This article is not to be interpreted as medical advice, please consult your physician or a mental health expert.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Postpartum & Birth Doula (Greek Word meaning "woman servant," or as Doulas of North America translate it, "wise woman of birth"), and an educator, I have worked with moms and newborns with various postpartum adjustments for over fifteen years. I often make house calls to families with newborns supplying educational, emotional, and psychological support. In my experience, many new mothers feel high levels of fear and anxiety and will not seek treatment because they cannot identify themselves as having "postpartum depression."

Awareness is growing regarding Postpartum Depression and many professionals and people identify mood disorders of mothers with this term. Clinicians such as myself who actually work with these mothers try to identify this hormonally imbalanced state as a Perinatal Mood or Health Disorder. Often anxiety is a dominant condition, but unfortunately not as well recognized leaving many women confused about their experience. Mothers often report feeling overwhelmed by daily chores and tasks, caring for the baby and worrying about safety, fear of being alone, difficulty making meals, attending to laundry, etc.

Postpartum Mood disorders are also an issue for the couple. Many times the pregnancy went very well; there is an expectation that when the baby comes there will be such joy (though most have been warned to expect little sleep). A new father is often experiencing his own complex feelings in his new role and can be confused by his wife’s state. Women often feel afraid of abandonment by the husband or partner, rejection from the baby, and loss of the self that used to be able to multitask.

Of approximately 4 million births that occur annually in the U.S., 40 percent are complicated by some type of postpartum mood disorder, according to O'Hara in "Postpartum Depression: Causes and Consequences" (95), Medical researchers are now exploring the reasons why some women may be at risk for experiencing the psychological, physiological, and hormonal changes that result in Postpartum Mood Disorders. Women who may be at risk are those with personal or family history of depression or bipolar disorder. Also, there may be a risk after a difficult delivery, illness, lack of social or familial support, or marital, economic, or social problems.

Birth is an important initiation. A birth plan alone does not ensure an optimum birth and sometimes misleads a woman/couple into expecting a supportive nurturing experience. During pregnancy and birth, women seem to benefit most from a supportive community of other women who have had positive birth experiences and can support her and the couple during the delivery (Peggy O'Mara).

Dr. Christiane Northrup, MD, in her book Mother Daughter Wisdom (05), suggests that if women took DHA (500 mgs. 2 times a day) and used natural Progesterone after delivery, there would be a reduction in the number of cases of Postpartum Mood Disorders. When in doubt call or make an appointment with your doctor, ask to have your thyroid checked, and always consult with your medical professional before taking any natural supplements.

Even if there are no obvious difficult issues (uncomplicated delivery & breastfeeding is successful) some generally well-adjusted women still experience Postpartum Mood Disorders due to hormonal imbalances after the delivery. New mothers can benefit from discussing the birth and early adjustment period with a knowledgeable professional. 

Support for new families is important. Good nutrition is essential. Bodywork, accupuncture, or massage helps any woman, but can be especially grounding to a new mother. With the consent of the OBGYN, gentle exercise can benefit the mother as well. For those who can afford to have in-home help, Birth and Beyond of Santa Monica (310) 837-5686 has a doula and a postpartum doula registry that can send postpartum doulas immediately to the home of a new mother. Outside of the Los Angeles Area contact Doulas of North America (www.dona.org). Family members and friends can help out by bringing food to the new family, doing errands, or by volunteering to stay with the mother and baby while the mother rests or seeks professional care.

For mothers who continue to have symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, sleeplessness even though exhausted, excessive crying, or scary thoughts, counseling by a mental health professional which gives the mother step-by-step tools to get through the day and evening is most helpful. A medical evaluation by a psychiatrist or referral by an OBGYN to a psychiatrist can also be an important step with individualized follow up medication adjustments (there are medications that can be taken while breastfeeding). With immediate support and good professional care, the baby will benefit and the couple will recover and discover the joy of being parents.

Content Copyright 2005 Lauren Culp