That One Thing No One Wants to Talk About: Postpartum Anxiety

It was bath day at the start of a new client. We were about 3 days into care when my client and I decided to give her baby a sponge bath as he still had his umbilical cord attached. I went through my normal instructions as I would with any other client gathering up all the items we would be using for a womb sponge bath.

We loosely wrapped the baby in a muslin blanket / towel undressed, ran warm water with his washcloth; nothing was out of routine. As I began to instruct my parent on how to expose the baby's body part, wipe it down, and recover it with the blanket, mom was looking at what I was doing very intently. As the baby started to cry my client started becoming really antsy and uncomfortable. The more he did so the more nervous she became to the point she started to twitch and studder in her response to me. It became increasingly apparent that the situation was stressing her out. It was decided that we would cut the bath short.

I pondered over what I had witness and realized that my client had a high level of anxiety. This coupled with other signs I saw and conversations I had with my client made me realize my care plan would be one that was based on letting my client slowly transitioned into setting up healthy habits for her baby with no pressure involved. I would be in the background making sure the baby ultimately had what he needed when mom wasn't in a position to perform the task....

Navigating the postpartum period can be a daunting experience for many parents, filled with both immense joy and unexpected challenges. Among these challenges, postpartum anxiety stands out as a condition that can significantly impact new parents' well-being, often overshadowed by the more discussed postpartum depression.

This blog post serves as a compassionate guide to understanding, managing, and overcoming postpartum anxiety. It's a condition characterized by excessive worry, tension, and physical symptoms like dizziness or rapid heartbeat, but it's important to remind yourself that you're not alone in this. Many other parents are navigating these very feelings, and there are steps you can take to feel better.

Self-care practices such as ensuring adequate rest, maintaining a nutritious diet, engaging in gentle exercise, practicing mindfulness, and seeking social support can be incredibly beneficial. However, it's equally important to consider professional help when needed. Therapists specializing in postpartum issues, support groups, and medical advice can provide the much-needed support and guidance during this time.

Creating a supportive environment at home by delegating tasks, accepting help with baby care, and communicating your needs can also play a crucial role in alleviating anxiety. Remember, understanding more about anxiety and how it affects you can empower you with the tools to manage it effectively.

It is essential to recognize the courage it takes to face and manage postpartum anxiety. Each step towards self-care, seeking help, and creating a supportive environment is a monumental stride towards regaining your balance and well-being. Remember, your well-being is paramount not only for your own health but for your child's growth and happiness as well. Resources like Postpartum Support International, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America are available to provide further support and guidance.

As for my client, I had to switch hats and just be there patiently and holding up space for her. We eventually adapted the Nike moto; Just Do It....but when she felt most comfortable. I was part of her village cheering her on as she went through it and again at the finish line. We discovered the parenting style that gives her the least amount of anxiety is Gentle Parenting and that is what she has been living by to date. Before she knew it she was doing it without reprieve. And they lived happily ever after...the end!