Mama’s postpartum feelings

Dec 7

“It takes a village to raise a child, but we have to remember it was the mother who had the baby, and she needs our help too.” – Jane Honkiman, Founder of Postpartum Support International.

What does it feel like to have postpartum depression? What are the signs or symptoms of postnatal depression? How do you know when you have PND? And if you do have it, what should you do?

Many people have a feeling like the signs listed below every now and then, for a day or two. We all have bad days. Mamas with postpartum depression have symptoms like these most of the time, for at least 2 weeks.

Baby Blues

‘Baby Blues’ are feelings of sadness that you may have in the first few days after having a baby. Up to 4 in 5 birthing parents (80%) experienced the ‘Baby Blues’ - (March of Dimes., 2017)

‘Baby Blues’ is the most common postpartum mood experience. It is totally granted and the result of a huge hormonal shift! It is also temporary.

You will have a combination of many emotions flooding over you at a very vulnerable time. Throw in exhaustion, the birth, the uncertainty and the never-ending questions that come with having a newborn baby, and what you’re feeling is completely normal.

Postnatal/Postpartum Depression

‘Postpartum Depression’ is also very common condition, and it should not be taken lightly.

It can come about when the ‘Baby Blues’ feelings don’t disappear after a week or two, but actually worsen. It can also strike at any stage in the first two years after you’ve given birth. Make sure you always discuss this with you GP or health provider so they can refer you to the appropriate help. Given the correct effective treatment, the majority of women who experience postpartum depression will make a full recovery.

The saddest thing about Postnatal Depression going undiagnosed and untreated is that it can rob the Mama of some of the many joys with her baby in that precious first year.

The trouble with Postnatal Depression is that often the symptoms can be confused with the demands of having a baby:

• Severe fatigue

• Irritability

• Confusion

• Insomnia

• Tearfulness

• Some women report having severe back, neck & chest pain

Other slightly more obvious signs:

• Feeling disconnected

• Complete overwhelm

• Numbness

• Feeling fearful

• Racing mind

• Feeling restless

• Anxiety

• Sadness

• Hopelessness

• Feelings of emptiness

Birth Trauma

If your birth experience feels traumatic or negative to you, then it was. Your feelings are valid. Experiences of trauma are unique. Your personal experience is worthy of acknowledgment, treatment and recovery.

“Women with birth trauma may feel fear, helplessness or horror about their experience and suffer recurrent, overwhelming memories, flashbacks, thoughts and nightmares about the birth, feel distressed, anxious or panicky when exposed to things which remind them of the event, and avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma, which can include talking about it."

- Patrick O’Brien, a maternal mental health expert at University College Hospital and spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK.

With the social pressures and expectations placed on the modern-day mama, it is not surprising that load can often feel earth-shattering.

You are not alone, you are brave and powerful, your life has been negatively impacted by your birth experience, there is no shame or judgment in seeking help so that you can start your road to recovery.

From Baby Blues to Postpartum Depression, from Postpartum Anxiety to Birth Trauma, it affects 16-25% of all birthing parents. [Anderson, F., Hatch, S., Comacchio, C., & Howard, L. (2017).]

RELEVANT RESOURCES

Mental Health Organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand

PERINATAL ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AOTEAROA (PADA)

PADA aims to champion awareness and facilitate best practice in perinatal mental health and wellbeing, including a list of symptoms for various perinatal mental health conditions. Ensuring all families have access to appropriate information and support. Phone (+64) 04 461 6318.

MOTHERS HELPERS

Mothers' Helpers is a charity that provides support and services to women who are at-risk of or have developed postnatal depression. Phone 0800 002 717.

MOTHERS MATTER NZ

Information for mothers, fathers & families on postnatal depression (PND) and related conditions, such as anxiety & bipolar disorder. Also includes NZ-based information, treatments and local support links.

POSTNATAL DISTRESS SUPPORT NETWORK TRUST

Free support services for women throughout the greater Auckland area who are experiencing baby blues, antenatal and postnatal distress, anxiety, stress, birth trauma and postnatal depression. Includes support groups, telephone support, drop–in support and training about postnatal distress for health professionals. Phone (09) 8464978.

TRAUMA AND BIRTH STRESS (TABS)

An information site which covers birth trauma and, specifically, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with birth trauma.

LIFELINE

0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

This is a free, over-the-phone counseling service that operates 24hrs a day and 7 days a week.

DEPRESSION HELPLINE

Talk to a trained counselor who can discuss your situation and find you the right support. Help is available all day, every day. You can text them (4202) or phone 0800 111 757.

ANXIETY LINE

0800 269 4389. Offering in-person (Auckland) or online therapy. Talk to a phone therapist who can give you support and help you understand anxiety and your experiences. This national helpline is open 24/7.

MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION

If you need to talk to someone, free call or text 1737. This connects you to a trained counselor. MHFNZ on Instagram.

Facebook support groups

• Birth Trauma Support NZ

• Birth Trauma Support Christchurch NZ

Birth discussion

ONEWA PARENTS CENTRE

The ‘Birth Debrief Course’ is a facilitated course that allows you to debrief your birth experience. Open to all Mums, run in small supportive groups with other families at the same stage.