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Bringing a new baby into this world is undeniably exciting and beautiful, as well as emotional and life-changing.
Now add a global pandemic to the stressors and unknowns of parenting a newborn, and many new parents feel they have been left with a high-stakes, at times frightening, and even lonely task.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a clear impact on postpartum mental health. A New York Times review of multiple caregiver studies dubbed the stress of the pandemic as a “mental health crisis” for parents.
Understandably, this crisis has far from escaped new moms. Clinical reports of postpartum mood disorders have significantly spiked. The American Psychological Association reports pre-pandemic depression affected roughly 20{b4bb8ddb70249670c85c66def16f765bd40a90ddaa69bcee7e340d9a7e1b07a9} of pregnant and postpartum moms in the first year following childbirth, while anxiety affected roughly 13{b4bb8ddb70249670c85c66def16f765bd40a90ddaa69bcee7e340d9a7e1b07a9}. In the midst of the pandemic, two Canadian studies of 900 and 2,000 pregnant and postpartum moms found depression and moderate-to-high anxiety had astoundingly more than doubled those pre-pandemic numbers.
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Understanding the struggle with postpartum mental health
The physical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and early postpartum make women particularly vulnerable to mental health concerns. For this reason, many obstetric practices offer resources to support a new mom’s care.
Under normal circumstances, immediate family might attend prenatal appointments, be present at the baby’s birth, assist new parents with basic needs and share in the joys of the early baby milestones. Moms also would be encouraged to join parenting groups, socialize and have the chance to normalize their experience and receive support.
However, because of COVID-19 restrictions, many of these supports have been restricted, leaving moms with the stress of isolation on top of other very real pandemic concerns. For those new moms predisposed to mood disorders, the pandemic has created a perfect storm.
How can new moms manage?
It is important to be realistic about potential mental health strains as a new mom during the pandemic, and remember with proper support and care, the struggles can be overcome.
Of utmost importance is being proactive, seeking support and not keeping your emotional challenges to yourself. Postpartum mood disorders can exist on a spectrum of severity. No amount of struggle is too little or too great to seek help.
Pregnancy and childbirth is anticipated as a time of great joy — be kind to yourself and know you are not alone if you experience a range of emotions including everything from joy and happiness, to fear and sadness.
During COVID-19, it might be tempting to dismiss your symptoms as “normal stress.” Yes, the pandemic has its own stressors, but there are very real emotional and physical changes that come with pregnancy and caring for a new baby. Talk to your obstetrician about healthy lifestyle changes you could make, and ask about virtual therapy and/or support groups, such as those at Parenting Now or WellMama, and discuss recommendations for medication management, if needed.
Supporting a loved one’s postpartum mental health
In the midst of the pandemic, many new parents are having to make difficult decisions regarding “boundaries” that are best for the health and wellness of the baby.
Many expecting and new moms report that “fear of the unknown” and the virus itself directly contribute to their anxiety level, including concerns about contracting the virus, separation from their infant and delivering without a support person in place.
Friends or family members may be asked to wear a mask and maintain a 6-foot distance when visiting, or they may be asked to visit later, when COVID numbers are lower. Either way, family and loved ones can show support to the new parents by cooperating with their wishes and respecting their decisions.
Social support is vital — and can be done safely during the pandemic. Be creative about staying in touch with and supporting a new mom during the pandemic. Arrange grocery/meal deliveries, or connect digitally to see the new baby and ask Mom or Dad what they could use help with. Don’t be afraid to check in with a new mom regarding her mental health and make it an open, safe conversation.
If you see signs that a pregnant or postpartum mom is struggling with their postpartum mental health, encourage them to seek help and direction with their obstetrician or general physician.
Natalie Baumgartner is a Marriage and Family Therapist with Champion Family Therapy. She lives in Eugene with her two children, 9 and 5. She can be reached at [email protected]
Parenting Now is a nonprofit offering groups and workshops so that all children are raised by nurturing, skilled parents. Contact Parenting Now at www.parentingnow.org, on social media and at 541-484-5316.