I’ve just had a baby and worried about my mental health…
What?
Giving birth is a major life event. The changes that come along with it can impact your mental health. This is all perfectly natural, and fairly common. Not only are you know dealing with a new life that you’re responsible for, your body has just gone through a massive hormonal change. If you had mental health problems prior to giving birth it’s also entirely possible for them to worsen postpartum. Also, if it’s not you but your partner who’s just given birth, your own mental health may be challenged. It’s important to be aware of this and to recognise when you may need to find support. This also holds true for adoptive parents.
The most common issues faced by people who have just given birth are depression and anxiety. It is important to recognise the difference between ‘baby blues’ and postnatal depression.
The ‘baby blues’ is a brief period of low mood, feeling emotional and tearful around three to 10 days after you give birth.
Postnatal depression is a much deeper and longer-term depression. This usually develops within six weeks of giving birth, and it can be gradual or sudden. It can range from being mild to very severe.
Why?
Some factors that can affect postnatal mental health problems include;
Previous experience of mental health problems
Biological causes
Lack of support
Difficult childhood experiences
Experience of abuse
Low self-esteem
Stressful living situations
Major life events
How can I help?
Finding ways to look after yourself after becoming a new parent can be a very stressful experience. But it’s an important task that can help your mental health.
Building a support network can give you a chance to share your experiences and find friends who are going through a similar experience. Going to parent-and-baby groups is a good place to start, even if your baby is too young to really benefit from group activities.
If in person groups won’t work for you, there are several online communities, such as Netmums, Side by Side, and the app Peanut.
When it comes to daily tasks, finding a routine that works for you is very helpful. Take it slowly. You’re unlikely to maintain a routine similar to one prior to having a baby, so try not to put that pressure on yourself.
Finding time to look after yourself while being a new parent seems impossible. But you can start small.
When you feel ready, and somewhat recovered from labour and birth, keeping active can boost your mood and feel like you’re getting to do some things for yourself. Something simple, such as going for a walk with the pram, or dancing to music in your kitchen, will work. It doesn’t need to be full on like going to the gym or taking a class!
Of course, if you feel you need to talk to someone about your mental health during this time, you can get in contact with us using the form below.