By: Amy Moreno, MA, LPC-Associate.
Welcoming your new baby into the world is a major life event! It is a time of excitement and joyful celebration! Meanwhile, bringing home a new baby is a big adjustment. New mothers face a myriad of challenges caring for their newborn, whether their first, second, or third child, such as night feedings, loss of sleep, and juggling other home, family, or work responsibilities.
Did you know 70-80% of new moms experience the “baby blues”? Symptoms include anxiety, disrupted sleep, mood swings, sadness, irritability, and reduced cognitive function (ie: “mommy brain”). These symptoms may be due to hormonal changes post-delivery. For many moms, these symptoms subside within two weeks.
What if these symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, become more severe and/or interfere with your daily functioning? You may be experiencing postpartum depression, characterized by the following:
- Fear of not being a good mother
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Crying uncontrollably
- Sleep disruption (sleeping too much or not enough)
- Difficulty making decisions
- Hopelessness, guilt, or shame
- Anger
- Exhaustion
Postpartum depression, if left untreated, may persist for several months. Postpartum depression is not a character flaw; you do not have to manage these emotions alone. Seeking treatment early is a smart move which benefits you and your baby.