The first few hours after welcoming a new baby are often filled with smiles, happy tears and joy. But in the days that follow, especially once a family returns home, those emotions can become more complicated.
Exhaustion, anxiety, sadness and feeling overwhelmed can all be part of adjusting to life with a newborn. In fact, 50 to 80% of new mothers experience what is commonly known as the “baby blues.”
“While postpartum mental health struggles are very common and may only last for a period of time and are usually treatable, the stigma and shame surrounding these struggles may prevent new mothers and parents from seeking help,” said Justin Fax, practice director of Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Services.
The baby blues are typically temporary and may include mild mood swings, sadness, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Symptoms often peak around three to five days after giving birth.
“When those symptoms strengthen, worsen, intensify and last longer than two weeks, an assessment for postpartum depression or anxiety may be warranted,” Fax said.
Symptoms that continue beyond two weeks, become more intense or appear in the months following birth may be signs of a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. These can include excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, severe sadness, hopelessness, anger, appetite changes, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping even when the baby is sleeping, withdrawing from family and friends, or difficulty bonding with the baby.
Pam Santiago, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Some new moms may feel pressure to be happy or worry that admitting they are struggling will make them seem weak or like a bad parent.
“You are not alone,” said Santiago. “Don’t be ashamed of asking for help, regardless of how uncomfortable this might make you feel.”
Both Fax and Santiago encourages friends and family not to wait for a new parent to ask for help, but instead look for simple, practical ways to ease the day-to-day load.
“Bring them dinner, offer to fold the laundry, or watch the baby or other children for a couple hours.”
Loved ones can also offer to drive someone to an appointment, help research resources or assist with contacting a mental health professional.
Catholic Charities can provide support through perinatal mental health counseling, new parent support groups, wellness and treatment planning, and connections to local healthcare resources.
To connect with Catholic Charities Behavioral Health services, call 1-877-448-4466.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an immediate mental health crisis or thoughts of harming themselves or others, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
