The first Wednesday of May is World Maternal Mental Health Day, highlighting the mental health challenges faced by expectant and new mothers. The hormonal shifts and life changes that come with pregnancy and birth can make women more vulnerable to mental health issues. But the good news is, there are things you can do—both for yourself and for the mums or mums-to-be in your life—to protect and support maternal mental well-being.
Maternal mental health: some stats
- 1 in 5 women worldwide experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD).
- It is estimated that 7 in 10 women hide or downplay their symptoms.
Postnatal depression is just one manifestation of mental health issues. Mums-to-be and new mums can also suffer from anxiety, panic, OCD and anger. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of suffering from maternal mental health issues. These include stressful experiences in the run up to giving birth, such as moving house or losing a loved one. A family history of mental illness also increases risk.
It’s really important that we talk about maternal mental illness to reduce stigma, increase awareness and improve the quality of care for women experiencing mental health issues during and after pregnancy.
Six ways to protect maternal mental health
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Talk about how you are feeling
Carrying a child and caring for a new baby are tough, there’s no denying it. Talking is key for expectant and new mums to express difficulties they are experiencing in both a practical and an emotional sense. There’s truth in the old saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ and voicing problems gives others the opportunity to help.
Online groups are a great place to meet other newbie mums who are experiencing the same issues, doubts and struggles as you. They will be able to offer advice, a friendly ear and even a chance to laugh at some of the more ridiculous parts of being a new parent.
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Prioritise rest and sleep
Sleep deprivation – an inevitable side effect of looking after a tiny human – can intensify stress and anxiety. If possible, get your partner involved in helping with nighttime duties and nap as often as you can when the baby sleeps.
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Don’t strive for perfection
There’s no such thing as a perfect parent. Forget the social media yummy mummies with their meticulously curated portrayals of motherhood. They often paint an idealised image that creates unnecessary pressure and can take a toll on mental health.
In reality, most new mums are winging it day by day – trying to look presentable, wondering if their newborn is eating enough and battling never-ending piles of laundry. If your baby is healthy and hitting their milestones, remind yourself daily: you’re doing your best, and that’s enough.
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Recognise when to get help
Postpartum Progress, a blog dedicated to maternal mental health set up by a survivor of postpartum anxiety and OCD, has put together a handy mental health checklist for new mums to monitor their symptoms and feelings. If you have had a baby recently and you feel that you are struggling mentally, it could be a useful exercise to fill it in. Get a loved one to help if you can.
Support is out there, so if you’re feeling persistently low, anxious, or overwhelmed, don’t wait, seek medical assistance. Use the checklist to explain how you feel to a medical professional. They will be able to suggest a suitable plan of action to alleviate your symptoms.
If leaving the house with a newborn seems too daunting, many health insurers offer online services as part of their policies, enabling you to speak to an expert online from the comfort of your own home.
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Add your newborn to your health insurance
It’s totally normal for new parents to worry about the health of their child. Ensuring that your baby has timely access to the best possible medical care will give you peace of mind.
That’s why we recommend that all new parents ensure that they have a comprehensive health insurance policy and add their newborn on to the policy as soon as possible to avoid gaps in coverage and unexpected medical bills. Make this a priority as soon as possible after the birth.
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Build your village
It takes a village to raise a child – a sentiment that ties in beautifully with this year’s theme for Maternal Mental Health Week: Stronger Together.
If you’re expecting a baby or have recently become a parent, now’s the time to start building your village. Surround yourself with loved ones, connect with other new parents, get additional support from childcare professionals, lean on medical professionals you trust and work with a financial adviser to protect your new family financially. You’ll feel stronger mentally when you are supported by the right people.
If you’re not a new parent, be part of someone else’s village. Look out for new mums in your workplace or social circle. Ask how they’re really doing, and gently encourage them to seek support if you sense they’re struggling.
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Becoming a parent is one of the most life-changing and rewarding transitions humans experience – but it’s also one of the most challenging.
Mums can’t pour from an empty cup. That’s why it’s so important to prioritise your own mental health as a parent. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential for giving your child the best possible start in life.
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