Maternal realities: Exploring the Mental and Physical Trials, Fears, and Hopes of Motherhood
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|
Undoubtedly, motherhood stands out as a profound and impactful chapter of women’s (and men’s) life, brimming with boundless love, daunting challenges and soaring hopes. As we embark on this exploration on maternal realities, we delve into the depths human experience, where the mental and physical trials of nurturing life intertwine with the raw emotions of fear and the shimmering beacon of hope. Join us on this short article and poignant journey as we illuminate the multifaceted of motherhood, where every triumph and tribulation weaves a story of resilience, courage and unwavering love.
Becoming a first-time mother transcends the boundaries of life as one knows it and profoundly impacts every facet of existence. This transformative journey reshapes mental and physical health, demanding a recalibration of time, work, and personal identity. For many, the arrival of a new child signifies a shift towards an existence where self-care and personal time become luxuries, often pushed to the periphery.
The Lactation Network [1] affirms, “if fears about giving birth are keeping you up at night, it may help to go into the experience with a little more preparation. Developing a birth plan and a breastfeeding plan with your obstetrician or midwife may help you mentally prepare for delivery day and note your goals all in one place. Be sure to go over these plans with your partner or another family member who will be present during the delivery.”
The relentless demands of motherhood can lead to feelings of exhaustion and loss of self, as the constant care for another being overshadows one’s own needs. This period of adjustments is characterized by a rollercoaster of emotions, from immense joy to overwhelming anxiety, reflecting the complex interplay between profound love and daunting responsibilities of parenthood. The challenges lie not only in nurturing a new life but also in navigating the intricate process of rediscovering oneself amidst the new normal.
That is why it is important to talk about postpartum anxiety. “For decades, postpartum anxiety was not a known term, nor was it acknowledged by doctors (or mothers). But in recent years, medical professionals and researchers have realized that anxiety is not the same as depression and that there is a fine line between normal postpartum anxiety and ‘Postpartum Anxiety Disorder’. The latter occurs when a mother cannot move past her irrational fears; she becomes so transfixed that she may act against her children, possibly harming herself or them.
It’s important to distinguish between postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. According to the Cleveland Clinic [2] , “if you have postpartum depression, you may experience excessive sadness, frequent crying or feel like you can’t take care of yourself or your baby. It’s common for people with postpartum depression to experience signs of postpartum anxiety. However, not everyone with postpartum anxiety is also depressed.”
What are the symptoms of postpartum anxiety? The same source affirms:
- Physical symptoms:
- Disrupted sleep
- Increased heart rate or heart palpitations
- Nausea or stomach aches
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sitting still
- Being unable to breathe or feeling short of breath
- Muscle tension
- Emotional symptoms:
- Inability to relax or keep calm
- Racing thoughts, especially about worse-case scenarios
- Obsessing over irrational fears or things that are unlikely to happen
- Difficulty focusing or forgetfulness
- Irritability
- Feeling on edge or fearful
- Behavioral symptoms:
- Avoiding certain activities, people or places
- Being overly cautions about situations that aren’t dangerous
- Checking things over and over again
- Being controlling
Are you at risk for postpartum anxiety? Click here [3] and take the quiz.
Speaking of the treatments, Harvard Health Publishing (Harvard Medical School [4] ) affirm, “postpartum anxiety is less studied than its cousin, postpartum depression; however, it is estimated that at least one in five women has postpartum anxiety. For some women, medications can be helpful and are more effective when combined with therapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally the first-line medications (and the best studied medication class) for anxiety disorders, whereas benzodiazepines are rapidly acting anti-anxiety medications that are often used while waiting for an SSRI to take effect.”
To wrap up, embarking on the journey of motherhood is akin to charting unknown territory, where each day brings new challenges and joys. This transformative experience profoundly impacts one’s mental and physical health, reshaping priorities and the very essence of life. The struggle to find time for oneself amidst the whirlwind of motherhood speaks to the need for greater societal support and understanding.
[1]https://lactationnetwork.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-new-mom-fears/
[2]https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22693-postpartum-anxiety
[3]https://eddinscounseling.com/self-test/postpartum-anxiety-quiz/