5 ways to prevent Postpartum Depression

• Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps

Everyone has heard the classic adage to nap when the baby naps, but too many women fail to actually heed the advice, they are using the downtime instead as a chance to make the bed or write thank-you notes. However, new mothers who are able to make up for lost sleep are less likely to feel depressed. Usually you may need friends, family members, or hired help to pitch in so you can get the sleep you deserve. It is important for mother to have depression to get enough sleep.

• Make Time to Exercise

A study of more than 1,000 mothers found that those who exercised before and after the birth of their baby tended to feel better emotionally and were more social than women who didn't. "Taking a brisk walk, getting fresh air, and enjoying nature can improve your outlook," says Karen Rosenthal, PhD., a psychologist in West port, Connecticut. Don't push yourself to do strenuous aerobics, though; this is more about getting your blood flowing than burning calories or tightening your abdominal muscles.

• Learn to Chill Out

Many studies have shown that newborns bond better with calm mothers. New moms who spend at least 15 minutes every other day relaxing -- whether by deep breathing, meditating, or soaking in the tub -- cope with the stresses of motherhood better than those who don't.

• Confront Your Fears

Have a conversation with your husband in which you each list three things that frighten you about parenthood, says Jane Israel Honikman, founder of Postpartum Support International, in Santa Barbara, California. They can be emotional concerns -- such as that the two of you won't have enough time alone 

• Don't Expect to Be the Perfect Parent

Rest assured, every mom can tell you stories about having left the house with her shirt inside out or having forgotten to put a diaper on her baby after a middle-of-the-night changing.They feel guilty if they can't do everything right and presume that every other mother is doing a better job. As a result, they impose unrealistic expectations upon themselves. Your goal is not to fulfill some notion of the ideal mother but to be a happy parent.