Postpartum Support: Here to Help You

You’ve done it! You’ve welcomed that baby into the world. Now what? As you enter postpartum, you may find the experience filled with changes and fluctuations in your body and emotions. 

What is postpartum support?

Your postpartum experience begins right after the birth and lasts until your baby’s first birthday. As your body adapts to life after childbirth, postpartum support is available to help you with upcoming natural changes. Common areas that new mothers need support in are postpartum emotions and breastfeeding. 

Postpartum depression and anxiety

Every woman experiences postpartum differently, and some women experience this transition more extremely and encounter postpartum depression or anxietyy. According to the Office of Women’s Health, one in nine new mothers experience postpartum depression; you are not alone. Many new mothers feel overwhelmed when they bring their baby home but if the symptoms last longer than two weeks, it may indicate postpartum depression. 

Working with your healthcare provider to determine the amount and type of postpartum support you need can help make that transition easier for you. Options for postpartum support can include physical and emotional help by utilizing therapy and medication. Talk to your health care provider about what may be right for you.

The COVID-19 impact 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, your feelings of anxiety and stress could be heightened regardless of if you’re a new mom. It can be challenging to determine if your emotions are heightened because of the pandemic or if you are experiencing postpartum depression. Common Signs of postpartum depression include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Feeling restless or moody
• Crying a lot 
• Having thoughts of hurting the baby or yourself 
• Having no energy or motivation
• Having memory problems 
• Losing interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy 

If you are experiencing one or multiple of these symptoms for longer than two weeks, give your healthcare provider a call. They will be able to help determine if your symptoms are on a normal scope or indicating a larger issue. Postpartum support during the COVID-19 pandemic may look a little different but the support is still available. Talk with your healthcare provider about the restrictions in place and how to receive the support you need. 

We’re here to help 

At Southdale ObGyn, we offer support to our patients through every stage of life including postpartum. Following the delivery, we encourage our patients to call the clinic to schedule a six-week postpartum visit. Some patients require a visit sooner than six weeks. If you have concerns before your scheduled visit, we have an experienced triage nurse ready to support you, answer any questions and address concerns. Common concerns include Cesarean section care, delivery tears or episiotomy care and breastfeeding. For breastfeeding questions specifically, we welcome calls to our office. Leslie Newman, our certified lactation educator is available for breastfeeding questions. 

Being a new mother is difficult and seeking help does not mean you are a bad mom. Your healthcare provider is there to help you navigate your postpartum journey and find support options that work. All new mothers experience the ups and downs of this new journey. Get more resources about postpartum.