Postpartum Life in the Midst of a Pandemic By Vanessa Padilla, M.D.
In the postpartum period, all new parents may face challenging adjustments related to their new baby such as changes in daily routines, sleep disruptions, and new family dynamics to accommodate a newborn. The coronavirus pandemic has added increased stress to new parents including feelings of loneliness or isolation, limited support, and concerns about safety and the risk of contracting or spreading the virus, either at the hospital during delivery or via contact with visitors or other family members. As stress can precipitate or worsen mood symptoms, it is imperative to closely monitor the mental health of new parents during the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a common condition affecting women at any given time during the first year after delivery. Now, experts have raised concerns on how the pandemic may impact or exacerbate the incidence of postpartum depression and anxiety. Mood and anxiety symptoms that should be screened and monitored include: sadness, guilt, lack of appetite, changes in sleep pattern, poor motivation, lack of energy, irritability, thoughts of self-harm or harming others, fear of harming the baby or not bonding adequately with the newborn, overwhelming worries, obsessive thoughts, and excessive anger. It is easy to confuse some of these emotions with milder symptoms related to the “baby blues” or “postpartum blues” which are frequently experienced right after delivery. For example, new mothers may experience brief episodes of sadness or fluctuating mood, irritability, or anxiety, as well as fatigue, isolation, and tearfulness in the early postpartum weeks. However, these feelings usually start a few days after delivery, peak around one week after delivery, and resolve on their own by the end of the second week postpartum. If mood symptoms persist or worsen after 10-14 days postpartum, a comprehensive screening for postpartum depression is necessary. Depression and anxiety in the postpartum period are treatable conditions; the key is recognizing them early and intervening. It is important not to blame or stigmatize those suffering with symptoms. Instead, reach out and offer support to new parents impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The postpartum period is traditionally an exciting time for families to come together, to meet and celebrate a new baby, but in the midst of a pandemic, many are wisely foregoing immediate celebrations to protect the newborn and the parents. This can be heartbreaking and open the door to stressors and those symptoms previously mentioned.
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Fortunately, there are things new mothers can do to help healthily adapt to life with a new baby during the pandemic. Some recommendations are: l
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Focus on self-care strategies. For example, establish scheduled feeding and sleeping routines for both baby and parents; take breaks; set time for reflection; indulge into something you like; and be kind to yourself. Mother-baby bonding time is crucial to enhance the connection with the new baby—be mindful of all shared moments. Promote bonding with the baby through activities like reading and talking to him/her.
