Why Postpartum Depression Shouldn’t Lead to Mom Guilt
Many new mothers experience postpartum depression due to the sheer level of adaptation (both hormonally and psychologically) required as they move into motherhood.
Postpartum depression in new mothers is strongly associated with guilt related to feelings of not being good enough or not doing enough. This condition can make engaging with the new addition to their family difficult, resulting in a vicious cycle of depression and fear of failure.
Depression in New Mothers
Becoming a mother is a significant change in any woman’s lifestyle. Sleep deprivation, lack of energy, new responsibilities, and the inability to focus on anything else are something most mothers find hard to adjust to. Combined with guilt, anxiety, and hormones, these factors can cause postpartum depression in new mothers.
Is It the Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
The baby blues are a temporary condition of sleep deprivation, low energy, and stress most mothers experience. You may feel anxious, moody, or fatigued due to sudden hormonal changes and physical stress. These baby blues, however, do not typically persist for more than 2 weeks, usually going away on their own.
If baby blues persist longer than 2-3 weeks, this may be a sign of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression, experienced by 6.5 to 20% of mothers, is a condition where a mother feels inadequate for their child, feels tired all of the time, and experiences frightening thoughts about their baby (such as that they will hurt them). These factors cause the new mother to withdraw from others, including their baby.
Postpartum depression is much more severe than baby blues, mainly due to the severity of depressive and sometimes suicidal thoughts.
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression has similar signs and symptoms to baby blues, such as insomnia, lack of energy, mood swings, anxiety, and stress. However, symptoms are more severe and long-lasting in postpartum depression.
Some signs and symptoms that indicate you may be experiencing postpartum depression are:
You may withdraw from your baby due to fears about your capabilities as a mother
Less enjoyment within the wider world
Frightening thoughts about your baby, including that you may hurt them
Extreme guilt for your supposed shortcomings as a mother
Difficulty looking after yourself and your baby
Postpartum Depression and Mom Guilt
The mom guilt associated with postpartum depression is a result of several factors combined. The most significant aspect related to mom guilt is the difficulty keeping up with the societal norms of motherhood and not feeling joyful as you might expect you would. This guilt and postpartum depression go hand in hand and start a vicious cycle.
Why Postpartum Depression Shouldn’t Lead to Mom Guilt
Postpartum depression may make you withdraw from your child, leading to mom guilt. However, it’s important to know that sometimes it takes time for mothers to bond with their newborns – that’s completely OK. You can connect with your newborn once you have managed your postpartum depression.
Ways to Manage Postpartum Depression and Reduce Guilt
Recognizing your difficulties with postpartum depression is the first step to managing it. Well done, mom! Here are some further ways you can manage your postpartum depression and reduce guilt:
Managing your sleep cycle
Practicing mindfulness and yoga
Practicing positive self-talk and reframing self-criticism
Pursuing therapy
Using daycare and familial support when it gets hard to manage your baby
Last Words on Postpartum Depression and Mom Guilt
Postpartum depression is associated with mom guilt, and together they can make it difficult for you to enjoy motherhood. Managing your postpartum depression is essential for your own well-being and your newborn’s.
This blog is made for educational purposes and is not intended to be specific medical advice for any particular individual. It does not create a physician-patient relationship between Mental Wealth and the reader.