POSTPARTUM/PERINATAL DEPRESSION

A supported mom is a stronger mom, and a stronger mom can better care for herself and her child.

Becoming a mom is a life-changing experience in so many ways! While we often hear about the physical changes a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy and childbirth, one area that doesn't get as much attention is the profound impact birth has on a mother’s brain. The process of becoming a mother doesn’t just change your life—it changes your brain.

Perinatal depression may be experienced during pregnancy or after birth, encompassing both prenatal and postpartum depression. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, only occurs after childbirth. Each of them have different symptoms that help differentiate them as well.

 Symptoms of Perinatal depression include;
 Sad or depressed mood, Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, Fear of harming baby or self, Lack of interest in the baby, Not feeling bonded to the baby. 

Noticing any mental health problems during pregnancy is important. It is an ideal time to reach out and participate in perinatal mental health therapy.

There is a complicated mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that can happen in some women after giving birth. After giving birth, new moms experience a dramatic drop in hormones. This can lead to feelings of emotional instability. This period of hormonal flux can make women more vulnerable to mood swings, fatigue, and stress. While these changes are completely normal, they’re also incredibly challenging to navigate, especially when combined with the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a newborn. Most women take about two years to completely go back to pre-pregnancy hormone levels. 

Some women may experience Postpartum Depression as a result. Symptoms of PPD are:

Severe mood swings

Restlessness

Severe anxiety and panic attacks

Loss of appetite

Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy

Crying for no reason

1. Increased Neural Connectivity
One of the most fascinating aspects of motherhood is the way a woman’s brain rewires itself to accommodate the needs of her baby. Studies have shown that new mothers exhibit increased neural connectivity in areas of the brain related to emotional regulation, empathy, and memory. This helps them become more attuned to their baby's needs and develop a strong emotional bond.

2. Changes in the Hippocampus
The hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory and learning, also undergoes changes during the postpartum period. Studies show that the size of the hippocampus can actually shrink in the months following birth, likely due to hormonal shifts. While this might sound concerning, it’s part of the brain's natural adjustment to the demands of motherhood. This shrinkage can contribute to memory issues many new moms experience, like forgetfulness or “mommy brain”—the feeling of being mentally foggy.

3. Increased Sensitivity to Stress
The brain’s response to stress changes after childbirth, which can make moms more sensitive to feelings of anxiety or frustration. This heightened stress response can make it harder to cope with the demands of a newborn, especially when combined with sleep deprivation and the challenge of managing a new routine.

 Understanding the profound impact birth has on a mother’s brain is essential for supporting new moms in their postpartum journey. Here are a few ways you can help a new mom:

1. Provide Emotional and Physical Support

New moms often feel like they have to do it all, but the truth is, they need support. Don't ask "What can I do to help you?". Instead, tell them what specific physical or emotional support you can offer, and allow them to pick and choose what they are ok with you doing. Emotional support is just as important. Let moms know that it’s okay to vent about the trials of parenting in those first years. Joy shared is multiplied, and trials shared are halved.

2. Encourage Rest

Sleep deprivation is one of the hardest parts of early motherhood, and it can significantly impact brain function. Encouraging new moms to rest and take time for self-care is vital. It’s important to remind them that caring for their own well-being is just as important as caring for their baby.

3. Normalize Postpartum Mental Health Struggles
It's crucial to reduce the stigma around postpartum mental health challenges. By openly discussing things like “mommy brain,” postpartum depression, and anxiety, we can help new mothers feel less isolated and more supported. Acknowledging that these brain changes are real and normal allows moms to seek help without feeling ashamed. Remember, ANY baby blues past two weeks postpartum should to be assessed by a professional!

Motherhood is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it can also be incredibly taxing—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Understanding the profound changes that occur in a new mom’s brain can help us provide better support and compassion for the challenges they face. By acknowledging and respecting these changes, we can help new moms navigate the transition into motherhood with more understanding and less judgment. After all, a supported mom is a stronger mom, and a stronger mom can better care for herself and her child.

At Lighthouse Counseling Services we provide Perinatal and Postpartum therapy to both mothers and fathers! Our services are not just around the pregnancy and birth but also cater to experiences such as infertility, miscarriages, unexpected pregnancy, etc. These are issues that not only affect the mother, but the father as well. We are here to support both parties.

Our Perinatal Specialist, Mica Denman, is here and ready to support you. She utilizes the following modalities to help you through this new chapter in your life!

 Perinatal Treatment Modalities:  DBT and ACT skills  

See below for a therapist who can help ⬇️

Mica Denman