Having a baby is a big life event and it is natural to feel differing emotions. If you’re feeling more emotional than usual there are ways to seek support. For some people, there’s the worry of what lies ahead, how a new baby will affect relationships or concerns about childbirth. The post-partum period is also an ever changing experience. Recovering physically and emotionally from the birth, sleep changes, changes in life roles as well as identity shifts, differing responsibilities and expectations.
If you are experiencing low mood, emptiness, feeling emotionless, worried or anxious (lasting more than 2 weeks) reach out for support. It’s not just new mums or mums-to-be who can feel anxious and apprehensive. Welcoming a new member of the family can also be a complicated time for partners as well as siblings.
When is it time to get help? A few things to look out for:
- Panic attacks – a racing heart, palpitations, shortness of breath, shaking or feeling physically ‘detached’ from your surroundings
- Persistent, generalised worry, often focused on health concerns
- Obsessive or compulsive behaviour
- Abrupt mood swings
- Low mood or crying for no obvious reason
- Having little interest in things that bring joy (time with friends/ partner, exercise, eating)
- Being nervous or on edge
- Feeling tired all the time
- Not being able to sleep
- Losing interest in intimacy
- Fear of being alone with your baby
- Intrusive thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Brain fog, or finding it difficult to focus, concentrate or remember things
- Engaging in risk taking behaviour (such as drug use).
Where to get help:
Speak to your Doctor/ Midwife/ Nurse about what you are experiencing and enquire about our clinical psychology services.
*There is a team of specialised clinical psychologists at Mediclinic who offer specific and individualised help to families navigating through this journey