My baby is a month old and I am still feeling overwhelmed and cry almost every day. I thought that the baby blues only lasted a few days? Is there something wrong with me?

You are right – baby blues are the overwhelmed feelings that mothers have in the beginning – a combination of hormonal changes and the realisation that no matter how you love your baby, things will never be the same again. It’s perfectly normal and perfectly understandable. Most mothers get over these feelings within a few weeks, and although motherhood is always exhausting and challenging, they manage.

After a month you are still not coping, and for the sake of your whole family you need to take action. Go and visit your doctor and discuss the situation. Read the other information on this website regarding postnatal depression, which will give you some information to get you stared on the road to coping again. Visit the website of the postnatal depression society www.pndsa.org.za. The fact that you have realised that things are not right is an excellent step in the right direction. Now take the next step, and hopefully soon you will be in a position to enjoy your baby.