Blander is better

Choosing low fiber snacks is a good habit during pregnancy. Toast, saltine crackers, applesauce and bananas are a perfect combination. They will quench your hunger without challenging your digestive system too much.

7. Avoid chips and fries

Try to avoid fried and fatty foods during pregnancy. They take a long time to digest, which delays the process of transferring the nutrition to your baby. The more time it takes, the better chances are for you to feel sick.

8. Have breakfast in bed

Pamper yourself while you are pregnant. If possible, eat something before getting out of bed. That way your stomach will be full even before the first activity of the day. The longer you go with an empty stomach, the higher chances are for morning sickness.

9. Avoid cooking in the first trimester

Unless you absolutely love it and it makes you happy, avoid cooking in your first trimester. The different smells of the vegetables, meats, fish and eggs can trigger nausea. So, during those rough weeks, let your partner handle the kitchen duties. The smell of simple things like spaghetti can send you into sickness.

10. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water. If you are regularly throwing up, make sure that your body has enough water to maintain the level of fluid, inside your body. After each meal, drink as much water and healthy fluid as you can.

Remember that the morning sickness phase is short. If something is triggering your morning sickness, try to avoid it. No matter what you do, remember that it will all be worth it when you get to hold your precious baby in your arms.

The post 11 natural remedies to get rid of morning sickness during pregnancy appeared first on FamilyToday.