Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are common. Currently 1 in 7 women will experience one during the first year after the delivery of their baby. While motherhood can be an amazing experience it can also be a stressful one which is something that people do not typically discuss. Often times we have misconceptions about what motherhood will be.

Some of these misconceptions include: 

• All mothers immediately bond with their baby.
• My baby will only cry when hungry or wet.
• I should feel happy all of the time once my baby is born.
• Breastfeeding will be a smooth process.

When we start out our journey into motherhood with some of these misconceptions, we begin to hold ourselves to impossible standards. During our transition to motherhood, we may also find ourselves longing for our life that we had prior to baby. Know that you are not alone and this is so common! You went from a life of only needing to be responsible for yourself and being able to pick up and go whenever you pleased to having to shift and plan your comings and goings around a new little one.

Also in the postpartum phase, some women may begin to experience frequent “What If” thoughts, some of which may be scary. Whether you are experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, we want you to know that these are highly treatable given the right therapeutic and social supports. With help you will feel like yourself again soon!