(Courtesy of JFSClifton) The birth of a baby is a time of excitement and joy as well as change, fatigue and new challenges. During this adjustment period, 60-80% of mothers will experience the “baby blues” in the two weeks following the birth. One can experience tearfulness, crying spells, exhaustion, reactivity, mood swings and anxiety. This is due to hormone fluctuation and acute sleep deprivation and unrelated to a prior mood disorder.
However, for approximately 20% of mothers, feelings can linger and grow more intense rather than fade away, developing into a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). PMADs include perinatal depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and postpartum psychosis. These disorders can affect people at any time during their lives. However, there is an increased risk during the perinatal period (pregnancy up until a year after giving birth) and symptoms have a unique presentation.
PMADs affect one in five women and if not taken care of, have serious consequences for the entire family unit. They are among the most common complications that occur in pregnancy or in the first 12 months after delivery. Despite the negative effects on mother, baby, partner and family, perinatal mental health disorders often remain undiagnosed, untreated or under-treated. This is unfortunate because effective screening, diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve health outcomes for everyone involved.
Feeling isolated and lonely increases the risk of depression, especially during pregnancy and after childbirth. Interventions that focus on building strong support systems for new mothers can be highly effective in reducing their mental health distress.
The period around giving birth presents a prime opportunity for healthcare providers to identify and address potential issues related to loneliness, anxiety and depression. For new mothers, having a strong social network with supportive people around them is linked to positive outcomes in infant care, infant bonding and sets the stage for a positive long-term experience for both her and the whole family. Taking good care of a new mom during this time directly benefits the entire family’s well-being.
When facing emotional difficulties after giving birth, new mothers should not hesitate to reach out for help, whether it’s opening up to a trusted friend or family member, consulting a mental health professional, or reaching out to a medical provider. By prioritizing self-care, new mothers can better manage the challenges of early motherhood. Loved ones can also play a vital role by checking in and offering practical support. The sooner the symptoms of a PMAD are recognized, the faster she can recover back to her baseline mental health.
In efforts to bring awareness and connection in this vulnerable and unique time, JFS has created “The Postpartum Support Circle” at Jewish Family Service of Clifton-Passaic, a virtual six-week support group for mothers in the first year postpartum. This group is facilitated by Sarala Katz, a licensed clinical social worker and perinatal mental health specialist. This is a supportive space dedicated to providing education around symptoms and treatments of PMADs as well as connecting to like-minded mothers in the same unique period.
Participants from the first two groups have reported decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as feelings of validation, knowledge encouragement, and most importantly, feeling less alone in the struggles that new motherhood presents. Participants do not need to struggle with a diagnosis to join.
Postpartum is a crucial yet frequently overlooked phase in a mother’s life, characterized by significant physical, emotional and mental adjustments, making it a vital time for mothers to prioritize their well-being to ensure a smooth transition into motherhood.
Please see the adjacent ad for details about the group or contact Sarala Katz, LCSW, PMH-C at (973) 777-7638, ext. 205 or [email protected].
