Postpartum Anxiety: When Normal New-Mom Worry Becomes Something More

Some level of worry is completely normal for new mothers. After all, you're entering into a new phase of life and are now responsible for taking care of a brand new person! It's natural to think carefully about how you're caring for your baby, and to worry about their health and safety. However, for approximately 1 in 5 birthing people, this normal, new-mom worry becomes something more: Postpartum Anxiety (source). This blog post covers the difference between normal new mom-worry and postpartum anxiety, who is at risk for developing postpartum anxiety (PPA), and when and how to seek help.

Understanding Normal New Mom Worry

Just as with any other significant life transition, a certain amount of worry and concern is completely expected with the adjustment to parenthood. Typical worries for new moms might sound like:

• How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?

• I hope they're warm enough when we go on a walk today.

• I wish they would sleep longer!

• Will people judge me if I formula feed?

Worries come and go, and don't interfere with daily functioning. As a therapist for new moms (and a mom myself), I don't know any other new moms who haven't had some of these thoughts at some point. Normal new-mom worries are temporary, manageable, and situational. If you're worried about whether or not your baby is warm enough on your walk, you stop worrying once you're inside. If you're going back and forth about the best way to feed your baby, you'll feel reassured as you process the decision with a supportive partner or friend. Distractions, talking to loved ones, or simple mindfulness exercises can put the worries at bay, and allow you to move on with whatever you're doing at the moment.

Postpartum Anxiety 101

Postpartum Anxiety feels all-consuming and goes beyond the worries listed above. Symptoms of postpartum anxiety can include:

• Constant worry

• Feeling that something awful might happen

• Racing thoughts

• Sleep and appetite disturbances

• Restlessness or an inability to sit still

• Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, headaches, stomach aches, and muscle tension

• Feelings of anger, irritability and/or rage

• Feeling nervous or "on-edge" when there is no obvious reason or immediate danger

• Hyper-vigilance

• Difficulty relaxing

• Difficulty bonding with your baby

• Intrusive thoughts, often about something bad happening to your baby

The key difference between worry and anxiety in new moms is that postpartum anxiety interferes with daily functioning. If you feel like you're constantly stuck in a spiral of "what-if" thoughts, you can't sleep even when you have the opportunity to, you feel like your mind is "always on," or you often "snap" at your partner, you may be experiencing postpartum anxiety.

Who Develops Postpartum Anxiety?

Anyone can develop postpartum anxiety, and if you are one of the 1 in 5 new moms who do, know that it is not your fault. While we can't necessarily predict who will develop PPA, we do know that there are certain groups who are at an increased likelihood. Risk factors include:

• Personal or family history of anxiety

• Thyroid imbalance

• Pregnancy complications (for either the mother or the baby)

• Traumatic birth

• Unplanned pregnancy

• History of abuse

• Extenuating stressful life events (such as a recent move or death in the family)

• History of infertility or previous pregnancy loss

• Delivery via C-section, vacuum, or forceps

• Premature birth

• NICU stays

Postpartum anxiety can develop any time during the first year after giving birth. Some moms develop PPA shortly after their child is born; others experience the onset at another point during that first year, sometimes corresponding with the end of their maternity leave or when weaning.

The Good News? Postpartum Anxiety is Treatable

It's time to seek support if it feels like your worry is running the show instead of helping you reasonably prepare for the adjustment to new parenthood. Medication, support groups, and therapy have all been shown to decrease symptoms of postpartum anxiety. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based practices have been shown to reduce symptoms of PPA and promote emotional resilience (source). A therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health can help you learn how to challenge and reframe anxious thoughts, calm physical symptoms of anxiety, and feel more present in the moment so you can get out of an anxious spiral and enjoy time with your baby.

If you're looking for a postpartum anxiety therapist in Boston, MA, I am currently accepting new clients and would love to be part of your support system. Reach out to schedule a complimentary 15-minute intro call to learn more about how we can work together.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional therapy, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this blog does not establish a therapeutic relationship. If you are in need of mental health support, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional.