Publish date: 11 May 2022
Blog by Dr Sarah Taha, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist from the Hammersmith and Fulham Perinatal Mental Health Team.
When a child is born, much focus shifts to the baby's health.
And while a baby’s well-being is incredibly important, the health of the new mum can often fade into the background of priorities.
Of course, occasionally feeling anxious, tearful, or tired as a pregnant or new mum is absolutely normal and doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong per se. Becoming a mum is an enormous transition and can present challenges to your emotional wellbeing. Everything is off-kilter, your body and mind just grew a human and now you’re getting to know each other, usually on very little sleep.
You are suddenly adjusting to a new identity as ‘mum’. To your new routine (or sometimes lack of one), as well as navigating your existing relationships after having a baby. Your body is recovering, and you are physically and emotionally adjusting to becoming a parent, so it’s no wonder that this perinatal period can be a hugely vulnerable time for your mental health.
There are many complex factors that influence our mental health. One size does not fit all, and you are the expert on you – if you don’t feel ‘right’, tell someone. We know it’s hard but struggling in silence is harder – there are plenty of treatments and therapies that can help.
What is Perinatal Mental Health?
Perinatal mental health refers to a birthing parent’s health throughout the pregnancy and postpartum periods. As many as one in five birthing parents will experience mental health problems during this time. Circumstances such as marital stress, financial difficulties, or grief may exacerbate symptoms, but perinatal mental health disorders can develop with or without added life stressors.
Despite how common perinatal mental health disorders are; they are not part of a normal pregnancy or postpartum experience. But you’re not alone. Our perinatal service is made up of a group of healthcare workers who are experienced in mental health and can offer you a range of support and treatments.
Why is Perinatal Mental Wellness Important?
Perinatal mental wellness is crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of both the birthing parent and the baby. If you are pregnant or have just given birth and are suffering from symptoms of a perinatal mood disorder, it’s much more difficult to care for yourself and another tiny, growing human.
Symptoms of a pregnancy-related mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, OCD and more severe and complex illnesses can begin at any time during pregnancy or postpartum period. They will last longer than two weeks, and are far more intense than the “baby blues”, a period of hormonal adjustment following birth.
We know many pregnant women and new mums do not seek help as they believe there is a stigma attached, especially at a time when they are expected to be thrilled with the prospect of a new baby. So we’ve made it so you don’t have to wait for a GP appointment, or wait to raise it with your midwife or health visitor appointment – you can come straight to us.
Our recent social media campaign aims to highlight the importance of perinatal mental health, reach out to those who might need us and let them know they are not alone.
A mum tells her story following the birth of her first child: “My experience was how hopeless life can feel. I thought it would be the happiest year of my life when my baby was born but it really wasn’t. I would get up and go out to lots of baby classes and put on a smile and pretend everything was okay but inside I was literally falling apart.
“With the extra support in place things did start to look up, it was a slow journey. If I hadn’t had support from the Perinatal Mental Health team, I would never have seen the light.”
The most important thing to remember is to be kind to yourself. Parents and supporting family and friends, may have many expectations for parenthood, but none of us can meet all these expectations all the time. Be kind to yourself, try to treat and speak to yourself as you would a friend. Whatever happens, it’s important to realise that you are not alone and that help is available. So if you’re ready, we’re here.
