Show Notes

Post Partum Alliance reports: “Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) impact 1 in 5 moms (and 1 in 10 new dads).”

Mental health disorders can create highs and lows when a woman becomes pregnant and has a baby. These highs and lows are also impacted by hormones and lack of sleep. It is important to get support if you are struggling, and not suffer in silence.

Common Mood Disorders:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Bipolar I

• Bipolar II

Symptoms: 

• A different level of intensity and it goes on for a longer period of time

• The depth is really low

• Symptoms are greater, longer, more severe than just something short term that you get over (1 week or 2) and persist 

• Mom’s get really worried about their ability…“I’m not going to be able to…” 

• Realization of all the care that goes into the process and concern over their ability

• You may not want to get out of bed

• You may not want to be with your baby

• Racing thoughts

• You have the option to sleep but don’t or can’t

• Suicidal Thoughts: “This child might be better off without me,” 

• Feelings of worthlessness

• Grief: transition from birth to real life from in front of you, grief of your previous life

Thoughts you may experience: 

• “Does my baby like me?”

• “Does my baby want to be around me?” 

• “Am I attached to my baby?” 

• "I don’t feel anything” 

• Sense of absence of feeling connected to the child

• “My baby likes my husband better.” 

**These thoughts persist and they can’t be rationalized which indicates needing further support. 

Risk factors: If you’ve had a history of a mental illness personally or in your family 

There’s no shame in getting help with your mental health and the use of medications. Life can be so good with the proper support. So please, please consider all aspects of your health as vital and seek supports if you have scary feelings, thoughts, or just need someone other than your spouse to talk to.

If you do have a mood disorder, consult with your therapist and psychiatrist about whether or not to continue or discontinue your medications while pregnant or postpartum.

What can someone’s support system do? 

• Check in on Mom and Dad

• Send food

• Get outside

• Ask how she/he is doing (include Dads too)

• Watch out for signs of being overwhelmed and isolation

• Pause and empathize with Mom, be present

What can you do to support feel good emotions? 

• Find a community (Stroller Strides, Tone it Up) 

• Exercise

• Listen to music

• Laughter

• Get together with friends

• Watch a comedy

What do I do if I don’t feel connected to baby?

• Stay present in the moment and then connect

• Shut down negative thoughts

• Try not to be concerned about the past or the future, stay in the now

• Remember your innate connection already exists, baby already knows you

• Perfect parenting doesn’t exist

• When mistakes are made, there’s always repair 

• Pay attention to how your mental health effects you and baby.

• Be aware and communicative about what you are going through. 

• Have someone you can talk to.

• Give yourself permission to feel what you feel. 

• Journal

• Meditate

If you or a loved one is experiencing thoughts of harm or suicide, please call: 

National Suicide Prevention lifeline: 

800-273-Talk 

Recommendations:

Frida Mom Ice Packs

Breath App

Calm App

Headspace App

Yoga Bolster 

Tone it Up

Stroller Strides

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMED MOM PODCAST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

No material from our hosts or guests is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. We strive to provide you with education and information so that you can then go to your own provider and get an individualized approach to your medical needs and questions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard in this podcast.