Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are things new moms get screened for (or SHOULD be getting screened for) at the six week postpartum check up. But, what exactly are PMADs (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders)? And what if I had my child more than six months ago, does this still count as postpartum disorders? Let’s dive in and learn about these often misunderstood disorders!
First, some definitions.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) - an umbrella term for mental health disorders that occur during pregnancy,postpartum period, adoption, or pregnancy/infant loss.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) - encompasses all the typical signs of depression, as well as occurring during pregnancy or within the first year after pregnancy.
Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) - excessive worrying that feels like it never stops, and can interfere with your ability to calm down. Intrusive, irrational thoughts are common with PPA.
Postpartum Psychosis (PPP) - a rare disorder in which a person experiences hallucinations and delusions during the postpartum period. PPP is a medical emergency, and with early intervention, outcomes are typically good.
Many new moms feel shame when experiencing PMADs. Many parents may tell themselves I should be so happy to have a new baby, why can’t I just feel happy? Or, some parents get so caught up in taking care of a new baby that they barely have the capacity to notice that they are spiraling. I’m here to tell you that there is no shame in having a PMAD. In fact, it is one of the most common complications of childbirth, with 1 in 7 women suffering from PPD.
It is estimated that up to 50% of mothers with PMADs do not seek professional help. This statistic is appalling to me, and my guess is that it is rooted in the shame new mothers feel and expectation to “do it all”, as well as lack of access to quality care. Breaking the stigma of these disorders is crucial for supporting new parents during this sensitive time.
There is SO MUCH going on during the postpartum period, it can be difficult to recognize if you are experiencing symptoms of a PMAD. Here is where having support for yourself, not just the baby, can be so important. If you feel you may be experiencing some of the symptoms above, I encourage you to reach out. I’m committed to meeting new parents where they are, and am honored to work with new and expecting parents to help navigate this transformational period of life.
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