Postpartum Anxiety is a Sneaky Bitch.

Yup. I said it. Postpartum anxiety is a bitch.

Fortunately, you don’t need to just sit around and wait to be a victim of it. Although we might be led to believe that this is all just a crap shoot, there are actually lots of ways to prepare for the postpartum period and you do have some control over it all. You can take steps now if you want to avoid or reduce the chances of struggling with postpartum anxiety.

I know this seems obvious, but one of the most effective ways to prepare yourself is to create a support system of people who get it, whether it be through family, friends, or a community of other new mothers. Yes, I know, it’s super lame, but we do have to build our own villages these days (just one more thing on the to-do list). But honestly, just talking with someone who’s gone through a similar experience can help ease any fears or concerns and provide a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

And this applies to preparing for your fourth trimester in general, and also to life, really, but it is ESSENTIAL to prioritize self-care during the postpartum period. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time to do things you enjoy. Exercise, in particular, can be a great way to improve mood and reduce stress. but beyond that, it means learning to set boundaries around your time, to say “no” to things that do not serve you, and really considering the way you talk to yourself in your head.

Next, I want you to plan how to handle any challenges that may arise. How do you react in your day-to-day life when the stress monster rears its head? Because I’m telling you, if stress is difficult to manage now, it’s absolutely not going to get any easier after your baby arrives. If you can make it work, consider finding a therapist or mental health professional to talk to or developing a list of resources to turn to if you need additional support. (Be sure to grab my guide, “Thriving Through the Fourth”, because this is all included.)

Working with a perinatal or postpartum mindset coach can also be incredibly helpful in preparing for the postpartum period. A coach can help you identify any limiting beliefs or negative thought patterns that may be contributing to anxiety or stress, and can provide tools and strategies to help you cultivate a more positive mindset.

When you work with me, I can help you navigate the challenges of the postpartum period and create a plan for how to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. We can work together to identify any fears or concerns you may have, and develop a personalized strategy for addressing them. And, you’ll never feel alone, because I’ll be there to support you every step of the way. With the right support, it is possible to avoid and overcome postpartum anxiety and enjoy the transformative experience of motherhood.

Here are some ways to prepare and potentially reduce the risk of postpartum anxiety:

• Build a support system: Connect with family, friends, or a support group of other new parents to share experiences, get advice, and receive emotional support.

• Learn about postpartum anxiety: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of postpartum anxiety, and be prepared to seek help if you experience any of them.

• Practice self-care: Prioritize your own self-care needs, including getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity that you enjoy.

• Talk to your healthcare provider: Discuss any concerns or fears you may have about postpartum anxiety with your healthcare provider. They can provide information, resources, and support.

• Plan for postpartum support: Consider hiring a postpartum doula, a trained professional who provides physical and emotional support to new parents during the postpartum period.

• Prepare for the transition: Anticipate the changes that come with a new baby, such as disrupted sleep, changes in routine, and increased responsibilities, and plan accordingly.

• Consider therapy or counseling: If you have a history of anxiety or depression, consider talking to a therapist or counselor during pregnancy or in the postpartum period to develop coping skills and strategies to manage postpartum anxiety.

Working with a postpartum mindset coach can help!

As a postpartum mindset coach, I can help you prepare to potentially avoid, or at least decrease the symptoms, of postpartum anxiety. Here’s how:

• Identifying potential triggers: A perinatal or postpartum mindset coach can work with you to identify possible triggers for postpartum anxiety, such as past experiences, current stressors, or specific fears related to parenthood. By identifying these triggers, you can develop strategies to manage them proactively.

• Developing coping skills: A perinatal or postpartum mindset coach can help you develop coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions that may arise during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. This may include mindfulness techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and self-care practices.

• Addressing limiting beliefs: Limiting beliefs or negative self-talk can contribute to postpartum anxiety. A perinatal or postpartum mindset coach can help you identify and address these beliefs, replacing them with more positive and empowering thoughts.

• Providing emotional support: A perinatal or postpartum mindset coach can provide emotional support throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period, offering a safe and non-judgmental space to express fears, concerns, and emotions.

• Encouraging self-reflection: A perinatal or postpartum mindset coach can encourage self-reflection and self-awareness, helping you to identify your values, priorities, and goals for parenthood. This can help you to feel more confident and prepared for the transition to parenthood.

• Collaborating with healthcare providers: A perinatal or postpartum mindset coach can collaborate with your healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to your care. This can include developing a plan for managing postpartum anxiety, addressing any concerns or questions you may have about medication or other treatment options, and providing ongoing support throughout the postpartum period.

Postpartum anxiety is a common but often overlooked condition that can have serious consequences for new mothers and their families. By preparing for postpartum wellness, practicing self-care, seeking support from loved ones, and working with a postpartum mindset coach, mothers can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of postpartum anxiety and thrive during this important time. Remember, taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as caring for your baby's physical health.