Pregnancy advice usually focuses on the physical components of the process, such as taking the right prenatal vitamins, eating the right meals, and exercising properly to prepare your body. But what about mentally preparing for the birth of a child? What can you do before you get pregnant to ensure that your mental health is preserved during the pregnancy? Is there anything you can do to assist reduce the risk of issues like postpartum depression?
Mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy has been linked to birth outcomes as well as mental health in the postpartum period, according to research published in 2012. 1 Even if your pregnancy is challenging or your experience is not what you imagined, there are things you can do to maintain your mental health.
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the various ways you might psychologically prepare for having a baby.
Recognize Your Risk Factors
PPD, or postpartum depression, is a serious issue that affects a large number of new moms. Depression is the main cause of non-obstetric hospitalisation among women. Finding solutions to both prevent and treat PPD is critical since it can have a significant impact on the health of mothers and infants.
Is there anything you can do before you get pregnant to help reduce your chances of developing postpartum depression?
Understanding the risk factors for PPD could be beneficial. While it is impossible to anticipate who will be impacted and who will not, being aware of any risk factors you may have can help you keep an eye out for the first signs of symptoms.
Always reach out to people that are closed to you to help you get through it. Never results to suffering alone.
Women who are more likely to have PPD include:
- Those who have struggled with sadness and anxiety in the past.
- PPD has been seen in the past.
- Marital strife
- PPD runs in the family
- A recent history of stressful life events, such as problems during pregnancy
- A lacklustre support system
Researchers have discovered that there are strategies people can take to prevent or lessen postpartum depression, which is good news. Women who receive psychosocial or psychological therapies, for example, are considerably less likely to have depression after giving birth, according to a 2015 study. Interpersonal counselling, postpartum home visits, postpartum phone support, and postpartum midwife care were the most effective therapies identified by the study. Early cognitive behaviour therapy may also assist to reduce postpartum depression, according to some research.
It’s crucial to be aware of any risk factors, but you should also be aware that postpartum depression can affect anyone. You can acquire symptoms of sadness or anxiety after the birth of your kid even if you have never been depressed or anxious before. That is why it is crucial to be aware of these signs and symptoms in order to take proper action if you suspect you have PPD.
The severity of depression after the birth of a child varies, however some of the symptoms to look out for include:
- Concentration problems
- Inadequacy feelings
- Tearfulness
- Suicidal ideation
- Anxiety Intrusive thoughts Disinterest in one’s baby
If you believe you are experiencing signs of PPD or other troubling feelings, talk to your doctor. Self-care, psychotherapy, medication, support groups, or a combination of treatments may be recommended by your doctor.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, as well as the importance of reaching out to your doctor if you suspect you’re experiencing sadness or anxiety during or after your pregnancy, can help you feel more mentally prepared to deliver a baby.
Prepare yourself physically
Do understand that as a new mother, you will find it difficult during the first few months after your baby is born; but THAT’S TOTALLY FINE!
A struggling new mother doesn’t mean you failed to prepare yourself right before your baby is born; its normal and everyone is facing the same problem as yours whether you realise it or not.
Worry not, there are ways for you to prepare yourself physically so that your body won’t get too exhausted during the first few months after the baby came into your world!
- Always remember that the baby don’t know how to talk; they will only cry. As a mother, try to calm yourself first and figure out what your baby wants. Don’t simply throw tantrums as well, mothers! Try to calm down and figure out one by one.
- Prepare your baby’s essentials; exactly what your baby needs and not what you wants (unless you have some extra savings for what you want, then go for it!)
- Ask for your partner’s cooperation as well to help with the baby’s needs. Don’t put all the burden to yourself and never feel ashamed to ask for your partner’s help.
