Feelings around pregnancy and motherhood

Anxiety and distress during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby are often subjects that no one wants to talk about....... During pregnancy many women feel a sense of well-being during their pregnancy. Some women (about 15-30%) will feel depressed. With such an important event occurring, we could expect that coping with all the hopes and fears might be difficult - especially if you are not well supported. Society considers pregnancy a time of joy, so if depression or other problems occur then women may feel isolated and unable to reveal their true feelings. Talking to someone can often help. If other help is required, it can also be arranged. Some things you can do: Find a support person who will be able to help after baby is born. Talk to your partner about taking time off after baby is born. Join a group and talk to other mothers-to-be. Try not to move house or make any big changes for a while after baby is born (or late in your pregnancy). Be kind to yourself. It takes time and a lot of energy to adjust to becoming a mum. If you are returning to work try to allow as much time off as possible. As a Parent: Women respond to motherhood in many ways. Many feel a sense of joy and elation at the arrival of a new baby, while others may feel emotions such as anxiety, sadness, or grief, fear or despair, after the birth. Most mothers have a mixture of feelings. For some mothers the responsibility of caring for a new baby can be overwhelming. Mothers are often exhausted looking after a new baby (it is a 24 hour job), especially if they have the extra responsibility of other children. They can be so busy looking after everyone else that they have no time to look after themselves. For those having their first baby, changes in lifestyle, roles and relationships take place. It takes time to adjust and it often helps to talk to someone. Partners may be confused by what is happening and may even have similar problems adjusting. They, the partners, can also become depressed. Motherhood: Motherhood is a new role and one that has to be learned like all others. For you, this may be a new responsibility. Caring for someone who is totally dependent on you is an awesome experience, and can be a source of considerable worry as well as a special privilege. You may be working long hours within the household, you may also be back at work, you may not have a lot of support or be isolated. Stress and depression during pregnancy, and after the birth of the baby, are common. Many women experience symptoms such as those listed below:
low mood; loss of interests and pleasures; leep disturbance; appetite disturbance; exhaustion or over-activity; crying; irritability; confusion; anxiety; panic attacks; feeling negative about things; feeling inadequate; feeling guilty; loss of sexual interest; fear of being alone; fear of social contact; memory loss; loss of concentration. If you feel you are becoming overwhelmed by these feelings and you are worried about coping, or if you have little support, please speak to your doctor or nurse about them. Or you might like to contact your local Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Service. This service has been set up to support women during both the antenatal and the postnatal period. Bowral contact number is: the Antenatal Service Midwife and/or Social Worker at the Bowral District Hospital on (02) 4861 0200 (Mon to Fri- 9am-5pm); or postnatally - Family and Childhood Community Health Nurses, at the Bowral Community Health Centre on (02)4861 8000