Nurturing Your Mental Health During the Perinatal Period
The journey to motherhood can be filled with joy, excitement, and anticipation. However, it is also important to acknowledge that it can be a time of immense change and adjustment, both physically and emotionally. As we celebrate the arrival of a new little one, it is crucial to prioritize our mental health and well-being during the perinatal period.
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals during pregnancy and up to 18 months after childbirth (otherwise known as postpartum). While this can be a time of immense joy, women can also experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, depression, and mood swings. It is common for up to 80% of new moms to experience the “baby blues”, which is a normal adjustment period that generally lasts 2-3 weeks after giving birth and is characterized by weepiness and mood swings. If symptoms last more than 3 weeks, or if at any time they are distressing to the individual or family/friends, it is time to reach out for help. Approximately 1 out of every 5-7 women experiences significant depression, anxiety, intrusive repetitive thoughts, panic, or post traumatic stress. These reactions can also occur with miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth or infant loss.
Things to Consider
- Know the Signs: It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of perinatal mental health concerns, including persistent sadness, irritability, repetitive intrusive thoughts, excessive worry, and difficulty bonding with your baby
- Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you're struggling. Whether it is talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking therapy, or reaching out to a healthcare provider, there is support available.
- Take Care of Yourself: Remember to prioritize self-care during this time. This can include getting enough rest, eating nourishing foods, engaging in physical activity, and taking time for activities you enjoy.
- Connect with Others: Surround yourself with a supportive community of friends, family, and other new moms who can offer encouragement, empathy, and practical assistance. We have some wonderful resources right here in our community.
- Consider Professional Help: If you are experiencing persistent symptoms of anxiety or depression, or intrusive thoughts, seeking professional help from a therapist or mental health provider can be beneficial. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore your feelings, learn coping strategies, and develop a plan for moving forward.
How Nurture Can Support You
At Nurture Women's Health & Fertility, we understand the importance of prioritizing mental health during the perinatal period. Here's how we can support you:
- Comprehensive Women's Health Services: From prenatal care to postpartum support, we offer a range of women's health services to address your unique needs throughout every stage of motherhood.
- Psychotherapy Services: Our experienced therapists provide individualized therapy sessions to help you navigate the emotional challenges of pregnancy and new motherhood. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or adjusting to life as a new parent, our therapists offer compassionate support and evidence-based interventions to help you thrive.
- Pelvic Floor Therapy: Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for women experiencing pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or other pelvic floor issues during pregnancy and postpartum. Our skilled therapists can provide personalized treatment plans to address your specific concerns and improve pelvic health.
-Guides + Goodies: Check out our thoughtfully curated Guides + Goodies under the About section on our website. Here you can find local and national resources to support you on your journey to parenthood and during the perinatal period, information on perinatal mood & anxiety disorders, and book & podcast recommendations.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health during the perinatal period. By prioritizing self-care, seeking support when needed, and accessing the resources available to you, you can navigate this transformative journey with confidence and resilience. Remember, you are not alone, and help is always available. At Nurture Women's Health & Fertility, we are here to support you every step of the way.
About The Author
Ila Breeann “Bree” Bode is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional with nearly 20 years of direct service, supervisory, and managerial experience (working with children, adolescents, families, substance use disorders, Juvenile Justice, and Child Welfare) in community mental health settings.