By Nancy Albrecht, RN, BSN, IBCLC

Do you know a pregnant or new mama?

Ask her how she is doing, how she is really doing. LISTEN to what she says: no matter how many people you think are supporting her, there are often way too few who ask and listen. Everyone wants to know how the baby is: how baby is growing and moving or how baby is sleeping, eating, pooping, etc???. Nobody is asking mom if she’s getting rest; if she’s eating regularly; if she gets to take a shower when she needs or wants to. Ask her how much she slept last night. Ask her what she ate today. Ask her if she is okay. Be prepared if she says NO.

During May, Maternal Mental Health Awareness month, we want all families to know that mood disorders in pregnancy and postpartum are real, unintentional, and treatable. Women of every culture, age, income level and race can develop symptoms during pregnancy or the first 12 months after childbirth. Baby blues may affect most new moms, but the blues are mild, brief, and last less than 2 weeks. 1 in 7 mothers experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum: severe symptoms that persist longer than 2 weeks. Symptoms may include feeling sad, angry, or confused, having extreme anxiety or scary thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or guilty, having difficulty bonding with the baby, having lack of interest in usual activities, or having thoughts of hurting yourself or those around you. The most common time when new moms recognize postpartum depression or anxiety is when the baby is three to four months old.

If you or a new mom that you know are having trouble coping with the transition to pregnancy or motherhood, please ask for help. Treatment is available and most women recover fully with treatment.  A 3-point approach works best for most women: individual therapy, medical evaluation with medication, if needed or desired, and a support group.

WBWC offers a support group, Coping with Motherhood, on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 10:30 am – Noon. It’s mother-to-mother support, facilitated by Nancy Albrecht RN, MA, IBCLC. Coping with Motherhood is free and confidential for any pregnant woman or new mother who is struggling with a perinatal mood difficulty. Email Nancy at nancy@ncbirthcenter.org if you have any concerns or questions about your mood or the group. Other resources in the Triangle include UNC Center for Women’s Mood Disorders (CH), Postpartum Education and Support/Moms Supporting Moms (Raleigh and Durham), Emerald Doulas (Durham) and Postpartum Support International (PSI) www.postpartum.net.

You are not alone! You are not to blame! With help, you will be well!  – PSI