The process of pregnancy, birth, and entering a new phase of life with a newborn - no matter how joyful - is also an intense, stressful, and transformative experience. In addition to the emotional rollercoaster of adding a new little one to the family, the physical and hormonal changes that come with pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding are significant.
Many new parents experience baby blues and feel stressed, overwhelmed, sad, anxious, lonely, or moody for a short period of time following their baby’s birth. These feelings are usually temporary, can be made more manageable with loving support, and often subside as your body heals and you settle into a new rhythm with your child.
For some pregnancy and childbirth spark more severe concerns.
Conditions known postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis, and perinatal mood disorders, effect a significant number of women during pregnancy and during the first year of their child's life. Left untreated PPD and related disorders have a tremendous impact on your wellbeing and may interrupt your ability to bond with and care for the new baby.
New parents may be reluctant or ashamed to tell anyone, even their physician, how badly they are feeling. They may have had expectations of being thrilled after childbirth and find it difficult to understand their feelings and reactions to becoming a parent. They may feel that these feelings make them bad mothers. It is important to understand that postpartum depression is not a character flaw or sign of personal weakness. Postpartum depression can affect anyone, regardless of her culture, age, race, economic background, or regardless of how many times they have been pregnant before.
How you feel - matters.
There's no shame in speaking up. Clinicians at Therapath want to help parents better cope with the symptoms and find more joy in their new chapter of life.
Your OBGYN and your child's pediatrician may have screened you for mental health concerns during an appointment, but it's important to know that symptoms can change. Monitoring how you feel and sharing your feelings with a trusted individual helps, as does making an appointment with a therapist or psychiatric clinician. Here are some signs and symptoms to look keep an eye on especially if they do not go away or get worse over time.
It's important to know that mood disorders look different for everyone, and you know yourself best. If something feels off, trust your instinct and reach out for support.
It's important to see a therapist that can help you navigate your postpartum experience, and it may be helpful to begin a relationship with a therapist prior to giving birth if you are feeling symptoms of depression or anxiety before your baby arrives. Family therapy can also be helpful if you would like to involve your partner in the process. Some medications may be prescribed for PPD, and our team of psychiatrists and psychiatric clinicians can talk to you about medications including the risks and benefits of taking prescriptions even while breastfeeding.
