As a mother goes through pregnancy, there is usually more focus on her and the baby’s physical health. However, many may forget that along with all the physical changes in a woman’s body. They should also look out for any mental issues that may arise throughout pregnancy and even after the baby is born.
It is proven that during and after pregnancy, a woman can experience higher levels of anxiety and depression, which can make them experience more fatigue than usual and can impact the overall care for the baby. That is why it is vital to keep an eye on the mental health and physical health of the mother.
Understand the Signs of Poor Mental Health
The more knowledge a new mother has, the better they can see the signs that they may be experiencing poor mental health. Sometimes mental health issues come up more drastically, especially if there has been some birth trauma, but it can be more subtle often. So knowing the signs is important.
The signs of postpartum depression can include extreme sadness, sleeping too little, too much, or not sleeping at all. They may also feel easily irritated, have trouble concentrating, or lose interest. If any of these symptoms arise, the best action would be to talk with a medical professional to get the help they need.
Invest in Self-Care
As a new mother, it may seem impossible, but practicing self-care is crucial in caring for their mental health. Unfortunately, there may not be many hours available to go out of the house to do the things they enjoy. But simply taking a few moments during the week to do something enjoyable can significantly impact a new mother’s mental health.
Reduce the Pressure to Do-It-All
Many new mothers may feel the pressure to keep up with everything around the house while caring for an infant. Especially as a newborn, the baby will be completely reliant on mom or dad. They will constantly either be eating, sleeping, or needing their diaper changed. It will be impossible for a new mom to keep up with everything during this stage. There is no shame in asking for help with things around the house. Taking pressure off themselves can significantly impact their mental health.
Take a Break From Social Media
During the rare breaks from the baby, it can be tempting to scroll through social media. It is not a terrible thing, but it can lead to comparisons. New mothers may compare themselves to other mothers on social media and begin feeling inadequate and failing because they cannot do what the other mothers can do. To maintain their mental health, it may be a good idea to do a digital detox until the baby is a bit older so as to avoid comparisons.
If a new mom is craving socialization, there are many mom groups out there that they can join or get together with a friend who is also a mom.
Practice Positive Self-Talk
Finally, there will be some days when motherhood will be challenging. Other days it will be exciting. Some days they will feel accomplished. Others will feel utterly unsure of themselves. It is a roller coaster. One of the best ways to maintain mental health as a new mom is to practice positive self-talk. This will make new moms feel good about themselves and allow them to show compassion to themselves. If a negative thought pops up, begin practicing fighting it off with an uplifting thought.
For new moms to take proper care of their newborns, they must also be able to take care of themselves. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and practicing these tips will ensure strong mental health for the new mom.