Postpartum/Maternal Mental Health

 

Pregnancy. Childbirth. Motherhood. These are all experiences that can transform us and change our lives and our relationships. You are being told that having a baby and becoming a mother will be the happiest time of your life and to “enjoy every moment.” But maybe you aren’t happy and there are definitely moments you are not enjoying. You might be thinking that you aren’t cut out for motherhood or questioning why you even had a baby. You are having scary thoughts and experiencing anxiety and overwhelming sadness, or even irritability and anger.You are exhausted from waking up every 2 hours with a baby and yet you still can’t sleep.

 

One in 5 women will develop a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder during pregnancy or within 12 months of having a baby. 15%-20% of mothers will experience postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety within the first year after delivery. Postpartum depression and anxiety can occur with any pregnancy, whether it’s your first or your fifth. Postpartum depression is the #1 complication of childbirth.  

 

While some mood changes are typical a few weeks after birth (“baby blues”), if you are finding that these thoughts and feelings are lasting more than a couple of weeks or they return anytime during the first year after childbirth, you may be experiencing postpartum depression and/or postpartum anxiety.

 

Common symptoms of Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) include:

 

  • Feeling totally overwhelmed
  • Not feeling like yourself
  • Tearfulness
  • Difficulty focusing or making decisions
  • Intrusive or scary thoughts of harm coming to your baby
  • Irritability, anger, or rage
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Feelings of guilt and shame
  • Difficulty bonding or connecting with your baby
  • Feeling disconnected with your partner or loved ones
  • Exhaustion
  • Hopelessness

 

You may be experiencing some or all of these symptoms. These feelings are common and they will not last forever. You are not alone and you can get through this. Postpartum depression and anxiety are temporary and treatable with professional help. I can help you work through and cope with your thoughts and feelings and help you get back to feeling yourself and connected with and enjoying your baby. If you are experiencing or have experienced any of the above feelings or if any of this resonates with you, please contact me today for a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if I would be a good fit for you.