The years that follow bubs arrival can be some of the most magical moments, it can also push mum (and dad) to the emotional and physical limits. The shift in mental health can be both rapid or slow, and often, when you are in the thick of daily routine, it can be hard to see a way out of it while also identifying the challenges
We have all heard of the baby blues, a couple of days after the baby’s arrival; however, postpartum mood shifts can happen from as early as the first few moments to 12-36 months later! The reality is that as the child /children age, the challenges and demands also change, and for so many parents, this often is while also navigating work, partners’ work/lifestyle changes, friendship groups, and family changes. There is a new understanding that “the postpartum stage” can be up to 7 years after bubs birth!
The shift from thriving to surviving can be a pathophysiological one; changes to nutrient levels, hormone functions, and thyroid function, but it can also be influenced by nutritional and lifestyle factors as well.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
The tricky thing with postnatal depletion is that when you are in the thick of it, it can be hard to recognise the signs. Often it is those around us to are able to see the signs more clearly than we can.
+ increased irritability
+ increased reactivity (short-tempered, increased yelling)
+ anxiety, mood shifts, low moods, overthinking
+ increased sugar and simple carbohydrate cravings (lollies, cakes, chips, bread, pasta etc)
+ changes to weight; can be rapid loss or increase
+ hair loss, thinning on nails, breaking nails, dull skin
+ bowel changes
+ insomnia, frequent waking at night,
HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR WELLBEING:
- Check in: The first step is to reach out to your health practitioner and let them know how you are feeling. Often this will mean that a pathology check in is required to ensure that your nutrient levels are optimal and your body systems (esp thyroid, adrenal, hormonal and minerals) are functioning at ideal levels.
- Speak to someone: often saying the words out loud can be the most important tool, to someone who would never place judgment.
- Support your nervous system: as a naturopath, there are so many tools we can use to support the postpartum journey, from dietary changes to specific herbal medicine to address the nervous system if needed.
- Dietary support: if we are not fueling ourselves correctly, then nothing will change. we want ensure we are balancing blood glucose levels, having enough protein with each meal and snack, limiting highly processed foods and adding in all the delicious wholefoods.
If you are waking up each morning, zapped of energy, reacting strongly to loud noises and lots of touch (of course, there will be times that the adorable tiny humans will push our buttons – but if you noticing that there are more hard times than good) then its time to have a postpartum check in.
You are doing great mumma!
Alyce x