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If You Are Struggling Emotionally During Pregnancy or After Your Baby is Born, Your Feelings May Indicate an Issue That is Bigger Than Just the Baby Blues
Are you an expectant mother struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety? Are you a new mother feeling that motherhood is everything but what you expected? Perhaps you sometimes question whether you are capable of caring for your family? Lots of women feel overwhelmed, guilty and anxious during a time that we are told is supposed to be full of great joy? You may be wondering if other new moms feel this way, too, or if adjusting to the demands of a new baby really are more challenging for you?
We’ve all seen the pictures of the glowing new mother holding her newborn baby, who is nursing without difficulty as he drifts off into a peaceful sleep. Although that idyllic representation of motherhood is lovely, it is hardly the norm. To begin, many expectant mothers experience significant emotional problems during pregnancy. Many women fear that these feelings may continue or worsen after the birth of their baby. Most new moms are sleep deprived, frustrated and overwhelmed by juggling the challenges of a new baby with their other obligations. Some experience irritation toward their partner for not offering more support and most find themselves wishing for more hours in the day.
First, take a deep breath, give yourself some credit for all you do, and recognize that you are not alone. Between 10 – 20 percent of women suffer from Perinatal Mood Disorders (or PPMDs), which can occur during pregnancy and postpartum. One in five mothers report experiencing some level of postpartum depression (PPD). Having a baby – whether it’s your first or forth – requires a significant amount of energy and is a major life transition. Although it may not feel like it, you are likely doing many more things right than wrong.
Are You Struggling During Your Pregnancy?
We used to think that maternal depression only happens postpartum (after the baby is born) and we concentrated on treating postpartum depression (PPD). More recent research has indicated that many women experience emotional issues during pregnancy, too. Contrary to popular belief, pregnancy does not protect women from getting depressed. Approximately 15 percent of women experience depression during pregnancy and many also suffer from excessive worry and rumination, feel stressed and overwhelmed and have significant changes in appetite, sleep and concentration.
Was Your Labor Difficult And Still On Your Mind?
Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth is more common than you think. It is triggered by either traumatic events during delivery or shortly afterwards and can effect up to 6% of mothers. The experience usually leave a women feeling that either her life or the life of her baby was at risk and can have a huge effect on how she feels emotionally in the weeks or months afterwards.
Symptoms of postpartum PTSD might include intrusive images or dreams about the events during your labor such as medical procedures, pain, and expectations of harm or death happening to either yourself or the baby. It can also cause you to want to avoid places or things associated with the experience. You might also have persistent increased arousal (irritability, difficulty sleeping, hyper-vigilance, exaggerated startle response), anxiety and panic attacks, and feeling a sense detachment.
Back in the mid 1990s I was one of the first researchers to study PTSD following childbirth (please see my blog post about PTSD to read the published research article) and I am so pleased that there is now a greater awareness about the effects a traumatic birth can have. Women who have experienced a previous trauma, such as rape or sexual abuse or any other trauma that their life was at risk, are also at a higher risk for experiencing postpartum PTSD. If a woman plans to get pregnant again, it is important to spend time processing what happened in the last labor before the birth of the next child.
Many women who experience PTSD after childbirth are told that they have postpartum depression (PPD) and although women can experience both PTSD and PPD at the same time, they don’t always go hand in hand. A proper diagnosis by a therapist who has experience working with both trauma and postpartum mood disorders is important for treatment to be effective.
Do You Have Postpartum Depression?
It is common for 60-80 percent of new mothers to experience a post-birth period commonly referred to as the baby blues. These “blues” often include frequent and prolonged crying, anxiety, irritability, poor sleep, quick mood changes and a sense of vulnerability. The baby blues usually occur within the first three days following birth and usually go away on their own with proper rest, support, food and time in less than two weeks.
However, about 20 percent of new mother have these feelings for more than two weeks. If your symptoms continue it is likely that you are experiencing postpartum depression or another postpartum mood disorder. Symptoms of postpartum depression include lack of motivation to do anything, tearfulness, and more intense feelings of inadequacy, guilt, anxiety and fatigue. You may also experience physical symptoms, such as headaches and rapid heartbeat. A lack of deep feelings for your baby is of special concern. These symptoms can appear anytime during the first few months to one year after the birth of your child. If you’ve have a family history of postpartum depression, have a personal history with depression or other mood disorders, or have been experiencing a lot of stressful situations you are at more risk of developing postpartum depression.
But What I am Feeling Is Different From Being Depressed…
In recent years, research has reported that both pregnant and postpartum women can also experience symptoms and feelings that cannot be classified as depression. These include anxiety, obsessional compulsive disorder (OCD), which often involves intrusive thoughts about some type of harm coming to baby, and post-traumatic stress (PSTD) if a mother underwent a difficult birth experience.These disorders as well as postpartum depression and the emotional problems that present during pregnancy are now referred to as perinatal mood disorders (PPMDs), and statistics indicate that 10-20 percent of women experience one or more in some form. More information about the different types of symptoms can be found in my Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Stress, Anxiety & Depression which can be downloaded for free. It’s important to note, however, that these statistics are probably lower than reality because women – perhaps even you – experience unnecessary guilt and shame and feel reluctant to tell anyone how they are really feeling.
Peritnatal Mood Disorders are Very Treatable With Help
Many women experience perinatal mood disorders during or after one or all of their pregnancies. Your feelings and symptoms are not uncommon and you are not to blame. With help, you can feel better.
If you are pregnant and experiencing symptoms of worry or sadness, you should know that this is a common experience for expectant mothers, and that it is very treatable. It is important that you recognize these symptoms and seek help. Research shows that perinatal mood disorders can have a major impact on the relationship between your baby and you, as your baby is finely attuned to your emotions. Seeking treatment before the baby arrives can be easier, and getting treated during pregnancy can reduce the chances of developing postpartum depression or can lessen the length and severity of symptoms.
If you are a new mother and recognize any of these symptoms, you should know that, with help, postpartum depression and the other, similar disorders, are very treatable. Women can, and do respond well to treatment. You do not need to continue to feel this way.
Through proven, effective therapy methods and 20 years of experience and extensive research and education, Dr. Allen gets quickly to the root of the problem and uses a compassionate, problem-solving and collaborative approach to identify and treat the issues that are causing you to feel overwhelmed and highly stressed. With Dr. Allen’s guidance, you’ll create strategies to cope with feelings of guilt, sadness and anxiety, adjust to the life transitions that baby brings, and balance the needs of your family, relationships, career and self. Dr. Allen’s goal is to give you the tools you need so you no longer need to come to therapy. She recognizes that every mother, family and situation is unique, and appreciates that each woman knows herself best. Together, you will address the feelings that are affecting your ability to enjoy motherhood and develop solutions to help you regain your sense of self while you care for your baby and family in ways that feel productive, healthy and positive.
In addition to years of working with individual mothers and families, Dr. Allen also serves as the director of the Postpartum Alliance of Illinois, a statewide nonprofit organization that provides support to pregnant and postpartum women and their families.
But, You May Have Some Concerns About Getting Help…
I already feel like I don’t have enough hours in the day to take care of my baby, family and myself. I just don’t see how I could fit therapy in.
Although you are extremely busy and tired right now, it’s very important that you make time for yourself and your needs in order to be in a good place emotionally to care for your baby and other family members. Specialized PPMD therapy will offer you the support you need to get through a major life transition in a healthy and productive way.
Dr. Allen has 20+ years helping women transition to being the mom they want to be and knows how hard it is to find the time to look after yourself when you have a baby. Whether you come to her Northbrook office in the North Suburbs of Chicago or via telephone or online counseling she offers the most convenient way for you to access support and help.
These feelings will go away, right? I’m sure they will pass and I’ll figure out a way to work through this on my own.
Pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders are very common – affecting 15-20 percent of women. PPD is very treatable with help and it’s okay for you to accept support. With treatment, most new mothers begin feeling better sooner, start enjoying motherhood, and continue to show positive improvements in their post-therapy lives.
I haven’t worked in months and money is tight. I’m not sure we can afford therapy.
Making therapy a priority is important right now. When you’re in a good place emotionally, mentally and physically, everyone in the family benefits and long-term career and financial goals become more attainable. Studies support the importance of taking care of you and getting proper help during this critical life transition. Addressing these issues now will improve your ability to perform in your role as mother and partner more positively, productively and efficiently in the long-term as well as in the right now. Also, many insurance companies cover a portion of out-of-network therapy, which may help offset cost.
What Can You Do Now?
If you feel that you may be experiencing pregnancy or postpartum mood disorder, or worry that you may be at risk of developing it, I invite you to download my free reports below.
These reports provide more detailed information about the symptoms and risk factors of pregnancy and postpartum depression as well as other types of perinatal mood disorders.
Contact Sarah for more information or to talk with her about how counseling can be useful to your particular circumstances. No two moms experience is the same but everyone can benefit from support.
Also, there are several blog posts on the website about pregnancy and postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders.
Click directions for the location of Dr. Allen’s Northbrook office in the North Suburbs of Chicago. If you live too far to travel to the office she offers telephone or online counseling as a convenient way for you to access expert support and help.
Remember, if you are having a hard time emotionally during pregnancy or after having a baby you are not alone, you are not to blame and with help you really can feel better.