Postpartum Anxiety: Top 10 Signs Every New Mom Should Know
Feeling anxious every now and again is normal.
We all experience a little burst of nervousness when visiting the dentist, merging into rush hour traffic on the highway, or making a difficult phone call.
But as a new mom, how do you know when anxiety is too much?
If worrisome thoughts are interfering with your ability to love, care for, and enjoy your baby to the fullest, it’s possible you are experiencing postpartum anxiety (PPA). And you wouldn’t be alone. According to research on motherhood mental health, approximately 10% of postpartum women and another 6% of pregnant women will develop anxiety as they transition into their role as a new parent.
Others put the numbers as high as 11% to 21% of women affected.
The good news is early identification of postpartum anxiety helps. Not only does this expedite the healing process, but it also paves the way for building a thriving, resilient family unit. With the right professional support, postpartum anxiety can be two things:
Treatable
Temporary
So, let’s dive into the top 10 signs all new moms need to be on the lookout for.
Understanding the Ins and Outs of Postpartum Anxiety
What is Postpartum Anxiety?
Is postpartum anxiety the same thing as postpartum depression?
Well, not exactly.
No two people will experience the “baby blues” the same. That’s because every woman undergoes hormone fluctuations and lifestyle changes unique to her as an individual when welcoming home a baby. Unlike postpartum depression, which is defined by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health as a “non-psychotic depression that women may experience shortly after childbirth,” postpartum anxiety revolves around feelings of excessive worry, as opposed to sadness.
It’s never feeling relaxed.
Whether driving with baby in the car, leaving the house together, putting them down to sleep, or even stepping away for 2 minutes to have a shower…it’s a horrible wave of dread that feels like you’re drowning.
Postpartum anxiety is often accompanied by:
Fear that doesn’t go away
A sense of panic
Overwhelmingly terrifying thoughts
What contributes to the onset of postpartum anxiety?
It can be a combination of physiological and psychological factors. For example:
Sudden increase/decrease in hormones like estrogen
A stressful or traumatic labour and delivery
Struggles breastfeeding
Lack of sleep
Family history of depression or anxiety
Other health conditions
Also, women who have gone through a miscarriage or stillbirth may be at heightened risk for postnatal anxiety.
Why Early Recognition Matters
Holding that sweet baby in your arms, it’s understandable that parents want to do everything in their power to keep them safe.
However, letting anxiety spiral out of control isn’t good for you…or the health of your new baby. When left untreated, postpartum anxiety doesn’t typically get resolved on its own.
In fact, it can result in:
Impaired bonding with your baby
Difficulty in daily functioning and self-care
Increased risk of developmental delays or behavioural problems
Strained relationships with partners, family, and friends
Reduced quality of life
Long-term anxiety disorder
Elevated risk of physical health issues (due to chronic stress)
Now, this may sound like all doom and gloom…
Remember, none of this is YOUR fault!
More importantly, the benefits of early intervention and support far outweigh any embarrassment or shame you might have about seeking out professional help.
Here at Midtown Toronto Therapy, we know these benefits include:
Greater confidence as a new mom
Healthier connection between mother and child
Learned coping skills
Improved mental health and emotional well-being
Decreased risk of postpartum depression
Stronger co-parenting relationships
Taking that first step can be intimidating, yet it’s crucial in ensuring the well-being of both yourself and your baby.
The Top 10 Signs of Postpartum Anxiety
1. Constant Worry
“Is my baby breathing?”
“What if somebody breaks in through a window and tries to steal him?”
“Am I feeding them correctly? Are they hungry?”
Postpartum anxiety can literally flood new moms with intense fears about their baby's health and happiness, plus her own abilities as a caregiver. Worry that lasts 24/7 (even when your pediatrician, doctor, therapist, and support system assure you baby is okay) may be a red flag for postpartum anxiety.
2. Sleep Disturbances
Crying, wriggling, poopy diapers that never end…it’s enough to drive anyone temporarily bananas! Especially if you aren’t getting enough Zzzz’s. Whereas new-mom fatigue is normal, if anxious thoughts are causing insomnia, this could be a sign of PPA.
3. Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing
Unfortunately, women are sometimes told their anxiety symptoms are “normal.” For instance, pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, excessive pacing, etc. Don’t ignore your body.
Always seek medical attention for severe chest pain or difficulty breathing.
4. Irritability and Mood Swings
Fourth, watch for how postpartum anxiety is affecting your mood and relationships too. Feelings of extreme love and joy can also be accompanied by edginess, frustration, getting easily annoyed over small inconveniences, teary eyed, and so on.
5. Avoidance Behaviour
Another indicator of PPA is avoidance. For instance, steering clear of social situations such as gatherings, parties, celebrations, or even just going outside. This is due to the immense fear that something bad is bound to happen. So, it feels safer to simply stay put.
For others, this can also include avoiding interactions with the baby itself, especially if a new mom is worried about accidentally harming them.
6. Intrusive Thoughts
Get this: almost 100% of the population has had an intrusive thought at some point in their life. Distressing and unwanted thoughts often involve infant-related harm, which up to 70% of new moms experience. These strange, disturbing thoughts and troubling images don’t mean you are a bad mom – but they are signs it’s time to speak with a qualified mental health professional.
7. Restlessness and On-Edge Feelings
Can’t sit still?
Always checking on baby even when they’re peacefully asleep in the crib?
PPA often manifests as restlessness. If this is persistent to the point you are always fidgeting, walking around the house, checking (and double or triple checking) baby every few seconds or minutes, it is possible anxiety has taken hold.
8. Appetite Changes
After carrying that baby for 9 months, you can finally eat all the yummy foods again!
However, if even a mom’s favourite meals are tasteless and unexciting, perhaps anxiety is affecting her eating habits. Be mindful of nausea, loss of appetite, upset stomach, and weight loss.
9. Difficulty Concentrating
Additionally, parents with postpartum anxiety can find it impossible to focus on tasks that demand their attention. PPA can affect one’s ability to think clearly (because their brain is so super focused on being worried all the time). Plus, lack of sleep certainly doesn’t help.
10. Physical Symptoms
Lastly, be on guard for physical changes. Postpartum anxiety triggers our stress response and releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Even though the fear may be “all in your head”, the body still senses it as a real threat, leading to headaches, dizziness, nausea, etc.
Seeking Help and Support
When to Consult a Therapist (Why Sooner is Better!)
Support for new moms comes in all shapes and sizes.
It might be as simple as your friend visiting for tea or a sister calling to check in on you and baby. However, when postnatal anxiety begins to feel like a dark cloud hanging over your head, it’s a good idea to seek postpartum counselling. Nobody should suffer alone. Persistent feelings of sadness, worry, or hopelessness that interfere with daily life, trouble bonding with your newborn, intrusive thoughts, or simply being overwhelmed by all the big responsibilities are what professionals (like us here at Midtown Toronto Therapy) are trained to assist with.
Building a Support System
Another wonderful tip for overcoming PPA: use your support system.
This could be a:
Partner
Family
Friend
Neighbour
New mom group
Church or religious congregation
Basically, anyone who you know, trust, and can lean on during this transitional period.
Final Thoughts
There you have it!
The top 10 signs of postpartum anxiety every new mom should know. Recognizing postpartum anxiety is a crucial step toward ensuring your well-being and that of your baby. Don't hesitate to seek help; you deserve the support and care necessary to thrive in this new journey of motherhood.
Above all, don’t forget that postpartum counselling is a sign of strength and resilience.
Contact Midtown Toronto Therapy today if you are experiencing any symptoms.
