Mental Health / Trauma
Pregnancy mental health
Mood swings and feeling tearful are normal during pregnancy, particularly in the first few months thanks to your rising hormone levels. These feelings usually pass as the body adjusts to hormonal changes. It is also normal to feel nervous and anxious about giving birth and the big changes that come with a new baby. It can help to attend groups such as antenatal, hypnobirthing and yoga classes to help reduce stress and anxiety, and support you in preparing for birth.
Postnatal Depression
Being a mother can be the most rewarding, yet the most demanding, of roles. Society has high expectations, especially now with social media piling on the pressure for perfection. The first few months adjusting to motherhood can be tough with the challenges of disturbed sleep, a body recovering from pregnancy and birth, especially if that birth was particularly traumatic. Breast feeding can come with its own challenges too and not always plan sailing .
Post Birth Trauma / PTSD
Post birth trauma or PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder. Around 6% of women are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress after childbirth, however, it is believed that a further 20 – 25% of women go undiagnosed. Many women can be mistakenly diagnosed as having post-natal depression which may lead to ineffective treatment. Unlike someone with depression who may be feeling unmotivated and lethargic, someone with post birth trauma may feel more on 'red' alert.
How to Cope When Birth Didn't Go To Plan
Gently healing after a difficult or unexpected birth
No matter how well we prepare, birth has a way of unfolding in its own time, rhythm, and its own way. If your birth didn’t go to plan — whether it was a fast labour that felt overwhelming, a long and exhausting one, a medical intervention you hadn’t hoped for, or an emergency situation — you’re not alone.
And it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions about your experience.