On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and just weeks later, on April 10, a close friend welcomed a new baby into the world. The days leading up to her delivery were filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and countless questions. Where would she deliver? Would her partner be allowed in the delivery room? Who would care for her toddler while she was in the hospital?
After the baby arrived, those questions shifted, but the stress and worry remained. The newborn wouldn’t sleep at night, she needed help with breastfeeding, and accessing groceries became a challenge. With friends and family unable to offer assistance, my friend, the new mother, was left to navigate postpartum recovery alone, all while wearing a mask and coping with extreme sleep deprivation.
Her experience is not unique. Babies didn’t pause for a pandemic; they continued to arrive, bringing new moms face-to-face with unprecedented challenges in the already overwhelming weeks following childbirth. These new mothers, isolated from their support networks and struggling to adjust to a world turned upside down, have been asked to manage the impossible.
It’s no surprise that a recent study revealed a significant rise in anxiety and depression among new mothers during the pandemic. The research surveyed 900 women who were either expecting or had delivered within the past year and found a startling increase in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Before the pandemic, about 15% of women reported experiencing depression, while that number surged to 40.7% during COVID-19. Anxiety levels also spiked, with 72% of participants reporting moderate to high anxiety compared to only 29% before the crisis.
To delve deeper into these findings, we spoke with Sarah Duvall, Director at the Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) at Riverside Medical Center, and Jamie Watson, a Social Worker at the same facility. Duvall noted that calls to the Center have tripled since the onset of the pandemic, reinforcing the study’s conclusion regarding heightened anxiety and depression rates among new mothers.
Understanding the root of this surge in mental health issues is crucial. Duvall explained that PMADs thrive on feelings of isolation and fear, both of which have been amplified during the pandemic. “New and expectant mothers find themselves in a challenging situation, torn between the safety of their homes and the longing for connection with others in similar circumstances,” she wrote. This scenario creates an especially difficult environment for mothers who are already susceptible to mood disorders. Research indicates that one in seven women experiences depression or anxiety during the perinatal period, even in normal circumstances.
The pandemic has intensified intrusive “what if” thoughts that plague new mothers, making it challenging for them to engage in daily life. Duvall emphasized that the typical concerns have been magnified, leading to a surge in inquiries from women experiencing anxiety and panic attacks that they previously managed without issue.
It’s imperative that we prioritize the mental health of new mothers. The study suggests that maintaining physical activity could be beneficial for pregnant and postpartum women, particularly when access to other forms of treatment is limited. They recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
Watson provided additional recommendations for new mothers. “The most effective approach combines individual therapy, peer support, and medication if necessary to address overwhelming feelings or racing thoughts,” she said. Prioritizing self-care, ensuring proper nutrition and sleep, and finding the right support group is essential. Many support groups for new moms have successfully transitioned to virtual formats, including resources like Motherhood Understood, TheBloomFoundation.org, and PostpartumProgress.com.
Identifying the signs of distress in new mothers can be challenging. “New moms may not exhibit typical symptoms of depression,” Watson explained, urging partners to remain vigilant for signs of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behavior and to provide a listening ear. “Don’t assume she’s okay just because she appears fine. If she expresses that she doesn’t feel like herself, it’s crucial to seek help,” Watson advised.
The vulnerabilities faced by new mothers—hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and brain chemistry changes—are exacerbated by the pandemic’s isolation and uncertainty. However, it’s important to remember that PMADs are treatable conditions, not lifelong psychiatric disorders. “With the right support and treatment from trained professionals, every mother can find her way back to herself,” Duvall assured.
For a more in-depth exploration of these challenges and solutions, be sure to check out this related post.
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Summary:
The COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled significant mental health challenges for new mothers, with increased rates of anxiety and depression. As new moms navigate the complexities of postpartum recovery amid isolation, it’s essential to prioritize their mental health. Engaging in physical activity and seeking support through therapy and peer networks can make a difference. Understanding the symptoms of PMADs and ensuring that new moms receive the help they need is crucial for their recovery and well-being.