FAQS About Post-Partum Mental Health

Group of smiling moms sitting with babies on blankets out in front of them on the floor

When is it more than the baby blues?

The postpartum period can be a time of high emotion. Life changes, upheaval, and hormonal adjustments can all contribute to feelings of overwhelm and play a role in postpartum depression (PPD).

Postpartum Support International is the USA partner organization for the global maternal mental health task force and they have suggested some answers to commonly asked questions. We’ve collated the top five for you to consider in deciding when, if, and what treatment you may consider.

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New Baby Help: 5 Benefits of a Postpartum Doula

Postpartum Doula feeding a baby

At New Mom School, we’re huge advocates for all that a postpartum doula can bring to the experience for new families.

After all, when parents are supported and nurtured, they feel empowered, which leads to immense joy with life’s most treasured gift…our babies!

It is often a big adjustment in family life when a newborn enters the family dynamic. By offering non-medical care and spiritual support to new parents, a postpartum doula can often be the difference between success or struggle.

BUT WHAT IS A DOULA?

Postpartum doulas are professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to new parents in the weeks and months after birth. They are there to help in any way they can with postpartum care. Think breastfeeding advice and help, newborn care, self-care, and household management.

Check out some of the ways that a postpartum doula can help a new mom, and see if its the right fit for you:

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Postpartum Care
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Postpartum Mood Disorders

Mother comforting and holding her baby closely

WHEN IT’S MORE THAN THE “BABY BLUES”

Here’s a fun fact: there are just shy of 4 million babies born every year in the United States.

That means almost 4 million women become mothers or add to their families, annually.

A not-so-fun fact: of those 4 million women, as many as 1 in 5 will experience some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. Furthermore, it is thought 7 in 10 women hide or downplay their symptoms.

Despite this, postpartum mental health is not discussed nearly enough.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends in order to optimize the health of women and infants, postpartum care should become an ongoing process, rather than a single encounter, with services and support tailored to each woman’s individual needs—and we agree wholeheartedly. Keep reading more to discover information about Postpartum Mood Disorders.

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How to Offer Help to a New Mama

Mother sitting on a chair in a dark room holding her baby

Instead of telling a new mama, “Let me know if you need anything,” try;

“I’d love to drop of some dinner for you one day this week! let me know which day works best for you and what your favorite meal is.” “I’m going to the grocery store tomorrow and I’d like to pick up some groceries for you too. Can you send me the shopping list?" “Do you have afavorite drink from (insert local coffee shop) that I can bring you today?” “I’d like to come and spend an hour or two looking after your baby, so you can have a nap or some alone time. Would you like that? “I have some free time this afternoon, I can do some chores for you, what needs to be done?” “How are you coping? Would you like to talk?” Originally published by Taylor Kulik.

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Postpartum Care
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