For More Information
Please call your OB/GYN or other healthcare provider. Help is available.
As a new mother, it can be hard to meet the demands of every day life and maintain a healthy balance. Increased levels of anxiety or sadness can be caused by many things, including rapid hormone changes, physical and emotional stress of birthing and fatigue and sleep deprivation. These are very normal feelings, but can sometimes build to an unhealthy level. Eighty percent of women experience baby blues within the first week after delivering, and one in five women will experience a postpartum mood disorder.
If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, please call your OB/GYN or other healthcare provider. With help, you can get better and enjoy motherhood to the fullest.
During the past week or two:
- I have been unable to laugh or see the funny side of situations.
- I have not looked forward to events or situations I usually enjoy.
- I have unnecessarily blamed myself when things went wrong.
- I have been anxious or worried for no reason.
- I have been scared or panicked for no reason.
- I have felt sad or miserable.
- I have been unhappy to the point that it has made me cry.
- The thought of harming myself, my baby or others has occurred to me.
Helpful Tips to Remember
- Baby blues and postpartum mood disorders are biochemical illnesses that you cannot prevent. These feelings are not your fault.
- Mothers need to be mothered, too. You must take care of yourself, as well as your baby.
- You are a good mom. Taking steps to get better shows how much you care about your family.
Presbyterian Psychiatric Associates
Should you need more specialized care, our board-certified physicians, physicians' assistants and licensed clinical social workers can provide the care you need to help you recover. They can also make recommendations of psychologists or other community resources that may benefit you. Learn more about Presbyterian Psychiatric Associates.
