{"id":4183,"date":"2023-11-06T15:33:14","date_gmt":"2023-11-06T20:33:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/groundedtherapist.com\/?p=4183"},"modified":"2023-11-06T15:33:14","modified_gmt":"2023-11-06T20:33:14","slug":"mental-health-and-wellness-for-new-moms-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/groundedtherapist.com\/mental-health-and-wellness-for-new-moms-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health and Wellness for New Moms: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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So, you just had a baby. How are you feeling? Like a serene earth mama … Or like a ghoulish caricature of the former you who slept and took showers?<\/p>\n

Chances are, you\u2019re feeling a little bit of both \u2014 and a lot more besides. Having a baby is a big deal \u2014 it\u2019s normal to feel overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

While there isn\u2019t a single magic trick or quick hack that can make new momhood less intense, there are certain practices that can keep you feeling as good as you can in this \u201cnew normal.\u201d Keep reading to learn more about mental health and wellness for moms \u2014 we\u2019ll start with a brief education on how and why having a baby impacts your mental health, then progress into tips that can help you find (and maintain) your equilibrium.<\/p>\n

Why Does Having a Baby Impact Your Mental Health?<\/h2>\n

If having a baby feels like a rollercoaster ride, that\u2019s because it is. Raging hormones, lifestyle changes, and a body that feels a little different than before \u2014 it can all have an effect on your emotional well-being. Let\u2019s explore:<\/p>\n

Physical Factors<\/h3>\n

Myriad physical factors related to having a baby can have a direct impact on your mental health, such as…<\/p>\n

Sleep (Or Lack Thereof)<\/h4>\n

Sleeplessness is probably the most famous new-parent woe \u2014 with good reason. Night feedings are a thing, and if you\u2019ve chosen to breastfeed, then you might be shouldering the lion\u2019s share of nighttime duty.<\/p>\n

Even if you are getting some sleep, the frequent wake-ups and overall stress could be impacting the quality of your sleep.<\/p>\n

A lack of sleep is proven to impact your mental health. According to the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry<\/a>, poor sleep can increase negative emotional responses, making you more susceptible and less able to deal with stress. It can also impair your judgment and decrease positive emotions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\ud83d\udca1 Is this ringing a bell? Are you feeling the effects of poor sleep? You don\u2019t have to shoulder it alone. Reach out here to book an individual therapy session<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Your Body is Whack<\/h4>\n

All sorts of crazy stuff happens to your body during and after pregnancy.<\/p>\n

Hormones are a major player \u2014 the hormones that surged to support you and your baby during pregnancy are now crashing hard.<\/p>\n

Hackensack Meridian Health<\/a> reports that different hormonal changes after birth can result in all sorts of ways that can affect your mental state:<\/p>\n