WE SPECIALIZE IN THERAPY FOR NEW MOTHERS IN OC

The experience of motherhood can differ from person to person. After giving birth, you might find yourself in the twilight zone that some people refer to as “the fourth trimester”. This new adjustment period can be hard for both you and the baby.

It’s normal  to feel overwhelmed during this time , especially with the need to rearrange your schedule around the baby’s care. Fluctuations in hormones can make it  difficult to sleep , especially when your baby keeps waking up crying. Mood Swings are also common due to a dip in progesterone and estrogen levels. You may also find it difficult to breastfeed, whether due to a low supply of milk or other complications. Some  new mothers may also struggle with their self-image and self-esteem, due to weight put on due to pregnancy.

WHAT YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING AS A NEW MOTHER

These are all normal and valid concerns as a new mom. Guilt and anxiety can sometimes trick us into thinking our feelings aren’t valid, and that we should be able to solve our problems on our own. If you have a partner, they have a responsibility to care for the baby — and you —  as well. Many couples find that a new child puts a strain on their relationship, with both parties too busy with feeding and diaper changes and a million and one other little concerns to give each other the attention they once did. However, it can be difficult to bring your concerns up to your partner. 

It can also be difficult to open up to your friends or family, especially when you’ve seen other mothers flourish under similar circumstances, making you feel as though you shouldn’t be struggling as much as you are.

In times like these, remember: you’re not alone. Many new mothers face the same challenges , yet fewer than half seek help. If you’re experiencing  any of these common symptoms.

• Anxiety

• Depression, tearfulness and or unexplained feelings of sadness

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness

• Trouble sleeping despite exhaustion

• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities you previously enjoyed

• Excessive fatigue or feeling like you have zero energy

• Sudden mood swings or feeling unable to control your irritability and anger

• Changes in appetite and eating habits (eating too much or too little)

• Brain fog (difficulty concentrating or remembering things)

• Difficulty bonding with your baby and feeling guilty about it

• Intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or the baby

In some cases, new mothers who experience unrelenting and distressful symptoms may suffer from Postpartum Depression (PPD). Postpartum depression can rob you of your joy, energy and sense of worth. You may want to consider seeking therapy geared towards new mothers, especially if your struggles are impacting the quality of your daily life or you’re having trouble feeling better on your own.

HOW THERAPY CAN HELP NEW MOTHERS

Therapy for new mothers can give you a safe space for venting your problems to a listening ear. If you feel hesitant about confiding in your partner or your loved ones, you can confide in a therapist without fear of judgment. Therapists have a vested interest in listening to your needs and finding ways to help you move forward. A good therapist not only explores your thoughts and feelings , but also any physical symptoms (e.g. headaches, aches and pains, trouble sleeping, etc.) that may have risen alongside them.

Vania can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing the stress of motherhood. It can also help you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that make your stress worse. If you struggle with tending to your own needs because you focus on the baby instead, therapy can be a gentle reminder for self-care — when you honor your own needs, you can be in a better place to meet the needs of others around you. 

Aside from examining your own feelings and thoughts, therapy for new mothers can also help you look outward and reconnect with the people in your life you feel like you’ve grown distant to. Therapy can teach you valuable communication skills that can make it easier to ask for support from the people around you, so you’ll have a shoulder to lean on whenever you’re worn out.