Supporting Maternal Health and Wellness in Prenatal and Postpartum Care
Pregnancy and postpartum come with a spectrum of emotions. We spend much of our time preparing for a baby but often focus less on preparing for how we will support ourselves during the weeks and months beyond the postpartum season. A strong support community is possible and, some would say, critical for overall maternal health and well-being–particularly for the days that feel a little more overwhelming.
The Postpartum Period
Let’s talk about baby blues, postpartum depression (PPD), and postpartum anxiety (PPA). Welcoming a new baby into your heart, home, and routine is an adjustment for any new mom, partner, or caregiver. The postpartum period and shifts in your hormones have left you feeling different in ways that you never expected for yourself–your body feels unlike your own, you are exhausted, sore, and now expected to care for this tiny human. Some women experience the postpartum period more mildly or severely, which can affect their overall ability to care for themself and their newborn. Identifying signs and symptoms of common postpartum mood disorders early can be critical to receiving the proper care for yourself to manage symptoms and get you back to bonding with your baby.
Baby Blues: Baby blues are a mild and temporary form of depression that goes away once hormones level out roughly two weeks after giving birth. Symptoms can include anxiety, crying, and restlessness.
Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression symptoms often can be mistaken for baby blues. However, symptoms are typically more intense and can often interfere with daily tasks and the mother's ability to care for the baby. Postpartum symptoms include anxiety, sadness, anger, irritability, difficulty sleeping, hopelessness, difficulty bonding with your baby, and intrusive thoughts regarding harming yourself or your baby.
Postpartum Anxiety: Postpartum anxiety is characterized by excessive worrying, which can be accompanied by the feeling of chronic concern or panic that feels all-consuming and lasts for long periods throughout the day and into the evening. These symptoms can affect any person/people during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that postpartum anxiety affects between 11% and 21% of women. Moreover, 1 in 7 women can develop postpartum depression, which is different from baby blues, which affects up to 85% of women and can last longer while impacting a woman's overall ability to feel like herself. During the postpartum period, anxiety, irritability, and lack of sleep can contribute to the risk of developing postpartum depression, more concernedly if a woman already has a history of anxiety or depression, as they may be more at risk. Postpartum mood disorders are common and manageable – if you or a loved one have concerns for postpartum mental health, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if symptoms become unbearable or persist for more than two weeks.
Prenatal and Postpartum Support
Postpartum mental health affects both partners, regardless of gender. Finding the right support group and building a proper community based on trust, experience, and empathy can be a valuable component of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood. Your mental health matters to many local organizations. Check them out!
Maine Mother + Company is an organization dedicated to supporting new mothers in Maine through a variety of services. They offer breastfeeding support, physical and emotional health resources and foster community building among mothers. Their approach includes one-on-one support from experts and group events in a judgment-free environment, focusing on overall well-being during motherhood. For more details, visit their website at Maine Mother + Company.
Birth Roots is a non-profit organization focused on providing community and support for individuals during pregnancy and early parenthood. They offer various classes and events, from prenatal to toddler stages, aimed at building a supportive community for new families in Southern Maine and beyond. For more detailed information, you can visit their website here.
A confidential, toll-free hotline for expecting and new moms experiencing mental health challenges. Services provided by The U.S. Health and Human Services Department’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The hotline is accessible by phone or text at 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) in English and Spanish. TTY Users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and 1-833-943-5746.
Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is not intended as an emergency response line, and individuals in behavioral health crisis should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Postpartum Nourishment
Emotional regulation during the postpartum period can feel challenging, especially when we feel like we are being pulled into multiple directions. Finding time to nourish our body postpartum is essential for emotional regulation. This can be made simple by keeping quick-grab items by your side or on hand in the refrigerator. These quick-grab items could include energy bars, yogurt with granola, cheese sticks with apple slices, and hummus with veggies or crackers. Remember that this is not the time to “get your pre-baby body back,” your main job is to rest, recover, and give yourself grace in this new season of life. If you are finding it difficult to prioritize the necessity of nourishing yourself, set a timer on the stovetop or your phone, ask your partner or family member to help out, or wear baby while preparing and eating if necessary. Nourish + be well, Mama.
If you're navigating the challenges of prenatal and postpartum care, remember that you don't have to do it alone. As a pediatric and maternal dietitian, Amanda Robbins offers personalized nutrition counseling to support your journey. Whether you're seeking guidance on emotional regulation through nourishment or tailored dietary advice for this new chapter in your life, Amanda's expertise can help you feel your best. Connect with her today for compassionate, expert guidance tailored to your unique needs. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards nurturing your health and well-being during this pivotal time.
