Having a baby can be a very emotional time. You may be sore after the birth, not getting much sleep, overwhelmed by your new baby, feeling worried about being a good mum and trying to manage life as it was before baby. Your expectations of motherhood may not match the reality of it, and you might find it hard not having much time to yourself. Being a mum is hard work and it takes time to settle into your new role!

Most women will experience baby blues after giving birth. It could leave you feeling teary, irritable, sensitive, and overwhelmed. Most often, changes in hormone levels are to blame and these feelings usually pass within a few days with some extra support and understanding. However, if these symptoms continue beyond the early days, it may be a sign of something more significant, like postnatal anxiety or postnatal depression.

Postnatal anxiety and postnatal depression can occur anytime from birth up to one year after having a baby. Postnatal anxiety and postnatal depression are common mental health conditions and can be managed and resolved with the right care. It may be that you develop both postnatal anxiety and postnatal depression at the same time. It is very possible with the right interventions and support that you will get back to feeling how you would like to.

What is Postnatal Anxiety?

Postnatal anxiety is the term used for anxiety that some women will experience the first year after having a baby. Whether it is your first baby or your fourth baby, having a new born at home is an emotional upheaval. A moderate amount of new fears and worries are normal and to be expected during this time of change. However, for some women, anxiety can start to gradually build and interfere with their ability to enjoy and take care of their new baby and themselves. This may be an indication of Postnatal Anxiety. 

Anxiety occurs when feelings of being anxious and stressed:

  • won’t go away

  • when they can’t be controlled easily

  • when they happen for no particular reason.

If is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you;

  • are being taken over by feelings of fear and worry

  • feel irritable, restless or on edge

  • have a racing heart and/or palpitations

  • are constantly worried you’re not doing things right

  • are constantly worried something bad will happen

  • can’t sleep

  • obsessively try to control things, such as constantly checking on your baby

  • have visions of something terrible happening to the baby

Remember, postnatal anxiety is normal. Getting the right care and support will help you to manage how you are feeling and develop better ways to cope.

What is Postnatal Depression?

Postnatal depression (PND) is a type of depression that some women experience in the first year after having a baby. Many women can feel tearful, anxious, or low the first week after giving birth. This is normal and is typically identified as “Baby Blues”.  However, if how you are feeling does not pass and you feel worse, it may be an indication of PND. Postnatal depression occurs in 10 to 15% of women within the first year of giving birth, according to the HSE. (https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/mental-health/postnatal-depression/postnatal-depression)

It is important to talk to you doctor or healthcare provider if you have:

  • a persistent feeling of sadness and low mood

  • lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the wider world

  • lack of energy and feeling tired all the time

  • trouble sleeping at night and feeling sleepy during the day

  • difficulty bonding with your baby

  • isolated or withdrawing from contact with other people

  • problems concentrating and making decisions

  • frightening thoughts – for example, about hurting your baby

Remember, postnatal depression is normal. Getting the right care and support will help you to manage how you are feeling and develop better ways to cope.

At Fertility Counselling Care we provide care, support, and therapeutic interventions for those who are experiencing postnatal depression or postnatal anxiety in a safe and confidential way. Very often specialist postnatal pregnancy counselling is recommended by GP’s and healthcare providers.