Postpartum Anxiety Treatment
Perinatal Anxiety
The Postpartum Den was founded to help women through the gripping nature of postpartum anxiety. Mothers facing this often have an unrelenting fear that every little thing is a threat to the well being of you or your baby. This can start during pregnancy and can continue for years after birth. A multifaceted approach rooted in science backed therapies to treat postpartum anxiety is one of the greatest gifts the Den can offer mothers. Seeking help is one of the greatest gifts mothers can offer their babies.
Postpartum Anxiety Is Common
PPA is prevalent, affecting up to 20% of new mothers. Despite this, it frequently goes unnoticed due to societal expectations that new moms will naturally experience stress and worry.
The journey into motherhood is often painted with a brush of joy and fulfillment, overshadowing the reality that many women face significant anxiety during this transformative period. This condition extends beyond normal parental concerns, manifesting as intense, persistent anxiety that can severely disrupt a mother’s life. Public focus on postpartum depression sometimes leads to the under recognition of PPA, leaving many women to struggle in silence.
What Postpartum Anxiety Feels Like
For those grappling with PPA, the world of motherhood can feel overwhelmingly fraught with worry. Mothers may find themselves consumed by excessive concerns about their baby’s health and safety, experiencing intrusive thoughts that are difficult to control. Physical symptoms often accompany these anxieties, such as insomnia, racing heartbeats, and a persistent feeling of dread. These symptoms can be debilitating, making it challenging to enjoy motherhood or even perform daily tasks.
- Constant worries about baby's wellbeing
- Fear of leaving your baby with others
- Scary thoughts about harm to your baby
- Fear of going crazy, psychosis
- Checking statistics, forums and advice online
- Physical symptoms like racing heartbeat and insomnia
- New mistrust of others, including strangers, family and spouse
Risk Factors for Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing PPA, such as:
A Family history of anxiety or depression
Previous Episodes of anxiety or panic attacks
Stressful life events during or after pregnancy
A traumatic birthing experience
Isolation or lack of a support network
Hormonal changes associated with the postpartum period
How to Tell If Its Postpartum Anxiety?
Recognizing the signs of postpartum anxiety can be challenging, due to worries often being chalked up to maternal instincts. The focus on depression screening only at postpartum OB appointments, further complicates early identification and support.
These signs often include relentless worry, physical anxiety symptoms, irrational fears concerning the baby’s well-being, and a general sense of unease that does not subside.
Key signs of PPA include:
- Persistent and excessive worry that doesn't subside
- Physical symptoms like heart palpitations, nausea, or insomnia
- Intense fears about the baby's safety or well-being
- Hypervigilance in caring for the baby
- Avoidance of certain situations due to anxiety like driving or meetups
- A general sense of unease that does not subside and seems to compound
Treatment for Postpartum Anxiety in Nashville
A Dedicated Postpartum Focus
Our program only treats women's mental health during the perinatal period. Ensuring that you receive relevant care and aren’t grouped in with others in different phases of life or with different needs.
Mother-Baby Inclusive Therapy
We encourage mothers to bring their infants to therapy sessions, removing a significant barrier to treatment and reducing the extreme anxiety of separation.
Balanced Congruent Care
Alongside traditional therapies, we offer balanced services for anxiety reduction like mindfulness, breath work, and guided meditation for lighter approaches to treat anxiety symptoms.
Safe, Private Spaces
Our singular focus contributes to a safe space for pregnant and breastfeeding women, babies and smaller groups.
Therapies That Work Right Away
Our clinicians utilize therapies that work effectively for perinatal anxiety and have advanced training from Postpartum Support International.
A Spirited Community
Just by being with other women who get it can make al the difference in mental well-being. After the first few sessions, we see spirits lifted and long lasting connections made.
Relief, right now.
Imagine your postpartum period free from the weight of anxiety. Reach out to redefine your postpartum experience.
