The Essential Guide for New Moms (Part 1)

What you need to know about perinatal mental health

Hey there, new mama! I know you're probably running on little sleep and lots of coffee right now, so I’m going to make this a short read and follow it up with another short read. Becoming a mom is amazing. But let's be real – it's also pretty scary sometimes. You've got sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and suddenly you're responsible for this tiny human. It's a lot. With all of this going on, it's normal for your emotions to be all over the place. These feelings can get pretty intense sometimes. When that happens, we call it "Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders" (PMADs). It can feel really overwhelming and you might feel alone or unsure of what to do next.   

But here's the thing: you're not alone and there's help out there. In this guide, we're going to talk about what's going on, why it happens, and what you can do about it. Taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your family.  

Understanding Perinatal Mood Disorders 

 Being a new mom is hard enough without your hormones throwing your moods for a loop. Let's break down the different types of mood changes you might experience:   

1. Baby Blues: This is like the “starter pack” of new mom emotions. You might cry over spilled breast milk (literally) or feel a bit anxious. But don't worry, this usually passes in a week or two. 

2. Postpartum Depression (PPD): This is the tougher, longer-lasting cousin of the baby blues. About 1 in 7 moms deal with this. You might feel really sad, have no energy (even after that third cup of coffee), or have trouble bonding with your baby. 

3. Postpartum Anxiety (PPA): This one doesn't get talked about as much but it's just as common as PPD. It's like your worry dial got turned up to 100. You might have panic attacks or feel like something bad is always about to happen. 

4. Postpartum Psychosis: This one is super rare but serious. If you're seeing or hearing things that aren't there, feeling confused, or having severe mood swings, it's time to get help right away. 

What to Look Out For 

You know yourself best. If you're not feeling like yourself, here are some signs to watch for: 

- Feeling sad most days

- Losing interest in things you used to love (like binge-watching your favorite show) 

- Feeling exhausted even after resting  

- Sleeping or eating way more or less than usual 

- Feeling guilty or like you're failing at this mom thing (spoiler alert: you're not!) 

- Struggling to connect with your baby 

- Worrying. All. The. Time. 

Remember, feeling this way doesn't make you a bad mom. It makes you human. Know that there is help available. 

Why It's Important to Get Help Early  

Here's the deal: when left untreated, these mood disorders can affect both you and your baby. Babies are like tiny emotional sponges – they pick up on how we're feeling. If you're struggling, it might be harder for them to develop emotionally and socially as they grow. 

Why do PMADs happen? Part of it is because your body has been through a lot. There are other reasons too though. 

1. Hormone Rollercoaster: Your hormones are going a bit nuts after giving birth. It's like PMS on steroids! 

2. Sleep? What's That?: Those 3 AM feedings aren't just annoying – lack of sleep can seriously mess with your mood.  

3. Physical Recovery: Let's be honest, giving birth is no walk in the park. Your body needs time to heal and that can impact your mental health too. 

4. The Pressure to Be Supermom: There's this idea out there that moms should be able to do it all with a smile. FSP Opinion: this idea stinks.  

What are some risk factors? 

1. Mental Health History: If you or your family have dealt with anxiety or depression before, you might be more likely to experience it now.  

2. Flying Solo: Lack of support from your partner, family, or friends can make things tougher.  

3. Life Stress: Money problems, relationship issues, or losing a loved one can add to the pressure. 

4. Pregnancy or Birth Complications: If your pregnancy or delivery was extra tough, it might increase your risk.  

5. Breastfeeding Struggles: Whether it's pain, low milk supply, or feeling pressured to breastfeed, these challenges can really stress a mama out. 

If you're nodding along to any of this, know that you're not alone. Reach out to your doctor, a friend, or send me a message. We're all in this motherhood thing together! ‍‍ 

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll talk about how best to care for your mental health and get the support you need. You've got this!