Your baby has come after 40 weeks of doctor appointments, nursery preparation, and anticipation. You think she's wonderful, healthy, and cute. Over the next few weeks, your excitement is replaced with anxiety: Is she eating enough? Whoa, why does she cry? Is she ill? These concerns follow you around all day and night. You're right, irritated, and anxious. Your loved ones start to worry about you, not just the baby. You wonder if your stress is typical.
Baby blues, ptd, or pta? (postpartum depression, or postpartum anxiety).
You've probably heard of baby blues or postpartum depression. During your postpartum medical appointment, you may have been asked about your mood. Hormone levels drop after birth, causing feelings of sadness, weeping, and overwhelm. These symptoms are minor and only last a few weeks. It's possible that something else is causing the symptoms.
Symptoms of PPD and anxiety (such as poor sleep, trouble relaxing, and irritability). Some women have prenatal and postnatal anxiety, but only a small percentage of those parents experience postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can make it challenging for women to respond to treatments like interpersonal psychotherapy or prescription antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Momentary bouts of postpartum anxiety, like with postpartum depression, might be related to hormone fluctuations. It may also rise in reaction to actual pressures, such as the baby's health, money, or negotiating new responsibilities in relationships. If a woman has experienced pregnancy loss (miscarriage or stillbirth) this can enhance her chances of having postpartum anxiety. Anxiety symptoms may recur after birth if you had anxiety before or during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can cause anxiety and sadness after weaning.
Postpartum panic episodes or OCD symptoms are common. Fear, dread, panic, shortness of breath, and dizziness are among the signs of panic attacks. Unwanted thoughts and compulsions, or deliberate actions to ease discomfort, are called obsessions. Unsettling symptoms for new mothers, especially when they entail hurting the child. Fortunately, obsessions caused by anxiety disorders seldom cause harm to newborns.
How to treat postpartum anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is less researched than postpartum depression, although it is believed that one in five women suffers it. We know that CBT which is cognitive behavioural therapy is effective in treating OCD and other anxiety disorders. Medication can benefit some women and is more effective when coupled with counselling. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors which are SSRIs are the first-line (and best studied) medicines for anxiety disorders, whereas benzodiazepines are quick-acting anti-anxiety medications commonly used while waiting for an SSRI to take action.
Are medicines safe during breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is the best nourishment for a newborn, it helps strengthen their immune system, it may help prevent adult obesity, and it offers comfort and security. Breastfeeding also helps the mother relax and bond with her infant by releasing prolactin and oxytocin (the love and cuddling hormones). When deciding whether to start a medication, keep in mind that all psychiatric drugs pass into breast milk. If you have questions about the dangers and benefits of medicines, talk to your doctor.
What non-pharmacological methods assist reduce postpartum anxiety?
Hug your baby (a lot). This produces oxytocin, which reduces anxiety.
Maximize sleep. Your spouse should not wake you every three hours (or 45 minutes) to feed the baby. During the first few months, parents may need to sleep in different rooms or take turns caring for the infant. Aim for a four-hour sleep span and watch your coffee intake.
Spend time with moms. Whatever your schedule, interacting with other mothers (even online) may help alleviate worries and validate feelings. You are not alone in your anxiety.
Get more exercise. Despite the physical demands of pregnancy, birth, and milk production, physical activity is a strong anti-anxiety strategy. Yoga, for example, incorporates breathing exercises.
Wean slowly. If you are nursing and decide to wean, do it slowly to avoid abrupt hormonal changes.
Get assistance. A village frequently helps with a baby. If you're nursing the infant, ask for help with housework. "Sleep while the baby sleeps," they say. "Do laundry while the baby does laundry"
Finally, take a break – you just had a kid. Postpartum anxiety is common and usually passes with time.
