Postpartum in A Pandemic Holiday Season
Having a baby during the pandemic was hard enough. But, when you add the holidays into the mix, it almost feels unbearable.
While raising a newborn, you may also find yourself struggling. It may be due to anxiety, depression, loneliness, fluctuating hormones, or a lack of sleep. All those things combined can make this season of life very challenging. But through it all, you’re inundated with love for this magical little being you created. Without a doubt, you know you’d do anything for them.
Due to the pandemic, keeping your family and newborn healthy becomes a top priority. You’re obsessed with doing all you can to prevent COVID from entering your home. So you forego your needs and shut yourself off from others, even if it makes life hard for you.
First of All, Let Me Say That What You’re Doing Is Normal
It’s in your DNA to protect your child. Even pre-pandemic many moms struggled with when to have people over and ask for help. The problem arises when your worries or your loneliness become too overwhelming. This may get to the point that you can’t enjoy your life or this time with your newborn and family. If this sounds like you, then you may be dealing with postpartum anxiety or depression. Postpartum depression is the most talked-about type of postpartum mood disorder. But, I want to be clear that I actually see more postpartum anxiety in my Dallas, TX-based practice.
Most hospitals screen moms for postpartum depression before they go home. Likewise, many providers look for it in their patients as well.
They tell you to be on guard for:
Periods of intense sadness
Not caring for your physical health or personal hygiene
Excessive crying
Hopelessness
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Thoughts of suicide
Yet, the signs of postpartum anxiety are not talked about as much. In fact, they are often dismissed as a woman being a “nervous new mom.” But in reality, it actually affects as many as 1 in 5 postpartum women.
So let me share with you some signs of postpartum anxiety I feel you should be aware of:
Excessive worry about your baby and their safety
Restlessness
Irritability
Not being able to sleep when the baby sleeps
Not letting your baby out of your sight
Questioning your abilities as a mother
Obsessing over your baby’s health and safety
Compulsive behavior (like checking on your baby all the time while they sleep)
Unwanted and upsetting thoughts (often followed by compulsive behavior)
Physical symptoms include rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating, headaches, stomach aches, dizziness, etc.
Not caring for your health or personal hygiene
Coping With Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
You may have told yourself “it’s only a phase,” or “this too must pass.” You’ve tried to ignore your anxiety and the inner turmoil you’re feeling, but it doesn’t go away. Now, you’re dealing with the added stress of the holidays too and it all feels very overwhelming. How are you supposed to cope with having a new baby during a pandemic, keeping your family safe, pleasing them, buying gifts, and celebrating these wonderful holidays all at the same time?
Coping With the Holiday Hustle
Well here’s the thing Mama, you don’t have to cope with all this and carry such a heavy burden. Sometimes, something has to give and that’s okay. Give yourself some grace. Make decisions about the holidays that feel right for you and your family.
The pressure you’re putting on yourself isn’t good for you, your newborn, or your family. You do not need to please everyone and celebrate the holidays in full-out Norman Rockwell fashion to be a good mother. Caring for your needs and the needs of your newborn is more than enough work.
Furthermore, stop worrying about what others may think
I know your family usually mean well but how many of them have had babies recently? Much less had babies during a global pandemic? Set boundaries with them that feel safe for you and your family. Do not feel like you have to have everyone over to meet your baby or celebrate the holidays. Or, if you do want to have people over even though it makes you nervous, ask yourself what you can do to ease your worry?
For example, you could ask them to wear a mask, wash their hands, or even take a COVID test if you wanted. You’re the parent, so it’s your call.
Seek Support
On that note, I do encourage you to reach out for help when you need it. Think of friends and family members who share similar views on COVID safety and ask them for support. They may only come over and hold the baby while you shower or go with you to take a walk and get some fresh air. Whatever would help you care for yourself and your baby. At a certain point, shutting yourself off completely for fear of contracting COVID will do more harm than good. Especially as a new mother in the postpartum period. So find a way to get the support you need in a way that feels safe to you and your partner.
Begin Postpartum Depression Treatment in Dallas, TX
If you’re not sure who to turn to in your time of need, then reaching out to a caring therapist can help. We help women with postpartum anxiety all the time, so we know the struggles you’re likely facing. We can offer you a safe place to talk about the concerns that bring you into counseling. Together, we can offer you tools to help you cope with distress when it comes up again.
To begin postpartum anxiety treatment in Dallas, TX, please follow these steps:
Meet with a caring therapist
Start enjoying the love of your newborn!
Other Services Offered with Sunrise Counseling
Postpartum depression treatment isn’t the only service provided by our Dallas, TX-based counseling practice. Other services we provide include:
Adjustment difficulties due to various life changes
Depression
Teen Therapy
Social Difficulties
Attention Difficulties
Self-esteem issues
Body image
Parent training
LGBTQ+ Concerns
Grief and Loss
Career concerns