Postpartum anxiety

Postpartum anxiety: When caring for the baby becomes all-encompassing

Worrying about a newborn is completely normal. However, when this worry turns into constant, intense fear, intrusive thoughts, and physical symptoms, it may be a sign of postpartum anxiety disorder. This condition is as common as postpartum depression, but it is discussed far less, and women often suffer in silence, considering their state "normal maternal worry".

How to distinguish normal worry from a disorder?

Normal worry is situational: "Is the baby breathing in sleep?", "Has she eaten enough?". Postpartum anxiety disorder is a condition where anxiety becomes a constant background in your life. Its symptoms include:

• Persistent feeling of tension and inability to relax.
• Intrusive, catastrophic thoughts that something bad might happen to the baby (illness, accident).
• Constant checking: you repeatedly check whether the baby is breathing, wash your hands, fear germs.
• Physical symptoms: rapid heartbeat, dizziness, stomach pain, trembling, sleep problems.
• Panic attacks: sudden bouts of intense fear accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, and a sense of losing control.

Causes and the importance of help

The causes, like in depression, are complex: sudden hormone drop, sleep deprivation, huge responsibility and changes in social life. It is important to understand that this is not your fault. It is a medical condition that can be successfully treated with psychotherapy and, if needed, medications compatible with breastfeeding.

If you recognize yourself in these symptoms, do not stay alone with them. Talk to your partner, close ones and be sure to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. More information can be found in the article "Postpartum anxiety: symptoms".