The Maternity blues
By Team PCPA
Large percentages (28%-80%) of women feel sad and weepy in the first week and a half after giving birth. In addition to feeling down, other common symptoms include irritability, lack of affection for the newborn, sleep disturbance, headaches, and restlessness. This common female reaction has been labeled as, “The Maternity Blues.” This is not quite a "post-partum depression" but certainly doesn't feel normal or good! Unfortunately, mothers experiencing these symptoms are often overlooked and undertreated. These experienced emotions are confusing given the assumed excitement of the baby’s arrival.
The drop in hormone levels and immediate lifestyle changes contributes to this condition. After giving birth there are significant changes in hormone levels. For example, the mother may experience a withdrawal from estrogen, progesterone and other endorphins, which were at high levels during pregnancy. Furthermore, the mother is most likely sleep deprived and emotionally exhausted after being in labor and parenting a newborn. Despite what some think, one’s marital relationship or external stressors do not predict whether a mother will experience the Maternity Blues.
Women experiencing these symptoms typically benefit from reassurance that their experience is common. Additionally, emotional support combined with psychoeducation about newborns may help to validate and understand what the mother is experiencing. Most women will feel better within the first week or two after the birth. However, it is recommended that women seek additional medical and psychological help if symptoms do not recover after two weeks. At Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC, we provide a safe and open atmosphere for individuals, couples, and families to process the difficulty of this transitional period. Our team includes psychologists who work closely with physicians, nurses, and other health care providers to effectively provide a holistic approach to your care.
Call or email today to find out more about Behavioral Management of The Maternity Blues and the other services we provide at PCPA!
The drop in hormone levels and immediate lifestyle changes contributes to this condition. After giving birth there are significant changes in hormone levels. For example, the mother may experience a withdrawal from estrogen, progesterone and other endorphins, which were at high levels during pregnancy. Furthermore, the mother is most likely sleep deprived and emotionally exhausted after being in labor and parenting a newborn. Despite what some think, one’s marital relationship or external stressors do not predict whether a mother will experience the Maternity Blues.
Women experiencing these symptoms typically benefit from reassurance that their experience is common. Additionally, emotional support combined with psychoeducation about newborns may help to validate and understand what the mother is experiencing. Most women will feel better within the first week or two after the birth. However, it is recommended that women seek additional medical and psychological help if symptoms do not recover after two weeks. At Primary Care Psychology Associates, LLC, we provide a safe and open atmosphere for individuals, couples, and families to process the difficulty of this transitional period. Our team includes psychologists who work closely with physicians, nurses, and other health care providers to effectively provide a holistic approach to your care.
Call or email today to find out more about Behavioral Management of The Maternity Blues and the other services we provide at PCPA!