The journey into parenthood is exciting but also a time of great change. Often I don’t believe we are well equipped to cope with the shift in our role from work with only yourself to care for, to being at home providing round the clock care to your baby.

Are You OK? Who can help you deal with things when the going gets tough??

The change in how we view our contribution to the family unit from an income perspective, how we view our body, where we place our baby’s, our partners and our own needs. The daily interactions we would usually have with work colleagues and friends. Layered upon the changes are dealing with a lack of sleep, possible pregnancy or birth conditions that cause pain or discomfort and the physical demands required of you. The list goes on. There is not enough conversation about the fragility of our emotional well-being. Andrea and I wanted to share some fabulous resources available to support yourself and your partner at this time.

PANDA: Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA)

Ph 1300726306 9am-7:30pm M-F

PANDA provides a national helpline dedicated to perinatal mental health for women, men and their families. Highly trained counsellors help you work through your challenges in a safe and confidential space.

The Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA)

Ph 0412445770

ABTA was established in 2016 to support women and their families who are suffering postnatally from physical and/or psychological trauma resulting from birth. This website has some fantastic resources.

Mumspace

Provides evidence-based e-treatments designed to help women anywhere in Australia who are experiencing depression either during pregnancy or after the birth of their baby. Their programs are designed to deliver the benefits of face-to-face cognitive-behavioural treatment without needing to leave your home. There is a Mum2BMoodBooster and MumMoodBooster program. Check out their new mindmum app. It is a free app and well worth a look!

Reasons to Join a Postpartum Support Group

The postpartum period, or the months following the birth of a child, is a time of tremendous change, responsibility, and healing. The postpartum care you receive is just as important as your prenatal care. After all, many pregnancy-related complications occur after the baby is born.
A strong postpartum support network is one of the keys to success during this time. Consider your network to be a web of family, friends, and healthcare professionals on whom you can rely and on whom you should seek assistance. Some can be there in person when you need them, while others are only a phone or video call away. Any type of assistance, whether virtual or physical, is critical. Here's why putting together a support team for the first few months at home is critical.

1. Motherhood is a demanding experience.

Women are physically and emotionally exhausted after giving birth. It can be difficult to consider self-care, let alone make time for it. Whether it's your first or fifth child, a "village" of support can provide the resources you require.

While the postpartum period is typically defined as the first 12 weeks after birth, the entire first year is a high-risk period for new mothers. This is especially true if your pregnancy or delivery was complicated.

2. Postpartum care can take many different forms.

Your postpartum support network begins with your obstetric care team, which includes your ob-gyn, midwife, nurses, and doula. Your child's pediatrician will soon be involved. Depending on your needs or medical conditions, you may eventually need to see a specialist. Lactation consultants,

cardiologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and physical therapists are a few examples of specialists. Also, keep in mind the role your primary care provider can play in this situation. If you had a complication affecting your long-term health, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, he or she may become involved in your postpartum care.

Your partner, family, friends, and neighbours can be your support system at home. It's really anyone you feel at ease with and trust, especially when you're not feeling well.

3. Being at home does not have to imply being alone.

Of course, postpartum support may be more difficult to come by. However, this only emphasizes the importance of planning ahead of time. If you prepare a support team, you can talk with them about how they can be there for you even if they are far away. Perhaps a neighbour could leave food on your doorstep or walk your dog. A doctor could talk on the phone or set up a video call with you to discuss when you might need to see someone in person.

Postpartum Support International is one website to bookmark for virtual mental health support. They provide online support group meetings where you can meet other postpartum women. And once a week, they hold a Chat With an Expert phone call where you can ask questions.

4. Your network can serve as an additional set of eyes and ears.

When a new mom is struggling, friends, family, and doctors are often the first to notice. Allow us in and don't dismiss requests for assistance.

A new mother, for example, may be out of breath or acting strangely. Someone who knows her well can notice this and say, "I'm worried about you. You should be examined."

Sometimes postpartum patients tell me they're fine, but their blood pressure, level of bleeding, or other symptoms tell a different story. Other times, a patient will come right out and say, "I'm having trouble breastfeeding." I'm always on the lookout for mental health issues because that's one of the most common complications that arise in the weeks and months following birth.

5. It is especially critical for high-risk mothers and babies.

All new mothers require a baseline of support - sleep, healthy food, and time to themselves - and there may be reasons for additional care and attention. Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, heavy bleeding, and cesarean birth are just a few of the risk factors for postpartum complications.

You and your ob-gyn can discuss whether you are at a higher risk for complications and what additional care you may require.

We're all in this together.

Every woman's postpartum requirements will be unique. Some mothers may require a large village, while others may only require a small group of people to lean on. In either case, it is acceptable to seek assistance.

By the way, you should discuss postpartum support before your baby is born. During the third trimester, I bring up the subject with my patients in a series of conversations. What are your feeding plans for the baby? Who will you have at home? Who is available for a break? This way, we can plan ahead of time for the postpartum support network.

We all want happy, healthy mothers and babies, and there are numerous resources available to help. Speak up, express yourself, and tell someone if something bothers you. That allows us - your village - to assist you.