Is Motherhood What You Expected?

 ·      Are you constantly tired

·      Feeling inadequate as a mother

·      Feeling disappointed and alone

·      Having difficulties sleeping

·      Crying more frequently

·      Feeling worried and anxious

·      Feeling angry and frustrated

·      Worried about your health or the babies

·      Having scary thoughts of harming 

      your self or the baby

·      Having obsessive repetitive thoughts

Many of these feelings are natural but sometimes

these feelings can become excessive, overwhelmed and unhealthy. If this is happening to you, then you need to consult a health care practitioner.

Having A Baby Can Change Your World

 Most individuals are very excited about the arrival of a new baby. Along with a new baby comes many changes including:

·      New roles

·      Changes to marital relationships

·      Career changes

·      Economical changes

·      Social isolation

·      Cultural and family expectations

·      Hormonal changes

·      Changes in responsibilities

Postpartum emotional adjustment issues affect up to 80% of women. These symptoms can begin during pregnancy and or after delivery. This can also occur with women who have adopted a baby.

Coping Strategies that will help you adjust to this situation.

·     Journal writing

·     Unplug the telephone while the baby is sleeping

·     Eat nutritious foods

·     Rest as much as possible

·     Ask for help

·     Light Exercise  

·     Take time for your self every day, to do something you enjoy

·     Hot Baths with candles and soft music

·     Go for a walk visit with friends

·     Read or listen to music and dance

·     Decrease your expectations

·     Be nice to your self

·     Don’t beat yourself up emotionally

·     Visit your health care practitioner regularly

·     Seek counselling if necessary

·     Find a way to laugh

·     Allow your self to cry and express your emotions

·     Allow your self to feel disappointed

·     Talk to a good friend

·     Join a support group

·     Arrange for a baby sitter when you want to go out

·     Take medication if prescribed by your doctor

Post Partum Blues

 ·      This happens is 50-75 % of new moms

·      Usually occurs 2-4 days after birth.

·      Symptoms usually last up to 2 weeks.

·      Women often feel overwhelmed

·      Tired

·      Frightened

·      Unprepared

·      Ambivalence

·      Lack of interest in babe

·      Low self esteem

These symptoms usually disappear on their own within a few weeks.

If they don’t you should call a health care practitioner

Post Partum Depression   (PPD)

 This affects 10-25 % of women. This can begin days, weeks or months after the delivery. There is a 10- 30% chance of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. It can last for several months.

Symptoms include:

·     Feelings of guilt

·     Can’t sleep but exhaustion

·     Excessive sleeping

·     Changes in appetite

·     Overwhelmed

·     Feelings of inadequacy

·     Sadness

·     Feelings of despair

·     Feelings of worthlessness

·     Forgetful

·     Lack of concentration

·     Poor concentration

·     Difficulties making decisions

·     Fear of hurting baby or self

Post Partum Psychosis

 This is very rare, only 1-2 in 1000 women will develop this severe illness: Post Partum Psychosis.

Symptoms included;

·      Loss of contact with reality for long periods of time

·      Hyperactivity or excessive energy

·      Rapid speech

·      Extreme confusion

·      Delusions

·      Paranoia

·      Hallucinations

·      Extreme depression

·      Confusion

·      Suicidal/homicidal ideation’s

·      Insomnia

·      Agitation

·      Bizarre feelings and behaviors

Requires immediate help and hospitalization

Causes of Post Partum Depression

 This is not fully understood

·      It is thought to be a combination of biochemical, psychological and hormonal changes after childbirth that affects a women’s mood and behaviour

·      It often depends on if the pregnancy was planned

·      How difficult the pregnancy was

·      How difficult the birth was

·      Support systems after the birth

·      Degree of isolation

·      The amount of stress that occurs adjusting to the role of    parenting or numerous children

·      Previous experience of emotional, physical and sexual abuse

·      Previous history of depression

Post Partum Anxiety-Panic Disorder

This is very confusing as women are suffering from symptoms of depression as well as symptoms of extreme worry, anxiety or even panic attacks.

Symptoms can include:

·      Shortness of breath

·      Heart palpitations

·      Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

·      Sweating

·      Dizzy or lightheaded

·      Pain or tightness in your chest

·      Difficulties breathing

·      Raising thoughts