Pregnancy and childbirth are two of the most rewarding and completely life-changing experiences for women. Although the love and joy felt toward the baby are generally present, no woman is completely prepared for what is to come, and postpartum insecurity is almost inevitable. The feeling of tiredness, loneliness, as well as other changes resulting from pregnancy can trigger a series of emotions in the new mother, and a very common feeling during this phase is postpartum insecurity. The entire period of motherhood not only increases the feeling of doubt and postpartum insecurity but also uncertainty in one’s abilities.
The Well-Known Puerperium
The puerperium is the period that extends from the expulsion of the placenta until 6 to 8 weeks after childbirth as the body returns to its normal state. This is the period during which the body undergoes a series of changes to return to its pre-pregnancy state. During the puerperium, a woman’s body goes through profound physical and emotional changes in a short period of time, while slowly recovering from childbirth and the changes that occurred throughout pregnancy. She also needs to adapt to the maternal role, that is, to produce milk. All these changes can have a strong impact on her mood and make her more sensitive and vulnerable. Together, these characteristics contribute to increasing postpartum insecurity the mother feels regarding the necessary care to ensure the health of her baby and herself during this initial stage of motherhood.
End of the Puerperium
The end of the puerperium is imprecise, but it is generally accepted that it ends when ovulation and a woman’s reproductive function return. In women who are not breastfeeding, the first ovulation can occur 6 to 8 weeks after childbirth. For those who are breastfeeding, it is practically impossible to say when ovulation will return. It may take up to 6 to 8 months, depending on the frequency of feedings. This requires, among other measures, the use of an appropriate contraceptive method. Although the birth of a child is an incomparable event, the challenges are much greater than any excitement. On-demand breastfeeding, sleepless nights, worrying about other children, and physical and emotional changes are very demanding and undoubtedly cause great postpartum insecurity. Physical exhaustion, insomnia, decreased libido, distress, swings between states of intense happiness and deep sadness, anxiety, or postpartum depression are some of the consequences of these demands.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
It is important to understand that all symptoms of postpartum depression also appear in the baby blues; what differentiates one from the other is how long they last. Baby blues last no more than 15 days. After that, if the woman still feels insecure, cries a lot, or does not feel well, it is important to seek medical help.
Main Signs
Main signs that something is wrong: Anger: Anger and irritability are primary signs that something is wrong. Postpartum insecurity is common at this stage, but feeling anger or getting irritated at your baby, your partner, or older children at a level you have never felt before can have serious consequences. You may want to yell at everyone around you or even throw things. Some women feel they shouldn’t be so angry all the time, but can’t help it. Brain fog: Your brain simply does not work well when you have postpartum insecurity. There is a certain difficulty remembering some things, using the right words, or expressing what you are feeling. Multitasking is practically impossible, as it was before. Scary thoughts: Most women with postpartum depression or anxiety feel they are not in full control of their thoughts. I had no idea our mind could think something we didn’t want. Often these thoughts start with the phrase “what if”— “what if I did this to my baby?” or “what if that horrible thing happened?” It’s like having mini nightmares all the time. Intrusive thoughts are a sign of postpartum insecurity, anxiety, and OCD, and no, they do not mean you have become a horrible monster. Emptiness: If you think that women with postpartum depression or anxiety are full of strong emotions—sad and crying all the time— and instead you feel nothing, you might be surprised. Some women say they just feel empty. They go through this period doing what they are supposed to do, but don’t feel any emotions. It’s as if they are on autopilot. If you no longer have the same concerns you used to and feel out of your body, watching your life from above, feeling you are no longer part of it, it is worth talking to your doctor. This is not how a new mother should feel. Insomnia: Everyone says to sleep when the baby sleeps. But what if you can’t? It’s very distressing for a new mother to feel so exhausted and unable to sleep. Sometimes the tiredness is so great that the body and mind cannot rest and as a result, we suffer from insomnia. If you cannot sleep when you have the chance, this may be a sign of postpartum depression or anxiety. Physical symptoms: Most women think that postpartum depression, anxiety, or insecurity can only affect the mind and how they feel. But for some, PPD presents with physical symptoms. Headaches, back pain, upset stomach, nausea, or even panic attacks. If you are feeling pain that does not seem to be caused by a cold, food poisoning, or any other illness, it could be a symptom of postpartum depression or anxiety. As always, the best thing to do is consult your doctor if you are experiencing these or other symptoms. Postpartum insecurity is very common, but feeling bad all the time is not normal. With help, there are effective treatments that can be great along the road to recovery. Also see: Women’s Exhaustion After Childbirth Photos: trestletech
