Postpartum Anxiety: Understanding the Struggles and How to Help New Moms

postpartum postpartum depression anxiety and depression anxiety mom

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Jan 28, 04:50 am

Photo: (Photo : Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

To experience concerns after the arrival of your newborn is normal. Having questions like their eating habits, developmental milestones, sleep patterns, and even worries about germs and household chores are common. This is naturally perfect and indicative of the deep love for the new addition to the family.

Oftentimes, these worries go beyond the typical new-parent concerns. If the anxiety feels enormous, disrupts your sleep, or keeps you on edge most of the time, it might be more than a new-parent uneasiness.

Understanding Postpartum Anxiety

While postpartum depression (PPD) has received a significant amount of attention, its lesser-known counterpart, postpartum anxiety disorder, deserves consideration as well.

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety disorder include constant or near-constant worry, sleep disruption, feelings of dread, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms such as fatigue, heart palpitations, hyperventilation, nausea, trembling and sweating.

More specific types of postpartum disorder, includes postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and postpartum panic disorder, each with its own set of symptoms.

The distinction between postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression goes in the emotional aspect.

Postpartum depression typically involves deep sadness and thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby. If experiencing the symptoms mentioned above without intense depression, it may indicate postpartum anxiety disorder.

Postpartum anxiety causes may be related to hormonal fluctuations that are complicated during the preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum phases.

While the exact reasons some women develop postpartum anxiety disorder are not fully understood, factors such as family history, pre-existing anxiety and previous pregnancy loss can add to the increased risk.

How To Deal With Postpartum Anxiety

Diagnosis is crucial for seeking help, and it is recommended to be checked by a doctor for postpartum within the first six weeks after delivery.

Treatment options for postpartum anxiety include medications, referrals to mental health specialists, and suggestions for supplements or complementary treatments.

Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can be helpful, along with activities such as mindfulness and exercise.

Delaying the treatment thinking anxiety will naturally go away is not advisable, as postpartum anxiety can rise. Although baby blues are common and usually last a couple of weeks, persistent, severe worry affecting your daily life with the baby should be discussed with your doctor.

With proper treatment, recovery from postpartum anxiety is possible, allowing you to have a strong bond with your baby.

Can a non-pharmaceutical approach be effective also in reducing postpartum anxiety?

Embrace frequent baby cuddling as it releases oxytocin, which can contribute to lowering anxiety levels.

Prioritize adequate sleep by considering arrangements such as sleeping in separate rooms or taking shifts with your partner during the initial months. Aim for at least one uninterrupted four-hour sleep period and be mindful of caffeine intake.

Connect with fellow mothers, even if it's through online platforms, to reduce fears and validate emotions.

Engaging in physical activity, even despite the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth, is a potent anti-anxiety strategy. Breathing exercises, such as yoga, can be particularly helpful activities.

If you are breastfeeding and decide to wean, consider doing it gradually to minimize abrupt hormonal changes.

Recognizing the need of seeking help and building a support system for caring for the baby often requires cooperation. Whether it's assigning some household chores or adhering to the adage "sleep when the baby sleeps," don't hesitate to ask for help.