October 21, 2024

Mental Health After Baby

Emma Parkhurst
Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor

Mother holding her baby

 

 

 

Whether it’s your first or fifth child, bringing home a new baby can be one of the most joyous yet challenging times in a person’s life, especially for the birthing parent. In addition to navigating how to care for a newborn, new mothers experience a significant drop in hormones shortly after giving birth. Studies show this dramatic drop may have a role in mental health concerns that go beyond the “baby blues”, such as postpartum depression or anxiety. Depression can involve feelings of sadness, emptiness, and sometimes hurting oneself or others, while anxiety includes feelings of nervousness, worry, and fear. Other factors that may lead to Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) include lack of sleep and support, complications during delivery, and existing mental health concerns.

According to the Utah Department of Health, Utah has a higher rate of postpartum depression symptoms (16.2%) than the national percentage (13%). While about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. experience symptoms of postpartum depression, it’s critical to recognize that new fathers can experience it as well.

The good news is there are many ways new parents can care for their own mental health while caring for a newborn:

  • Rest: between frequent night wakings or general anxieties, sleep deprivation is a common experience for new parents. Prioritize your own rest based on what works best for your family. Examples include scheduling “shifts” with a partner so you can have a solid stretch of sleep (try for about 3-4 hours when possible), asking trusted individuals to watch baby so you can rest, going to bed earlier and staying in bed longer than usual, and meeting your basic needs.
  • Connect: taking time to socialize and connect with others can significantly improve mental health. Consider connecting with other adults whether it’s your partner, family, friends, or an online group. If you’re not comfortable with having in-person visitors at home yet, consider socializing outdoors or virtually.
  • Support: learning how to take care of a new human is stressful! Don’t be afraid to ask for support and accept help from others. If you do not have a support system near you, consider speaking to your doctor about finding a support group.
  • Nutrition: prioritize your nutrition by making sure you’re eating enough food and drinking plenty of water. Focus on incorporating the five food groups (fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy) to combat fatigue and energy levels.

New parents should contact a health care provider if concerned that they are experiencing the following signs and symptoms after delivery of an infant: persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, changes in appetite, changes in sleep (not sleeping or sleeping all the time), and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Primary care providers can screen, diagnose, and discuss treatment options. To read more about coping with the challenges of being a new parent, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website here.

References

Maternal Mental Health Among Utah Women (2023). Utah Women & Leadership Project https://www.usu.edu/uwlp/files/snapshot/48.pdf

Public Health Indicator Based Information System (IBIS). (2023a, February). Health indicator report of postpartum depression. Utah Department of Health. https://ibis.health.utah.gov/ibisph-view/indicator/view/PPD.html 

Postpartum Depression (2023). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services https://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/postpartum-depression