PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM
Parenthood is an adjustment with ups and downs.
The adjustment to parenthood brings about new roles; new routines; and changes in sleep, self-care, eating, and support/socializing. Additionally, parents experience a roller coaster of emotions (such as joy, sadness, anxiety, and gratitude) and countless opportunities for decision-making related to areas such as caregiving, work, division of household chores, and potentially new and creative ways to connect with a partner.
Among the many experiences that that a parent (or parents) can have include:
- General adjustment to pregnancy
- General adjustment to parenthood
- Relationship conflict/disconnection
- Infertility
- High-risk pregnancy
- Adoption
- Infant loss
- Abortion
- NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) stays
After the birth of a baby, it’s normal to feel sad and nervous – this is called the “baby blues.”
About 80% of new mothers experience the baby blues. Some common symptoms include feeling sad, crying a lot, irritability, and feeling overwhelmed. For many mothers, symptoms happen 2-3 days after having a baby and go away before 2 weeks. Dads experience baby blues too! Some common symptoms for men include increased irritability and anger outbursts, withdrawal from others, working constantly, and substance use issues.
1 in 7 new mothers, and 1 in 10 new fathers, experience serious depression or anxiety.
Common symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety include sadness, feeling overwhelmed, fatigue, crying spells, irritability/anger, repetitive fears and worries, and a sense of hopelessness for periods of time over two weeks. When left untreated perinatal depression and anxiety can last months, or even years. When mothers experiences perinatal distress, research suggests that father have up to a 50% chance of experiencing it as well.
When mothers and fathers get help, children also benefit
Perinatal distress can negative impact physical health and parenting behaviors among mothers and fathers. For example, some areas that are impacted are healthy bonding and attachment with baby, difficulties with routines and consistent discipline practices, and maintaining a safe environment (free from abuse, neglect, and risky behaviors). Perinatal distress among mothers can also negatively impact cognitive and emotional development of infants and children. However, the outlook for infants and children can improve when mothers and fathers get the support they need. Therapy is a first-line treatment, for even the most severe cases of postpartum depression.
All mothers and fathers deserve to enjoy parenthood.
Enough said.
Counseling and therapy at Wellness Grove…
Our in-person (outpatient) counseling services are offered in Canton OH (near Akron, North Canton, and Massillon). We also offer telemental health sessions to all Ohio residents.
Wellness Grove
