Being a new mom (or dad) is stressful! Although worry associated with being a parent is COMPLETELY normal, there are times in which these feelings can become debilitating. Postpartum anxiety is just as common as postpartum depression, but it is often not addressed and is often not screened for by pediatricians during the newborn babies initial appointments. About 10-15% of new moms will suffer from postpartum anxiety, and about half of those who have postpartum depression will also have postpartum anxiety.
So what is postpartum anxiety? It is an irritational fear or worry that something is wrong and involves worrying all day, every day and can be about many different things. It is similar to generalized anxiety, but is often linked with one’s baby and specific aspects of parenting.
You may be experiencing postpartum anxiety if you have these symptoms:
1. Dread or a sense of danger (Is commonly seen as a baby being taken or being harmed)
2. Racing thoughts
3. Persistent feeling of being on edge or that something is going to go terribly wrong
4. Excessive worry about the baby’s health, safety, development (may be seen by constantly needing to check on the baby when they are sleeping, or when you are away from your child)
5. An overwhelming sense of stress or concern about being a good parent
6. An agitated or jittery feeling
7. Trouble sleeping (can be bad dreams, insomnia, trouble falling asleep) even though you are exhausted
8. Changes in physical sensations (difficulties breathing, panic attacks, increased heart rate, nausea, dizziness, shaking, and feeling cold or too hot)
Postpartum anxiety varies from generalized anxiety as the worries generally have an aspect that involve one’s newborn or toddler. For example, you may be thinking your child is not developing normally although they are right on track, or parents often have trouble with thinking that their baby is going to die or become harmed if they are not watching them all the time.
Postpartum anxiety can occur due to a variety of factors including: lack of sleep, hormone shifts, and the stress of caring for the baby. Feelings of wanting to be a “perfect” parent (and reading all those new mom articles or forums and finding yourself to not be measuring up), and a past history of anxiety are often very common.
Dr. Comstock has experience treating new moms (and dads) and can help support you through therapy techniques that are designed specifically for new parents. She has obtained advanced specialized training in both postpartum depression and anxiety disorders. With the right kind of treatment and the support of family members and friends, a new mom (or dad) dealing with postpartum anxiety can find relief! And when they do, they can finally begin to enjoy their new baby and the experience of being a parents!
*Coping with this level of anxiety and often the fear of leaving one’s baby during postpartum anxiety is NORMAL and because of that, Dr. Comstock welcomes all babies into session for the comfort and ease of the parent*
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