A New Beginning

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Is this normal?

Remember… You are not alone. Help is available. It is not your fault. You can get better.

Review this table with your support person. Call your health care provider if you have any concerns or questions about how you are feeling.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION

BONDING WITH BABY

YOUR MIND IS

YOU WORRY

AFTER A FEW WEEKS

YOU FEEL

Happens Shortly After Birth

Typical Adjustment

Makes You Tired

For Good Reason

Happy and Hopeful

You Get Into a Good Routine

Forgetful and Distracted

Doesn’t Happen Immediately

Baby Blues

About Minor Things

Weepy and Emotional

Your Start to Feel Better

Makes You Emotional

Foggy and Unclear

Nothing, Guilt, Extended Sadness

Makes You Angry

Doesn’t Really Happen at All

Full of Scary Thoughts

If You Are a Good Mother

You Start to Feel Worse

PPD/PPA

Reference: Postpartum Support International Georgia Chapter

PMAD s ARE TREATABLE If you have a mental health history and are concerned about developing a PMAD, talk to your health care provider about developing a plan to monitor your symptoms. Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of symptoms. They can include counseling, medication, self-care strategies, or a combination. There are medications used to treat PMADs that are safe while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding, talk with your health care provider to decide on the best treatment for you. Ways Partners Can Help • Make sure she gets as much rest and sleep as possible • Schedule a regular 20- to 30-minute interval to watch baby and give her a break • Encourage her to talk about her feelings • Help with housework and other chores • Tell her what a great job she is doing • Watch for signs of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and contact her provider if you notice any

PARTNERS CAN EXPERIENCE POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION TOO

Studies indicate that 1 in 10 partners may experience postpartum depression. So many changes happen after your baby is born. Parenting can be an exciting time, but you may also miss spending time alone with your partner. Set a time once a week to check-in with each other to see what each of you need. Both parents need complete breaks from being in charge. Communicate your needs to one another. Schedule one break a day for each of you. Share the nighttime feeding shifts. Take turns caring for your baby at night. Divide up the night into two shifts, or take turns caring for baby every other night. If you are breastfeeding, have your partner or a support person do everything to care for your baby, and bring baby to you for feeding only. Accept offers of help from family and friends. They can help by bringing meals, helping with household chores or watching baby while you complete chores, and remind mom what a great job she is doing!

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A New Beginning