Navigating Your Emotions and Finding
Happiness After Childbirth
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
Many assume that the sight of a newborn nullifies all other emotions and brings only joy to a mother. However, this assumption is ignorant and false. Experience has shown that mothers experience various powerful emotions ranging from joy to depression and anxiety.
Some mothers are even affected by postpartum disorders like postpartum rage and depression. This article highlights common postpartum disorders, their causes and how to navigate them to regain your happiness.
Common Postpartum Disorders that Threaten Your Happiness
Hormonal imbalance and chemical changes in a mother’s body after childbirth can cause her to feel some postnatal disorders. Below are some of the common disorders that can rob you of your happiness after childbirth:
Baby Blues
Baby blues describe a period of serious mood swings experienced within the first six weeks of childbirth. When you experience baby blues, you are happy one minute, then sad or tearing up the next minute without any plausible reason.
These mood swings are caused by the hormonal and chemical changes your body underwent shortly before, during, and immediately after childbirth. While it generally lasts six weeks, some mothers experience baby blues for a few days or a week. Besides frequent mood swings, some common characteristics of baby blues include:
● Crying
● Anxiety
● Reduced concentration
● Difficulty sleeping
● Irritability
Postpartum Depression
Mothers can experience postpartum depression at any time within the first year of childbirth. At the onset, postpartum depression may appear as baby blues, but the symptoms are stronger and last longer.
Postpartum depression is often intense and distressing, affecting mothers and those around them. It can even interfere with their ability to care for their babies and other daily activities. Below are some common symptoms associated with postpartum depression:
● Insomnia
● Tiredness and loss of energy
● Loss of appetite
● Anxiety
● Social withdrawal
Common Causes of Postpartum Disorders
Below are the common causes of postpartum disorder:
Hormonal and chemical changes
Rapid changes in hormonal and chemical levels in mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth contribute to these mental conditions, especially causing mood swings and irritability.
Unrealistic Expectations
The feelings of guilt and inadequacies in new mothers are often amplified by their unrealistic expectations of motherhood, leading to stress-related disorders.
Sleep Deprivation
Caring for newborns disrupts mothers' sleeping patterns, often causing severe sleep deprivation. This builds physical and emotional exhaustion that manifests in these disorders.
Past Trauma and Stressors
Past stress and traumas, including the childbirth process and any epidural injury, can also cause you to experience postpartum disorders.
How to Find Your Happiness As a New Mother
Despite these challenges, you can learn how to find happiness as a new mother. Consider some strategies to prevent and eliminate these disorders:
Prioritize Self-Care
While caring for your newborn remains your priority, don’t forget self-care. Find time to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Eat nutritious food and exercise regularly. In addition, get enough rest and sleep. You can also build your social life by talking more with family and friends and engaging in simple hobbies you enjoy.
Take Up Psychological Therapy
Take self-help courses to get started on your recovery. Enrolling in therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also a good option. Simple music therapy and mindful meditation can also work magic.
Endnote
Mothers experience a wide range of emotions immediately after childbirth. These could easily drive some into postpartum disorders like baby blues and postpartum depression. These disorders are caused by chemical and hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, and unrealistic expectations. However, you can overcome them with good self-care and psychological therapy.
