Perinatal mental health and emotional wellbeing
Pregnancy and parenthood can be times of joy. Having a baby is one of the biggest life-changing experiences you will ever have. While this is often a happy and exciting time for you and your family sometimes for many different reasons, pregnancy and the arrival of a new baby is can be overwhelming and perhaps not as you had hoped or planned.
During the first week after childbirth, many women get what is often referred to as “baby blues”. Women can experience low mood, feel tearful, irritable and feel mildly depressed. “Baby Blues” are probably due to the sudden hormonal and chemical changes that take place in your body after childbirth. “Baby blues” can last for about 10days after having a baby.
You and your family know what’s normal for you. If “baby blues” do not resolve, you maybe experience signs and symptoms of perinatal mental illness, it is important to get the right help. Talk about how you are feeling to your partner, family or friend which maybe all the help you need to feel better and enjoy your baby. Sometimes, it can be easier to talk to someone you are not close to, but who knows and understands what you are feeling.
Perinatal mental health is the term given to mental health during pregnancy and up to 2 years afterwards. Perinatal mental health conditions are common, but they are often not talked about openly.
Perinatal mental health problems can affect anyone, 1 in 4 women and birthing people, 1 in 10 men. They may result from a combination of physical, emotional and social factors.
Because perinatal mental illness is so common, it’s important to know the signs Signs and symptoms of perinatal mental illness | Maternal Mental Health Alliance
Asking for help does not mean you can’t cope and will not be able to look after your baby. Asking for help will support you getting the right help and support to be the parent you want to be to your baby.