Life got a little bit harder after Kylie Jenner, a star on “The Kardashians” became a mama, when like 80% of other postpartum women, she found herself crying every day. It’s the feeling that catches some new moms by surprise, during a time when you anticipate doing nothing but snuggling excitedly with your new bundle of joy. After some Googling, Jenner said in an episode of the show, she “read on Google” that the “Baby Blues” encompass any of these emotions that last 6 weeks or fewer (most sources though say to reach out to your provider if they are longer than 2 weeks).
She’s revisiting those tough feelings in her recent feature in Vanity Fair Italia, where she doubles back to help others understand her postpartum depression.
“I have experienced it. Twice. The first time was very difficult, the second was more manageable. I would tell those women not to overthink things and to live all the emotions of that moment to the fullest,” she says, nodding to staying present even during the most painful times.
Related: What I wish I knew about the emotional adjustment to motherhood
“I know, in those moments you think that it will never pass, that your body will never be the same as before, that you will never be the same.” Her comment alludes to the estimated 50% of women who feel self-conscious about their appearance during pregnancy and post-baby, according to one study.
Jenner advised other women who have been struggling with the same emotions to “stay inside that moment, even if it is painful” and “live through that transition without fear of the aftermath.”
In the midst of the tearful postpartum days, however, she remembers a few magical moments, including being in the hospital alone with a “new and unknown creature in my arms.” She also cherishes what she calls the most beautiful moment, bringing the babies home, describing the homecomings of daughter, Stormi, in February 2018 and son Aire, around a year ago, who she shares with Travis Scott.
But her tough postpartum feelings made an impression on her, enough to share a year later again, in spite of the American Pregnancy Association labeling Baby Blues the “least severe form of postpartum depression.” They add it’s important to keep an eye on symptoms, to ensure proper mental health treatment if it progresses.
Related: It’s time to retire the term ‘baby blues’
Some of those symptoms new moms might experience, like Jenner, include:
- Weepiness and crying for no obvious reason
- Impatience and irritability
- Restlessness
- Fatigue or insomnia
- Anxiety
- sadness
- Mood changes or poor concentration
They might happen for just a few minutes to up to a few hours each day, the APA adds. Luckily, there are some steps you can take at home to help. Talk to someone about your feelings, try to aim for a balanced diet without too many simple carbs (which add to those mood swings), do some journaling or take a walk, and expect a serious adjustment period of a few weeks. Take it from Jenner — the ups and downs are worth it. “The risk is to miss all the most beautiful things of motherhood as well,” she says.