DO ALL NEW MOMS FEEL LIKE THIS?

ARE MY FEELINGS NORMAL?

The journey to motherhood is not always an easy one and becoming a new mother will certainly come with some difficulties. So, how do you know what is a normal part of becoming a new parent and when you should seek help?

Approximately 20% of new mothers will experience some form of maternal mental illness. This will help you identify if you are experiencing mental illness and should seek additional support.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Mothers with postpartum depression experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that may make it difficult for them to complete daily care activities for themselves or for others. You may experience some or all of these symptoms:

Feeling overwhelmed, and wondering if you should have become a mom in the first place.
Feelings of guilt that you should be a better mom and that your baby deserves better.
Not feeling a bond with your baby.
Feeling agitation/rage
Feeling nothing at all and that you are just going through the motions of the day.
Feeling extreme sadness and/or hopelessness
Loss of appetite

BABY BLUES

Within the first few days postpartum, a mother can experience weepiness, anxiety, and overall depression that resolves after a few weeks. Baby blues affects about 70% of new moms.

POSTPARTUM ANXIETY

PPA can cause a new mother to feel extreme worry, often over the baby’s health and safety. Mothers can experience panic attacks, OCD, intrusive thoughts, or a sense of numbness.

POSTPARTUM PTSD

Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur after a frightening childbirth or past trauma. Symptoms can include flashbacks, anxiety, or avoidance of things related to traumatic events.

POSTPARTUM BIPOLAR

Bipolar mood disorder can appear as severe depression and is often diagnosed for the first time as bipolar depression or mania. New mothers need informed evaluations to determine a bipolar diagnosis and treatment plan.

POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS

Postpartum psychosis can cause a mother to hallucinate, have periods of confusion and distrust of others, or seem manic. This condition is dangerous and needs immediate attention by a medical professional.

PSYCHOSIS REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION FROM MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. PLEASE CALL 911 IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS.

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