There’s no crying in parenthood: mental health support

“Postpartum” is still treated like a dirty word. Some people whisper it in hushed tones like a reluctant middle school bio teacher talking reproductive anatomy to their class. 

People assume “postpartum” is referring to “postpartum depression.” In fact, the word “postpartum” literally means “after birth” in Latin. But I get it, it has negative connotations. The period after giving birth can be filled with crying, exhaustion and fear of your own bowel movement (and I’m not just talking about the newborns). If we are talking about mental health, it’s not thrilling to admit that 1 in 5 birthing persons will have some sort of mood and anxiety disorder before or after giving birth. About 10% of new dads experience depression or anxiety too.

But, it IS INSPIRING to know that there are known ways to improve postpartum mental health. Yes, even before you have a baby. The first step is equipping yourself with knowledge and resources. This way, you can understand what you, your partner, or a loved one may be going through, and who to reach out to when things get tough.

The truth about mental health after having a baby:

✨ Hormonal changes are behind many mood changes. As the body shifts out of pregnancy (and sometimes into lactating) hormones change dramatically. That, paired with sleeplessness and learning a newborn can create anxiety, fatigue, irritability and crying that may feel difficult to explain. These types of emotional shifts, while noticeable, are still mild, and shouldn’t last longer than a few weeks.

✨Life with a young baby brings a mix of good and hard things. The key is to manage our expectations. You can expect joy and you can expect crying. You can expect some things to come naturally and some things to take time and practice. Make room to talk to a friend, go outside-- whatever makes you feel good.

✨ We’re balancing “I can expect emotional shifts” vs “This is something more.” When concerning moods or thoughts don’t ease with time, grow more intense, or make you feel like you’re not yourself or like you can’t function, it’s time to reach out. There’s no shame in that. In fact, it is a solid step toward brighter days for you and your family.

“Baby Blues” or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders?

While many people have heard of “postpartum depression," there is actually a range of mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) that can affect parents during and after pregnancy. In fact, 1 in 5 women experience PMADs. PMADs affect women of every race, age and income level.   

The good news: PMADs are treatable! Screening and early intervention can protect the well-being of parents, babies, and the entire family. There are incredibly effective methods of treatment available.

What you can do:

❤️ Check out these graphics to learn more about PMADs, their signs and symptoms. Note: PMADs are not the same as the “baby blues,” which start around the fourth or fifth day after birth and usually resolve by the second or third week postpartum.

❤️ If you're expecting a baby, consider hiring a postpartum doula who can be in your corner, providing you with emotional support, helping you get more sleep, and who has a network of specialists they can refer you to if a PMAD emerges.

❤️ Before your baby arrives, make a list of your “go-to people” to talk to if you’re having a hard time. It could be your partner, a trusted friend, family member, or your doula. These people can refer you to a medical professional. When you’re in the throes of mental health struggles, you may not realize that there are people you can reach out to for help, that you are not to blame, and that with help, you will be well. 

❤️ If you know someone who may be experiencing a PMAD, you should reach out to a healthcare provider or call the Postpartum Support International Helpline: (800) 944-4PPD (4773) or visit www.postpartum.net.

Prescription Medication While Trying To Conceive, While Pregnant, and While Breastfeeding

You're not alone in wondering if it's safe to continue your medications to manage your mental health while trying to conceive, while pregnant, or while breastfeeding. Many women wonder about the safety of prescription medications for depression, anxiety, and other medical conditions.  

This is a topic that impacts more people than you can imagine. While the stigma of mental illness is finally (slowly) beginning to decrease, the pressure we put on ourselves around this remains at an all time high. One mother writes, “I quit my medications while trying to conceive because it seemed like the right thing to do. I should have listened to my gut instead of my mom guilt.” (“Taking Antidepressants While Pregnant Still Has A Stigma. That Has To End,” March 2021).

Here are some things to consider:

❤️ Have a risks/benefits conversation with your medical provider. That is evidence that you are an amazingly loving parent or parent-in-the-making.

❤️ For those pregnant people who take medication for mood and anxiety disorders, consider: “The risks for congenital abnormalities are well investigated for antidepressant medications, and there is not an increased risk." (Veerle Bergink, M.D., Ph.D., the director of the Women’s Mental Health Institute at Mount Sinai).

❤️ Your mental health is equally as important as your baby's well being, and both should be considered. People who use antidepressants, use them in order to feel more balanced, without them, their symptoms return, often quite intensely. “When thinking about the safety of a medication, doctors will consider the ramifications of not prescribing a medication. Without treatment, some people with postpartum depression may become suicidal or experience other serious health consequences.” (Is It Safe to Take Zoloft While Breastfeeding?, February 2021).

❤️ Untreated mental illness can also cause risk to the fetus. These risks include low birth weight, and preterm labor and birth.

❤️ Check out the Infant Risk Center or download the MommyMeds app to help with ensure safe breastfeeding while using prescription and over-the-counter medications.

We’ve got you.

For more help navigating the seismic shift into parenthood, reach out to the Boston Area Doulas team.
www.bostonareadoulas.com