Becoming a new mother or parent may be of the most joyful times in a woman’s life. However, it can also be one of the most challenging and difficult life events and transition one can go through. There is not a training manual for becoming a parent, right? It is normal to feel a range of emotions from joy to sadness especially following the birth of your baby. However, many new birthing people feel persistent sadness or anxiety when not properly addressed. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has magnified these issues for many people, resulting in increased isolation and symptoms. As a result, many birthing people and partners can develop postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and need clinical intervention and supports.
Many things we hear when working with people struggling during the reproductive time frame.
“This isn’t what I expected.”
“I feel so overwhelmed. I don’t know what to do.”
“I don’t know how to help my spouse-I feel so helpless!”
“I am the only one who feels like this. Everyone else handles things as a new parent just fine.”
“Robbed of the joy of having a baby.”
“I’m not meant to be a parent.”
