Are you having intrusive thoughts or worries related to your baby?
Are you feeling isolated and overwhelmed as a new mom?
Are you unsure if you are experiencing postpartum depression vs. the baby blues?
Women are more likely to experience emotional difficulties around the birth of a baby than at any other time in their lives. The good news is that prenatal and postpartum stress and mood disorders are incredibly responsive to treatment. Many women find relief with supportive, professional care.
Baby Blues
Becoming a new mother can be an exciting and joyous time. And it's also a major life-change. The "baby blues" is not a disorder and research indicates that 85% of mothers experience the baby blues post birth. While the predominant mood is happiness, distressing symptoms include mood swings, tearfulness, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, fatigue, insecurity, mild anxiety and worry. The reaction is due to extreme hormonal fluctuations after giving birth. It usually peaks four to five days post birth and lasts no more than 2 days to 2 weeks. While upsetting, the symptoms should improve on their own and lessen over time.
Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
Many women are surprised to learn that postpartum mood disorders are the #1 complication associated with childbirth. Perinatal mood disorders have been recognized in every culture, age, income level and ethnicity. These disorders can affect women during pregnancy and after delivery.
PMADs include a spectrum of concerns including postpartum depression/anxiety/panic, perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder, postpartum PTSD, perinatal bipolar and postpartum psychosis. Risk factors include a history of mental health concerns and PMADs, sensitivity to hormonal changes, lack of social support, history of childhood trauma/abuse, and pregnancy/birth/breast feeding complications, previous miscarriage or loss, marital or economic stress and having a baby in the NICU. These disorders can appear days or even months after childbirth and, unfortunately, do not resolve on their own.
PMADs are not the woman's fault and sometimes come on unexpectedly. Left untreated, PMADs can worsen over time and have long-term and adverse implications for mother, child and family. The good news is that PMADs are a treatable condition and they are temporary! Like many mood concerns, PMADs respond well to a combination of talk therapy, medication (when necessary) and group or social support.
If you suspect that you may be struggling with a PMAD, please reach out to family or friends and seek professional support. I offer specialized treatment for perinatal issues and I can assist you in healing and getting past your struggles. You do not need to suffer.
"You are not alone.
You are not to blame.
With help, you will get better."
- Postpartum Support International
