Navigating the Emotional Ups and Downs of New Motherhood

Hey there, new mom or mom-to-be!

If you’re reading this, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, anxious, or maybe even a little down. First off, let me tell you—you’re not alone. So many women go through these emotional ups and downs during pregnancy and after giving birth. It's a lot to handle, and it’s completely okay to feel the way you do.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. By reaching out for help, you’re not only caring for yourself but also setting a positive example for your baby. You’re not alone in this—support is available, and with the right help, you can find your way to a place of strength and resilience.

If you’re struggling, please reach out. Help is available, and you deserve to feel well. Together, we can navigate this journey and find hope and healing.

So, What Are PMADs?

PMADs, or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, are a group of mental health conditions that can affect women from pregnancy through the first year after childbirth. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed during this time, know that you’re not alone. PMADs encompass a range of experiences, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychosis, and they can significantly impact your daily life and well-being.

Recognizing Risk Factors

It’s important to understand that certain factors may increase the likelihood of experiencing PMADs. These risk factors include a personal or family history of mental health issues, medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues, and experiences of trauma or abuse. Pregnancy-related factors, such as a traumatic delivery or having a baby in the NICU, can also contribute. Additionally, life stressors like relationship problems, lack of social support, and major life changes can play a role.

If you find yourself identifying with any of these risk factors, it’s a sign that you might need a bit more support during this time. It’s okay to ask for help.

Identifying Symptoms

PMADs can manifest in various ways, and symptoms can start anytime during pregnancy or within the first year postpartum. Here are some signs to watch for:

Depression:

Persistent feelings of sadness, anger, or irritability.
Lack of interest in your baby or things you used to enjoy.
Changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness.
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

It’s important to distinguish postpartum depression from the “baby blues,” which are feelings of sadness that typically resolve within two weeks after delivery. If your symptoms are more severe or last longer, it might be postpartum depression.

Anxiety:

Constant worry or a sense that something bad will happen.
Racing thoughts and difficulty relaxing.
Physical symptoms like dizziness, hot flashes, and nausea.
Postpartum Panic Disorder, which includes panic attacks.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors related to your baby.
Hypervigilance in protecting your baby.
Awareness that these thoughts are abnormal, yet finding them distressing.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

Feelings of powerlessness or trauma during delivery or postpartum.
Intrusive memories, nightmares, and avoidance of reminders of the event.
Heightened arousal and anxiety.

Bipolar Disorder:

Severe mood swings, including periods of depression and periods of elevated mood.
Rapid speech, high energy, and impulsive behavior.
Delusions or paranoia.

Psychosis:

Hallucinations, delusions, and severe mood disturbances.
Irritability, hyperactivity, and an inability to sleep.
This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Seeking Help and Treatment

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, reaching out for professional help is a brave and important step. It’s natural to have questions and concerns about seeking help. You might wonder what questions to ask during a consultation, how to know if you need help, or what your first therapy appointment will be like. It’s also common to worry about the safety of medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding or how to get help without insurance.

EMDR and Perinatal Mental Health

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be a powerful therapeutic approach during the perinatal period. EMDR can help you process pregnancy and infant loss, infertility, and abortion. It can also help reconcile your expectations with reality and address family of origin trauma and complex relationships.

Incorporating Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) into your daily life can be incredibly soothing. Simple activities like babywearing and rocking, walking with your baby, tapping, or playing with your child can provide comfort and help you regulate your emotions.

Coordination of Care

Navigating perinatal mental health can feel overwhelming, but remember, you don’t have to do it alone. It's so important to share with your therapist which other providers you're seeing—whether it’s a doula, lactation consultant, pelvic floor therapist, or anyone else. This way, they can help coordinate your care and ensure that everyone is working together to support you.

Holistic care, which includes input from different professionals, can really make a difference in how you feel. It supports both your mental and physical health, helping you to feel more balanced and supported. So don’t hesitate to bring up all the help you’re getting in your sessions—it’s all part of creating a treatment plan that’s tailored just for you.

Reaching Out for Support

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. By reaching out, you’re taking a courageous step towards healing and well-being. If you’re struggling, know that support is available. You don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. With the right help, you can find strength, resilience, and hope.