Here, we’ll take a look at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected new parents, especially when it comes to postpartum depression symptoms and strategies for getting the help you need to feel like yourself again.
Has the Pandemic Made PPD Worse?
We’re only five months into the pandemic at this point, so there aren’t yet any large-scale studies available that determine a link between the pandemic and higher levels of postpartum depression in new moms. But says Daniel Roshan, MD, FACOG, FACS, a high-risk maternal-fetal doctor, “there are studies that show an increase in perinatal anxiety and depression as a result of the pandemic. We know women who experience these symptoms during pregnancy are much more likely to have them exacerbated in the post-partum period.” So it’s only natural that you may be experiencing heightened feelings of anxiety, fear and sadness right now. And there are lots of other ways COVID-19 may be impacting you as well. Consider the following:
You’re concerned for your baby’s health. While young children have thankfully been spared the worst of the virus, you probably still want to do everything you can to protect your little one. And of course, you have your own health to consider as well; it’s much more difficult to care for a baby if you’re sick. Your birth didn’t go as planned. From wearing a mask during delivery to hospital policies that kept Grandma out of the picture, you may be reeling from a pregnancy and birth that weren’t filled with the warm, happy experiences you were hoping for. You’re not getting the help you need. Many couples plan to have family members stay with them for a period of time right after bringing their baby home. Others turn to night nurses or other external sources of support. With cases of COVID-19 increasing in many states, this is no longer a viable option, leaving you tending to your new baby’s needs on your own. Social isolation is the new normal. It’s not just help you’re looking for. You’re probably yearning to share your new bundle of joy with all your friends and family, just like you envisioned. But of course, this no longer feels like a safe option.
With all these factors complicating things, it’s more important than ever to monitor the way you’re feeling after giving birth, and ensure you get help if you need it. “A study conducted in Quebec shows that women who are pregnant during this pandemic are twice as likely than their pre-pandemic counterparts to experience anxiety and/or depressive symptoms during pregnancy,” says Roshan. So if you’ve given birth over the past few months, be sure to work with your partner to recognize the signs of postpartum depression.
Signs of PPD
The postpartum period is a fragile one, even in the best of times. And most new parents go through a period of “baby blues.” These are the types of feelings that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Roshan says, “Postpartum blues can include depressive symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia and lack of interest, but these symptoms are mild and usually self-limiting. You may see symptoms that develop two to three days after delivery, but most often, you’ll probably feel much better within two weeks.” But if things seem to be getting worse instead of better, you may be dealing with postpartum depression rather than passing feelings of anxiety and sadness. Roshan shares some of the signs of PPD to look for so you can act early if you’re suffering:
Depressed moodDecreased pleasure in activitiesSignificant weight loss or gainInsomnia or hypersomniaPsychomotor agitationFatigue/loss of energyFeelings of guilt/worthlessnessDecreased ability to concentrateThoughts about or plan for suicide or death
Help for New Parents
Here’s the good news: there are ways to get back on track if you feel your mental health may be suffering in the wake of giving birth during a pandemic. Sure, things are more complicated right now. But you deserve to feel your best, especially during this exciting (but difficult!) time. Here are some ways you can safely and successfully navigate being a new mom during a global pandemic.
Online Support Groups
Sometimes all you need is to vent with someone who understands your particular situation. So don’t discount the benefits of an online support group! From this Facebook group with more than 35,000 members to this curated list of groups from Mother.ly, there are lots of ways to find and connect with a tribe during the pandemic.
Telemedicine
Believe it or not, your relationship with your caregiver is a big part of your mental health outcome after your baby is born. You don’t have to wait for your six-week postpartum appointment to seek help; many providers have implemented safety precautions that will allow you to be seen in the office. Others still have set up times for video appointments as telemedicine has been on the rise since the start of the pandemic. Your OB-GYN may be able to clue in to the way you’re feeling and provide help before things get out of hand.
Social Bubble With Other New Parents or Extended Family
If you’re truly in need of some form of socialization, consider forming a social bubble. This term often refers to two or three families who gather with one another, but maintain strict quarantine and social distancing rules with all others. While still more risky than a full quarantine, a bubble allows you to toe the line between isolation and pre-pandemic life. That’s something you may need more than you realize right now.
Socially Distanced Gatherings
Similarly, there’s no reason to feel like you can’t share your new baby with important family members. While Grandma may not be able to snuggle your little one in her arms quite yet, a socially distanced meeting outside with everyone wearing masks may in fact be just what everyone needs. The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.
