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Self-Care at Home

• Surround yourself with supportive family members and friends, and ask for their help in caring for the baby.
  
  
• Take care of yourself. Get as much rest as you can. Nap when the baby naps.
  
  
• Try not to spend much time alone.
  
  
• Spend some time alone with your husband or partner.
  
  
• Take a shower and get dressed every day.
  
  
• Get out of the house. Take a walk, see a friend, do something you enjoy. Get someone to take care of the baby if you can; if you can't, take the baby with you.
  
  
• Don't expect too much from yourself. Don't worry too much about the housework. Ask friends and family for help.
  
  
• Talk to other mothers. You can learn from each other, and their experiences can be reassuring.
  
  
• If the depression persists for longer than 2 weeks or is very deep, talk to your health care provider. Self-care alone is not recommended.