Let’s focus on maternal mental health. There is much post-birth emphasis on newborn health, but a new mom’s own health is also a priority. Postpartum mood changes affect both biological and adoptive moms. You have to be able to take care of yourself in order to take care of a newborn.
It can be helpful to talk about what you are experiencing as a new mom.
How are you feeling emotionally? Physically?
Is your body healing from the birth?
Are you sleeping? How is your appetite? Are you getting outside?
Who helps at night when the baby wakes?
Are you having any breastfeeding, supply or latch difficulties?
How is your mood? Are you sad or tearful? Are you irritable or angry? Detached and numb?
Are you anxious? What are your worries? Are any of your thoughts scaring you?
How do you feel about your connection to your baby?
Your connection to your partner?
What worries you the most about the way you feel? Does your partner know how you’re feeling? Is there anything you’re holding back from telling others?
How are you taking care of yourself?
Who can you turn to for support?
Many women experience difficulties adjusting to new motherhood. It makes sense; you've never been a new mom caring for a newborn or infant before. New motherhood is filled with transitions, some expected, but also many, many surprises. And cumulative sleep deprivation can wreck havoc. Often moms report that something feels off, but they may not know how to express what they are feeling or worry they may be judged so stay silent.
How can you take care of yourself? Learn about postpartum mood changes and check in with yourself. Ideally during postpartum and pediatric checkups, you will spend some time focusing on your health as a new mom. If not, find friends, family members or a mental health professional who will check in with you. If you’re not feeling like yourself, tell someone. Remember, it’s essential to put on your own oxygen mask first.