Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s most exciting experiences, but for many new moms, this time comes with a lot of strong emotions. In the days to months following childbirth, you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, scared, or depressed.
These feelings are normal and common, but sometimes, they can indicate postpartum depression.
Whether it be new-mom anxiety or ongoing concerns like postpartum depression, you don’t have to navigate motherhood alone. Having a healthy support system makes a world of difference for new mothers trying to work through big emotions.
A vital member of this support system is your child’s pediatrician. Having a good relationship with your pediatrician can help guide you through the various stages of motherhood and effectively cope with new mom anxiety.
Acknowledging Your Feelings
The first step in working through postpartum anxiety or depression is acknowledging your feelings. Some moms struggle with being seen and heard when opening up about their postpartum feelings. Your pediatrician can help in this department by offering an understanding and listening ear.
Pediatricians are well-versed in all areas of motherhood and raising a child. They understand the unique challenges that come with having a newborn baby. Your newborn’s doctor can help you navigate the rollercoaster of emotions you experience during this time.
While many women are lucky enough to have a supportive group of family and friends, others do not have this advantage.
If you feel that your closest social network is not acknowledging your new mom anxiety, speak with your pediatrician. Even the pediatrician’s support staff, such as physician’s assistants and nurses, can greatly help during this time.
Performing a Routine Screening
You may see portrayals of motherhood that show nothing but bliss and happiness, but this is not always the experience for most women. Caring for a newborn baby can create a great deal of anxiety and fear. In more serious cases, it can result in postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is a mental health condition that results in severe negative emotions in the days to months following childbirth.
Women with postpartum depression may feel uninterested in their new child, partner, and other areas of their life. They may feel disconnected from their baby and take little interest in engaging with it. Sometimes, postpartum depression results in intense feelings that alternate between sadness and anger.
To be diagnosed with postpartum depression and receive proper treatment, you need to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Your child’s pediatrician can begin this process by performing a routine screening for signs of postpartum. This screening is a series of questions that will allow you to open up about your feelings and emotions during this time. From there, the doctor can refer you to the appropriate specialists to get the help you need.
Providing a Further Network of Support
Another way your baby’s pediatrician can help you cope with new mom anxiety is by providing a support network. While your family and friends should serve as the frontline of your support system, having a further network of people who care is always beneficial.
Pediatricians, nurses, and physician’s assistants are all well-versed in the early days of motherhood. They provide an empathetic network of support that works specifically with new moms. This support network can guide you every step of the way, from your child’s first cold to issues with feeding.
Your pediatrician’s main goal is to ensure your baby is healthy. They understand that a healthy, happy child requires a healthy, happy parent. By helping new moms cope with anxiety and other difficult emotions, they can promote a better life and environment for everyone involved.
Getting Through the Baby Blues With the Help of Your Pediatrician
If you are a new mom experiencing the baby blues or struggling with postpartum anxiety, having a quality pediatrician can help.
From acknowledging your feelings to providing you with a support network, Newport Children’s Medical Group is proud to work with new mothers trying to navigate the early days of motherhood. Visit us online to find out more about our newborn care services.