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So you found out you are pregnant and everyone is so happy for you! But you don’t quite feel the joy you expected… or the pregnancy was not planned and you’re trying to figure out how this fits into your life… or you just came home with your beautiful baby and all you can do is cry!
You are not alone! In fact, your experience is much more common than you might think.
Did you know that 90% of women have baby blue when they bring home their new baby, even when everything is going as they expect, and 10% of women experience postpartum depression or anxiety? These numbers are most likely even higher after these past few years of social isolation and the pandemic.
There are many reasons why pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with mood changes and disorders. Here are just a few:
- Shifting hormones
- Sleep deprivation
- Major life changes
- Added pressure on relationships
- Pressure about how to feed baby
The important thing is to realize that you are not alone. There is no shame in having a struggle or in asking for help. Here are ways to get help:
- Your doctor or midwife is experienced in these issues, please talk to them! Your primary care doctor can also help.
- Your baby’s pediatrician is also knowledgeable and can refer you to a specialist.
- Call your insurance company and ask for a list of mental health providers
- If you do not want to leave the home, there are many online companies: sevenstarling.com, brightside.com, better health.com
- Postpartum.net
