After nine months of anxiously awaiting your new arrival, many mothers find themselves in the strange but entirely normal position of struggling with their mental wellness after pregnancy. Between hormones and life changes, it’s really no wonder that new moms can have issues with their mental health after having a baby. Called postpartum depression, new moms can sometimes feel a loss of interest in things or people they once loved, a sense of regret, and even fear and anxiety about their futures. If you or someone you love is pregnant or recently had a baby and is wondering what to expect when it comes to postpartum depression and how you can address it, read on.
Loss of Interest
One of the biggest indicators that you or the new mom you love might be dealing with postpartum depression is a loss of interest in things they once loved. Even something as simple as a new mom being excited about finding the right products for nursing their baby like a great pump bra or nursing pump could be different than they once were. Perhaps you spent months obsessed with the best in-car seats or strollers but now have no interest in even leaving the house. Changes big or small in your interests, whether they are related to your baby or yourself as an individual, could be a sign something’s wrong and more than just the baby blues.
If you find that breastfeeding is giving you no enjoyment, consider looking into a hands-free pumping bra from Simple Wishes with all the best reviews and comfortable straps, and convenient nipple openings. A high-quality nursing bra may help lift your mood and make breastfeeding easier for you and your baby.
If you’re struggling with feeling like yourself, having relationship problems, or even finding yourself disinterested in spending time with your child, it’s important to realize that you’re not alone and could be experiencing clinical depression due to hormonal changes. If this could be a concern for you, consider a Google search like “therapist near me for depression” and you’ll be well on your way to feeling more like yourself.
Regrets
Many new moms go through a grieving process after having a baby. While some level of sadness after having a baby is normal, it can be a sign of postpartum depression if you find yourself longing for your life before the responsibility of parenthood and even resenting or regretting your baby. Instead of beating yourself up for feelings, you can’t control, it’s possible that you’re experiencing postpartum depression and should seek help to begin feeling better as soon as possible.
Negative Self-Talk
A big part of your mental wellness stems from how you talk to yourself. If a source of stress is feeling guilty about postpartum depression, you won’t be doing yourself or your baby any favors by delaying getting help. In fact, one of the signs of postpartum blues is ruminating on negative feelings about yourself. If this is an ongoing problem, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist for help. A therapist will be able to remind you that self-care is important as you adapt to your new life as a parent. They can also suggest safe spaces and group therapies that may help you to feel less alone and connect you with other moms and new parents in the same boat.
At the end of the day, if you or someone you love is experiencing depression after pregnancy, it’s important to reach out for professional help as soon as you can. Hiring a therapist trained in chemical imbalances and the emotional changes that happen after having a baby can be a great way to begin feeling more like yourself again soon. It’s perfectly normal to experience the baby blues after having a baby, but it’s a good idea to check with your doctor if you’re worried that your everyday life is becoming unmanageable and you need a little help. Congratulations on your new or impending arrival and do all you can to take care of yourself!