Pregnancy mental wellbeing

Becoming a parent for the first time, or adding to your family, can affect your mental health. It is important to use the support of people around you as well as maintaining open communication with your LMC and GP. The Ministry of Health estimates 12-18% of mothers in New Zealand will experience difficulties with their mental health during the perinatal (Pregnancy - 1yr post-partum) period. 

Feeling scared? 

It is normal to wonder what it will be like bringing your newborn home, how that will affect your life, relationships and how you will manage. If you find yourself worrying about it more than you feel you should then bring this up with your LMC or GP. 

For some women this will be the first time their mental health has been challenged. This may feel scary but it is nothing to be ashamed or frightened of. The most important thing is to seek support. Your LMC/GP want the best for you and your baby so will work with you to ensur e you feel supported throughout your pregnancy, and after your baby is born. Your LMC/GP will discuss support options that are available to you; counselling, support groups and online resources. 

You may already be on medication or have been advised to begin taking something to assist your mental health. Most medications are safe to use during pregnancy and it is important that you continue to take any medication prescribed by your GP or LMC. 

It is really important that you stay well, both mentally and physically. 

Postnatal mental wellbeing

Your emotions 

After having a baby changes in your hormone levels may cause you to feel tearful, irritable, depressed and tired. You may find you are very tired from looking after baby around the clock especially if you have older children. 

The ‘Baby Blues’ 

Between three and five days after your baby’s birth, you may experience mild depression and feel tense, or tearful for no particular reason. This is common and often known as the ‘Baby Blues’. It is caused by large postnatal hormone changes. It usually lasts for a few days and does not need treatment. 

Anxiety 

Feelings of anxiety, irritability, having difficulty sleeping and a reduced appetite may occur before starting to feel depressed. 

Postnatal depression 

Postnatal depression affects about one in 10 mothers, and can occur at any time during the first year. The risk is greater for mothers who have had severe ‘Baby Blues’, have suffered from depression in the past, do not have good support, or have experienced a recent stressful event such as a trauma, bereavement or illness. 

Mothers with postnatal depression often experience feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy that do not seem to improve. Some women may feel angry and irritated and unable to understand while others may feel tearful, alone, guilty and unsupported. Each woman’s experience of postnatal depression is different. Cultural background may also affect a woman’s experience of postnatal depression. Any parent can suffer from postnatal depression. 

Your LMC/GP will discuss support options that are available to you such as counselling, support groups and online resources. You may already be on medication or have been advised to begin taking something to assist your mental health. Most medications are safe to use during breastfeeding and it is important that you continue to take any medication prescribed by your GP or LMC. It is really important that you stay well, both mentally and physically. 

Other accesses for support... 

  • Local maternal mental well-being support groups - ask your LMC/GP what is available in your region 
  • www.justathought.co.nz 
  • PADA - Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa 
  • Mothers matter 
  • Mental health foundation 
  • Depression.org.nz

How do you know if you have postnatal depression? 

One way is to ask yourself if any of the following describe how you are feeling: 

  • I have been unable to laugh and see the funny side of things 
  • I have not looked forward with enjoyment to things as i used to 
  • I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong 
  • I have often been anxious or worried for no good reason 
  • I have felt scared or panicky for no good reason 
  • Things have been getting on top of me lately 
  • I have been so unhappy that I have difficulty sleeping even when my baby is asleep 
  • I often feel sad or miserable 
  • I have been so unhappy that I have been crying 
  • The thought of harming myself or my baby has occurred to me 

If you think some of the above points sound as you are feeling a lot of the time, you may like to get support and help from your doctor, or other health professionals 

Some suggestions that may help you to cope with postnatal depression: 

  • talk with people you trust, friends, relatives, health professionals 
  • discuss what community supports are available to you 
  • accept offers of help that you feel comfortable with 
  • keep your workload and expectations of yourself manageable 
  • take each day one at a time, you will have good days and bad days 
  • eat well, even if you have little appetite, try eating small, frequent meals 
  • find ways to relax, eg. listening to music, reading 
  • get some exercise, maybe leaving baby with a friend or family member and going for a walk or taking baby for a walk in the fresh air and sunshine 

Discuss with your doctor your options for care and possible medication for the illness. 

Getting Help 

Often parents suffer in silence thinking they are a ‘bad parent’ and feel they have to cope. Most do not realise they are depressed. Postnatal depression is an illness which can be treated. The good thing is that these feelings are not here to stay. You will get better gradually with the correct help. 

Partners can help! 

  • make your partner a warm drink 
  • talk to, and cuddle the baby 
  • fold the washing 
  • fend off too many visitors 
  • play with, or take out older children 
  • do supermarket shopping 
  • talk to, and cuddle your partner 
  • listen to them