The Anxiety Roller Coaster
Imagine this: You’ve just brought your beautiful baby home, and everyone expects you to be glowing with joy. But inside, all you feel is an overwhelming worry. “Am I feeding them enough?” “What if I’m not a good mom?”
These questions can replay in your mind like a never-ending loop, leaving you feeling restless, irritable, and, honestly, a bit scared. If this sounds like you, just know this: you aren’t alone. Plenty of moms experience postpartum anxiety, an often-overlooked condition that deserves attention and understanding. In this article, we will take a deeper look at what postpartum anxiety is, how it affects the breastfeeding journey, and practical steps that can help mothers find relief.
What is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a form of anxiety that tends to develop after childbirth and is distinct from the more commonly discussed postpartum depression. While postpartum depression often includes feelings of depression such as hopelessness or disconnection from your baby, postpartum anxiety usually manifests as a persistent worry and fear. We’re not talking about the normal worry – this is an overwhelming anxiety that keeps you on edge day and night. And sadly, it isn’t talked about nearly enough.
PPA can leave mothers with everything from racing thoughts to difficulty sleeping. Other symptoms might include a sense of dread or even obsessive behaviors such as constantly checking to see if the baby is breathing. And it isn’t uncommon, with postpartum anxiety affecting up to 17% of new mothers, though that number may be even higher as many cases go unreported. Why is PPA so understudied? Some say that it might be because of how little is reported, others state that their doctors don’t take them seriously, and some blame the fact that PPD is the more commonly discussed issue.
Now, while some anxiety is normal – hello, you’re keeping a tiny human alive – PPA goes way beyond typical new-parent jitters. It can make everyday tasks feel impossible and rob you of the joy of motherhood.
At a time when you should be enjoying time with your new baby, all you’re feeling is anxious. It is enough to turn any journey into a real nightmare. And, since people don’t talk about it, many mothers feel alone or need to hide just how anxious they are. This silence often amplifies the feelings, creating a cycle of worry that can make the experience even harder.
Postpartum Anxiety and Breastfeeding
The sad reality surrounding postpartum anxiety is that it isn’t studied nearly enough as it should be for something that affects so many women. The sadder truth is that because so little research is done, there is an even greater lack of education surrounding the breastfeeding experience and PPA. This gap between medical knowledge and personal experience is one that must be solved for the betterment of women across the board.
Breastfeeding, which is often seen as a beautiful bonding experience, can sometimes amplify feelings of anxiety. Many mothers worry about milk supply, latching issues, or whether their baby is getting enough nourishment, but stress and anxiety can negatively impact milk production. This creates a cycle where anxiety leads to difficulties in breastfeeding, which just heightens anxiety even further. But by speaking with a lactation consultant and leaning on your support system of family and friends, you can ease some of your concerns and lighten the emotional load. Let’s talk about some other positive steps towards relief from PPA.
Steps Toward Relief
If you think you’re dealing with postpartum anxiety, we just want you to know that help is available. Here are a few ways to start feeling more like yourself:
- Talk About It: Share your feelings with a trusted friend, partner, or therapist. You’re not alone, and vocalizing your fears can be incredibly freeing.
- All the Cuddles: Physically connecting with your infant releases oxytocin, which can help reduce anxiety hormones.
- Practice Self-Care: Even small moments—like taking a walk and getting active, doing a 5-minute breathing exercise, or indulging in your favorite snack—can make a big difference.
- Seek Professional Help: Therapists specializing in postpartum care or support groups for new moms can be lifelines.
- Educate Yourself: The more you know, the less isolated you’ll feel. Hearing other moms’ stories can also be particularly comforting.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Motherhood is a journey already full of highs and lows, and it is more than okay to acknowledge when you are struggling. By talking about postpartum anxiety, we are not only supporting one another, we’re also normalizing these feelings as a part of the postpartum experience.
Remember, you’re doing an amazing job. And if postpartum anxiety has taken some of your joy, there’s hope. One step at a time, you can find your way back to balance and love the mom life – even with its quirks all while feeling supported, heard, and understood. Don’t forget to keep the conversation going by sharing this article or dropping us a comment below! You may also be interested in a previous article on Postpartum Loss of Appetite.
Sources
- MGH Center for Women’s Health. (2015) Is It Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety? What’s the Difference? Retrieved from https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/is-it-postpartum-depression-or-postpartum-anxiety-whats-the-difference/
- Faculty of Nursing. (2018) Women’s Experiences With Postpartum Anxiety Disorders: A Narrative in Literature Review. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5983016/
- Menkedick, Sarah. (2020) Postpartum Anxiety is an Epidemic Among American Mothers. Why Does it So Often Go Undiagnosed? Retrieved from https://time.com/5806230/postpartum-anxiety-epidemic/
- National Library of Medicine. (2019) Impact of Maternal Anxiety on Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6743815/
- Collier, Stephanie. (2021) Postpartum Anxiety is Invisible But Common and Treatable. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/postpartum-anxiety-an-invisible-disorder-that-can-affect-new-mothers-202107302558
- Santos, Melanie. (2019) 5 Things I Wish I Knew About Postpartum Anxiety Before My Diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/postpartum-anxiety-what-to-know#Adding-movement-into-your-daily-routine-can-help
