Maternal Mental Health

Maternal mental health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of...
Maternal Mental Health

Maternal Mental Health

1 in 5 moms experiences emotional difficulty in the first year postpartum. That means that either yourself, or one of your close friends or family likely faced these challenges. 

And yet most moms say “I’m fine” or “Everything is great”, because they assume motherhood is supposed to be hard. 

Maternal mental health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of motherhood. While the joy of bringing a new life into the world is immense, the journey can be fraught with emotional challenges that deserve our attention and understanding. Raising awareness about maternal mental health, particularly postpartum depression and anxiety, is essential for supporting new mothers and their families. The risk of untreated maternal mental health poses significant risk both to the pregnant or postpartum mother, but also impacts the bond and outcomes for the child.

What is maternal mental health? 

It’s often normalized that ‘the hormones’ take moms on a rollercoaster. And while this is true, that assumption that it is ‘just hormones’ leads postpartum depression and anxiety to be missed 50% of the time. 

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a severe, long-lasting form of depression that occurs in the first year after childbirth. It's more intense than the "baby blues," which many new mothers experience. The baby blues typically involve mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping, and they usually subside within two weeks. In contrast, PPD can last much longer and significantly impact a woman's ability to care for her baby and herself.

Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) involves excessive worry, fear, and anxiety that can interfere with a mother's daily life. While some level of anxiety is normal, especially for new mothers, PPA is characterized by overwhelming concerns that can lead to challenges in doing the everyday things a mom needs to do. 

Postpartum depression and anxiety can have profound effects on new mothers, including:

  • Emotional Strain: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and being overwhelmed can make it challenging for new mothers to bond with their babies. Things feel harder than they should and you just want time to pass by. 
  • Physical Symptoms: Fatigue even if you’ve slept enough time, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating, muscle tension.
  • Relationship Strain: PPD and PPA can strain relationships with partners, family members, and friends due to mood swings, irritability, and withdrawal from social interactions.
  • Impact on Baby: Maternal mental health significantly affects infant development. Babies may have feeding and sleeping difficulties, increased irritability, and developmental delays if their mother is struggling with PPD or PPA.

What can new moms do?

  • Be familiar with the symptoms: Awareness is the first step towards seeking help. So many moms suffer and struggle because they don’t know what they are experiencing are symptoms of PPA or PPD. If you ever question it, support is there for you. 
  • Prioritize sleep: Do whatever you need to do to get sufficient sleep. 
  • Take time for you: As hard as it can be to ask for someone to watch the baby so you can have some alone time, it is essential for you to start 
  • Reach out to peers: Knowing that other moms are going through the same phase of postpartum at the same time as you helps not feel as alone in this.
  • Get outside: Fresh air, a change of scenery, and seeing other people will 
  • Ground yourself: Use your 5 senses to ground yourself in the moment. 

    •  Here are some resources for new mothers experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety:

    1. Therapists and Counselors: Specialized postpartum therapists can offer individual or group therapy sessions tailored to maternal mental health.
    2. Support Groups: Organizations like Postpartum Support International (PSI) offer support groups, both in-person and online, where mothers can share their experiences and receive encouragement.
    3. Hotlines: The PSI helpline (1-800-944-4773) provides confidential support and information.
    4. Community Resources: Many communities have local support services, including home visiting programs and maternal health clinics.

    Raising awareness about maternal mental health is crucial for ensuring that new mothers receive the support they need. Postpartum depression and anxiety are serious conditions that can impact a mother's well-being and her ability to care for her baby. By understanding the risks, recognizing the signs, and knowing where to seek help, we can create a supportive environment for mothers to thrive. If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum mental health, reach out—help is available, and recovery is possible.

    By spreading awareness and providing support, we can help new mothers navigate this challenging yet rewarding phase of life with confidence and care.

    Don’t know where to start? Follow @mytribecare or email kimberly@kimberlymeehannp.com and i can help point you to the best resources!