Postpartum Anxiety: A Challenge That Mothers Don’t Have To Face Alone

When mothers picture their life after a birth, they think about diapers, bottles, and the promise of nap time. What one might not consider is that the experience of motherhood can be more than just physically exhausting; it can be frustrating, stressful, and mentally draining. Oftentimes, new mothers find themselves lying awake and wondering if they have failed before they truly started.

According to a report on the prevalence of anxiety in postpartum women published in the European Journal of Midwifery, postpartum anxiety affects about one in four women. A similar study of postpartum mothers conducted by Aeroflow Breastpumps found that many women reported that a significant population reported anxiety, sadness, or low mood following birth.

“When women become mothers,” the report read, “they are under tremendous pressure during the perinatal period, leading to anxiety and stress due to prevailing role models and social expectations. The perinatal period is considered a critical phase in a woman’s life, and it is not without difficulties for mental health. In particular, the postpartum period can be emotionally challenging for mothers.”

Though there is a good chance for a mother to experience the difficulties of postpartum anxiety, many are surprised to learn that these struggles are sometimes covered by certain insurance providers. Certainly, the promise of some relief during this frustrating experience may have benefits for both the mother and their newborn.

The experience of feeding is supposed to be natural, even to evoke feelings of deep connection between the mother and their newborn. For many parents, this notion is little more than another in a long line of motherhood myths.

“There’s enormous pressure on moms to ‘get it right’ with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding,” board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist Dr. Jessica Madden stated. “When things don’t go perfectly, which is very common, many moms internalize that as failure. That’s when anxiety spikes.”

Dr. Madden argues that mental health and the challenges that mothers face during feeding can be deeply connected to one another. Whether hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, physical recovery, or unrealistic expectations on the mother, each of these factors collide during the first weeks postpartum. Without proper education and support, these difficulties can transform a normal time or adjustment into a period of mental health struggles.

“Feeding support is mental health support,” Dr. Madden says. “When moms feel informed and supported in their choices, we see real improvements in mood and confidence.”

Though mothers may struggle with mental health challenges following the birth of a newborn, they do not have to face these difficulties without support. Certain insurance providers offer coverage for these issues, but education can also be beneficial. When a mother and her family understand that her experience is natural and shared, it is possible for her to be empowered in that knowledge.

Postpartum anxiety is a challenge that isn’t easy to overcome, but mothers may take comfort in knowing that they are not alone. This adjustment period is normal and natural; while each mother’s experience is unique in its moments of joy and frustration, they can find support in understanding this fact.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.