Wow! It’s been some time since my last blog. As the pandemic continues to be a part of our lives, one of the groups of people that have been on my mind and that may be hardest hit are new moms. Postpartum depression (PPD) is the number one complication of childbirth as it affects at least 15% of new mothers. Let us not also forget other issues that might affect new moms like postpartum anxiety (PPA), postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and postpartum rage. You might already be feeling anxious, sad, and stressed with changes in your appetite and sleep schedule - now add COVID-19 on top of it and you have an uber stressful season of life to deal with.
It’s also more difficult to connect with others and build the village that it’s supposed to take to raise a child. It is hard to accept help from others when there is so much uncertainty. Relationships might feel strained as you could feel like you almost see your partner too much and you aren’t able to see your community as much.
What can you try?
Self-care. Even though you’ve had a child and we’re in a complicated time, it’s still okay to take time for you. Perhaps your partner or a trusted friend can take the baby for some time or you can find a safe area to put the baby down for a few minutes to mediate or take a breath.
Online support. Postpartum.net and their online support groups, the app COVID Coach, and countless Facebook groups for moms are available for you to find connection even if it isn’t face to face. If you are in the Grand Rapids, MI area, be sure to check out MomsBloom for their current online resources, including groups for moms based on their due dates.
Connect with others. Sometimes friends and family do not realize what a difficult time this might be for you, so they might not be in touch. You also have the option to start the conversation and text, call, or video chat with someone that you trust and you can confide in.
Therapy. Many therapists now have their practices online if they did not already (NC+W has been available online and continues to be). There are also some counselors meeting with clients in person if you are comfortable and would rather have this option. But I would encourage you to try out Teletherapy if you haven’t before! If you have a quiet comfortable space in your home that is available to you even for just an hour a week - you might find that you really like having the online option.
Overall, remember that this is the first time you are going through this. Having a child (even if it is your second, third, or more), navigating a pandemic, trying to get through daily life. The difficult times will pass, just like this coronavirus. Give yourself grace in the meantime.