Postpartum anxiety is common and caused by physical changes in a woman’s body after childbirth. A healthy diet and exercise can help, but severe anxiety may require medical attention. Hormonal changes can cause mood swings, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety. New mothers should eat well, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and take walks. Postpartum binder and exercises can help with body changes, and counseling and medication may be needed for severe anxiety.
Postpartum anxiety describes the fear, nervousness and apprehension many women feel after having a baby. Postpartum anxiety can be caused by physical changes in a woman’s body after giving birth. Some women worry if and when they will lose their belly after childbirth, or how it will feel to have sex after childbirth. Simple, healthy habits, like a postpartum diet and exercise program, can help many women overcome anxiety naturally. Severe postpartum anxiety can be a sign of postpartum depression and may require medical attention.
A woman’s body goes through many hormonal changes after childbirth that can physically cause postpartum anxiety. The rapid decline in estrogen and progesterone levels can cause visible changes such as postpartum hair loss and dry skin. These hormonal changes can also affect a woman’s emotions, causing mood swings, difficulty sleeping, or anxiety. Postpartum fever caused by mastitis or urinary tract infections can also add stress and discomfort to new mothers.
Some women feel very anxious that they will never return to a normal weight after giving birth. It typically takes up to six months for mothers to lose their baby weight. New mothers should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water, especially while breastfeeding. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is good for both body image and the energy levels needed to care for a newborn. Taking a short walk each day with your baby can help new mothers get in shape by naturally reducing stress levels.
Another common fear is sex after childbirth, as a woman’s body typically feels changed. A postpartum binder, which is like a giant ace bandage that’s wrapped around your midsection, can help organs return to their original positions quickly. Even light postpartum exercises, such as yoga and Kegel exercises, can help strengthen the body inside and out. Arranging a date night allows new parents to enjoy some adult time and can help mothers reduce postpartum anxiety about sex.
Some degree of postpartum anxiety is normal given all the changes in a woman’s life when a new baby arrives. Disability anxiety that doesn’t go away after a few weeks, or that prevents a new mother from sleeping or caring for her baby, can be a warning sign of postpartum depression. If a woman finds that her anxiety is unmanageable, she should contact her doctor for additional support about postpartum depression. You may need counseling and anti-anxiety medications to cope with severe postpartum anxiety.
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