For new moms, it can be upsetting and frightening to have feelings about motherhood that don’t seem “right.”
Despite what you may have heard, the maternal instinct is not a switch that flips once the baby comes into the world. For many moms, it’s learned over time and through a collection of experiences and support from other mothers. Let new moms in your life know that this is a journey. They may not have all the answers yet, but they will find their way.
Did you know..
Right now, 1 in 5 pregnant and new mothers suffer from postnatal depression and anxiety, and sadly, fear of judgment from friends, family, and even their medical providers leads at least 70% of women experiencing prenatal or postnatal anxiety or depression to minimize their symptoms or not tell anyone – so they suffer in silence, alone, losing their joy at a time when they deserve to be reveling in their new baby. And postnatal depression and anxiety disproportionately affect women of color.
For some women, a morning run, a healthy diet and receiving help and support from family and friends are sufficient enough to get through the initial adjustment period. For others, talking to a therapist who specializes in dealing with new motherhood issues can be comforting, relieving and enlightening.
Therapists who have extensive education and training in post-partum disorders understand that hormone changes, personal and family history, and social support are all vital factors in understanding and alleviating postpartum symptoms.
Common postpartum symptoms include:
- Feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you should have become a mother in the first place
- Feeling guilty due to high self-expectations
- Not feeling “bonded” with the baby
- Your thoughts are racing and you can’t quiet your mind
- Feeling empty and numb as if you’re just going through the motions
- Lack of focus and concentration
- Being afraid that if you reach out for help, others will judge your inabilities
- Thoughts of running away or leaving your baby behind
- Being constantly in a state of worry
If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, I invite you to contact me today for a free consultation. By exploring and working together, we will find the underlying issues that make you feel disconnected from your baby, and create a strategy for moving forward. Contact me today to see how I can help.