• The Good Life
    • Parenting
    • Clean & Tidy
    • Motivational Monday
  • Healthy Eats
    • Healthy Life
  • Conversations
  • Our Favorites
    • What’s Working Wednesday
    • Friday Favorites
    • Guest Post
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Mommy Convos

How a Difficult Childbirth can Surrender your Mental and Emotional Health

in Conversations, Guest Post, Healthy Life on 20/12/20

Some childbirth experiences can be deemed “difficult” such as induced labors, premature births, and deliveries followed by complications, but a handful of them can be downright traumatic.  A traumatic birth experience can result in mental scars in the mom she may not even be aware of, but some non-traumatic experiences may be just as mentally taxing.

Mental Health Issues that May Arise after Difficult Childbirth

After the birth of my second child, I experienced a wide range of emotional problems. These were misleadingly packed into the umbrella term of “post-partum depression” by nearly everyone I’ve talked to about it. But getting the “baby blues” 3 to 7 days after childbirth is not the same as battling the crippling symptoms of postnatal depression. These kinds of symptoms can last for weeks if not months on end. Indeed, after the 7- or 8-day mark, my raging “postpartum depression” symptoms were gone, and all was well in the world again. But other women are not that lucky.

Some of the most common mental health issues a woman may experience after giving birth include the following:

  •  Baby blues
  •  Postnatal depression
  •  Anxiety
  •  Postpartum psychosis

While many of these symptoms may not be easy to spot by new or veteran moms, they are very common.

Childbirth and Baby Blues

This is not such a serious condition as I can attest. Around seven out of ten new moms experience it, and the symptoms usually subside within two weeks after delivery.

A couple of days after my second son was born, I experienced persistent feelings of sadness, moodiness, irritability, anxiety, and crying spells. I felt as if I had lost something, but I couldn’t put my finger on it exactly. I also experienced an overwhelming sense of vulnerability, worrying about my son and my own safety, even though there was no palpable danger in sight. The fact that I had a supportive and patient husband on my side worked wonders.

The exact cause of baby blues remains a mystery, but there is a growing consensus on hormone changes as one of the direct causes. One of our family friends who also happen to be a therapist explained to me that what I was experiencing is the so-called “postpartum grief.” This is a natural process tied to a significant life transition, for example, childbirth.

Your mind knows that your body and your life will never be the same, so you unconsciously mourn your old self and old way of life. It is part of a transition ritual that enables the woman’s mind to adapt to the new reality in a healthy and empowering way. I understood that if this transition ritual doesn’t take place, the new mother may develop postnatal depression or other serious mental health issues. So, if you experience “baby blues” longer than 2 weeks, it might be postnatal depression.

postpartum depression, how to identify PPD and PPA, difficult pregnancy and childbirth, traumatic childbirth, childbirth, how to understand what postpartum depression looks like

Postnatal Depression (PND, also known as Postpartum Depression)

PND is a serious diagnosis and should not be left unaddressed. It affects up to 20% of women of childbearing age before, during, or after pregnancy. If left untreated it might go on for several months and make a comeback with the next pregnancy.

A friend of mine was a train wreck until her baby boy’s eight-month milestone. Night sweats, insomnia, phobias (asking her to make a simple decision pushed her anxiety levels off the charts), panic attacks, paralyzing fear for her baby’s life (she had had a miscarriage before that childbirth), and on and on and on.

When her baby was eight months old, all the symptoms mysteriously vanished to make a comeback after her next pregnancy. She’s still working with her therapist on the symptoms as medication seemed to make things worse. I’ve heard of women battling PND for more than a decade, but I hope that isn’t the case with her.

She was told that the best course of action when it comes to PND is cognitive-behavioral therapy (with an experienced therapist) paired with a good diet. New research has revealed that Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency is associated with a higher risk of PND in new moms as mothers transfer much of their DHA to their babies during pregnancy and by breastfeeding. After my friend took this approach, she started making progress, slow progress but still progress.

Childbirth and Postpartum Anxiety

During pregnancy or after childbirth includes PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or phobias that weren’t there before pregnancy. A new mother may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (yes, just like military vets) after a traumatic birth experience even if the birth left no physical scars.

It is enough for the mother to perceive the experience as being traumatic for PTSD to develop. I think I’ve got a bit of PTSD myself after my first child was born. Since I was giving birth for the
the first time, I was ultra anxious, and my hubby couldn’t make it on time due to a workplace emergency.

I recall lying on the hospital delivery table, half-naked, in pain, and with cold feet and there was no one around to put a pair of socks on me. That experience haunted me in my sleep for months after delivery. I still get a sulky feeling in my stomach when I recall the ordeal.

But the worst cases of PTSD occur after a traumatic childbirth experience affects only the newborn but in a really severe way such as a birth injury that has caused the baby cerebral palsy or other debilitating condition.

Mothers of children suffering from cerebral palsy carry a heavy burden because they need to adjust to the new (painful) reality of having to care for a child with a permanent disability and the
the roller coaster of feelings that come with it.

It is estimated that up to 16% of expecting moms develop anxiety during pregnancy (antenatal anxiety) and up to 10% develop it after childbirth (postnatal anxiety). Both antenatal anxiety and postnatal anxiety can come bundled with depression. Please talk with a medical professional to tackle them both especially if you are also having recurring suicidal thoughts.

Postpartum Psychosis and Childbirth

Postpartum psychosis is a rare condition affecting new mothers. It is extremely serious as it may result in harm to you or the baby if not given emergency care. The condition affects new mothers who have already been diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar mood disorder. It can also affect new mothers with these two mental health issues running in the family.

The symptoms are blatantly obvious after one month of childbirth. The most common symptoms include hallucinations (“seeing” or “hearing” things), manic moods (like intense euphoria, talking too much or too fast, rapid shifts in mood), confusion, severe depression, loss of inhibitions, not being oneself, oversleeping, insomnia, etc.

Conclusion

After a difficult childbirth experience, a new mom may experience some changes in her mood and emotional well-being that should not be ignored. Some moms, like yours truly, may get away with just the baby blues, while others may have to battle postpartum depression and anxiety for years. Many cases of post-partum depression or PTSD sneak under the radar because the woman is not even aware of the real cause of her suffering. In addition, extreme changes may signal a more serious condition like postpartum psychosis. Conditions like this need to be treated as a medical emergency since it puts both mother’s and baby’s lives at risk.

Difficult childbirth can make a big dent in a woman’s mental health, so don’t ignore the telltale signs and take good care of yourself. Your baby needs you to be in the best mental and physical shape. And you owe it to yourself.

Love,
Mary ❤

Guest author MaryMarry is a part-time freelance blogger and a full-time momma of three who likes to keep it real about motherhood both in real-life and in her blog entries. Remote working for busy moms, juggling career and family life, along with tips for new parents with disabled children are just a handful of her favorite topics to blog about. She’s a regular contributor to birthinjurylawyer.com, but you can drop her a line here too.

Restored 316 Feminine Wordpress Theme Design using the Genesis Framework

Sign up to get our latest printables for FREE!

« 5 reasons to give adventures instead of gifts this year
How to Get What You Want from Mother’s Day- 2021 Edition »

So glad you found us!

Mommy ConvosHi there! We are Morgan & Tiffaynee and we are the mommies behind Mommy Convos. It is our mission to inspire mothers to build and strengthen their family relationships. We believe mothers can change the world, and that happens - one conversation at a time.

Join the convo!

Don't miss out on our latest insider freebies!

Instagram

Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
•⠀
So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
•⠀
• What holiday book is your favorite to read with your kids?
Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
⁣
They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
•⁣
@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

Popular Posts

How to Get What You Want from Mother’s Day- 2021 Edition

5 reasons to give adventures instead of gifts this year

Planning Christmas Like a Minimalist

30 Captivating Christmas Books You Need to Read Now

Join Us on Instagram

Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
•⠀
So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
•⠀
• What holiday book is your favorite to read with your kids?
Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
⁣
They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
•⁣
@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

Daily Boutique Deals

© Mommy Convos, LLC and mommyconvos.com, 2017.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission is strictly prohibited.

Copyright © 2022 · glam theme by Restored 316

  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • About Us