What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal response to stress. Having a baby is stressful, even if it’s a joyful and smooth experience. Postpartum anxiety is a real thing impacting 10% of postpartum women.
You may feel embarrassed or guilty about these symptoms. But these symptoms are real and not your fault. You are not a bad mom if you struggle with postpartum anxiety.
What are symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety?
Some common symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety:
-Constant worry
-Feeling that something bad is going to happen
-Racing thoughts
-Disturbances of sleep and appetite
-Inability to sit still
-Physical symptoms like dizziness, hot flashes, and nausea
Postpartum anxiety can also occur with postpartum anxiety attacks or postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder.
Where do these symptoms come from? Did you know that there’s a sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone at time of delivery that can contribute to symptoms of baby blues. Baby Blues can occur during the first few days after delivery and usually end in 1-2 weeks. Signs include fear, sadness, anxiety, or anger. If these symptoms continue, it may indicate the need to reach out for additional help and support.
What things can I do to help Postpartum Anxiety ?
Healthy habits help so much in how we feel and function. Today may be a good day to reflect on how your lifestyle. This lifestyle assessment helps you look at what you are already doing physically, mentally, emotionally and relationally.
Additionally, this time of COVID has brought extra stress. As a new mom, you are having to deal with pregnancy and delivery during COVID-19. This brings additional stress and fears. As Dawn Kingston, PhD. discusses in her article, and suggests some ways to manage your symptoms at home.
Where do I get help for Postpartum Anxiety?
The strongest new moms are the ones realizing that they need help. Asking for help is a big step. For your health and the health of your baby, making a doctor’s appointment is a big step that you can take today.
