After the excitement and whirlwind of giving birth is over and the dust settles, many women begin to feel a sense of isolation, because…..When these feelings emerge, we may feel guilty if we feel disconnected or sad when interacting with our babies. “This should be one of the happiest times in my life so why do I feel so sad?,” is a common question that arises for many new mothers. (we need a sentence or two here to explain why women withdraw, what day-to-day tasks begin to feel impossible?) We may start to withdraw and feel like day-to-day tasks are nearly impossible.
Unknown to many women, these feelings of sadness, isolation and anxiety are symptoms of postpartum depression, the number one complication of childbirth. PPD affects 1 in 7 new mothers. Sadly, many women suffer in silence and are never properly diagnosed. When postpartum depression and anxiety strike, many mothers search for allies—other women who are willing to admit that motherhood is less than glorious. It’s often difficult for close friends and family to watch as we become more distant and feel less like ourselves. Partners often watch postpartum mood disorders take hold and feel helpless as to what to do.
During this vulnerable time, some of our biggest allies are midwives, pediatricians and obstetricians. These health providers stand at the forefront of maternal care and can help screen and connect new mothers with the mental health care that they need.
As an advocate for maternal mental health, I am continually reaching out to these health professionals to ensure they receive the education that they need to properly screen new mothers so that they may serve as a bridge, linking women with the emotional support they require to be the best mothers they can be.
Some of our biggest allies at this vulnerable time ideally are our midwives, obstetricians, and often times our baby’s pediatrician. Too often though, they lack the training or the time to ask the right questions. Women are sometimes too embarrassed, too guilty to reach out and ask for help.
Since 1 in 7 women will experience a postpartum mood disorder, more training to spot it is vital.
In the past few years, there has been a push to integrate mental health with primary care. It is my hope that postpartum women start to get the care they need and so deserve. I will work to advocate for this hugely needed change and hope you will join me.
In the past few years, there has been a push to integrate mental health with primary care. It is my hope that postpartum women start to get the care they need and so deserve. I will work to advocate for this hugely needed change and hope you will join me.
Set up a 20-minute consult call so I can answer any questions you may have.
Michelle Cilia
Psychotherapy San Francisco
415-710-6731
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