I did not expect that I would have experienced extreme postpartum anxiety after giving birth to my baby girl. During my pregnancy, my midwife suggested that I book postpartum therapy sessions in advance. It is widespread for women to experience depression or anxiety after giving birth. I did not understand at all, and I underestimated the power of hormone change. I ended up having the most anxious period I had ever experienced during my lifetime. After reading the post, you will know the five ultimate ways to reduce your postpartum anxiety.
1. Avoid any extra significant change at the same time.
Giving birth is already a massive change to your body. Any change will trigger some level of anxiety in your body. What I have done wrong is that We moved from Europe to the U.S. just one month after I gave birth to my baby. I resigned from my job and became a stay-at-home mom in a new country. Some vast changes have been made to an existing colossal change. As a consequence, my anxiety level just became out of control. So, avoiding any extra change during this period will help if possible. Just enjoy the joyful moment of your baby’s arrival.
2. Book your postpartum therapy sessions in advance.
Talking with a therapist does help with your postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression. However, when anxiety or depression has already hit you heavily, it might be a bit too late to find a good therapist. Having an excellent, compassionate therapist is not easy. Also, when you are in the middle of postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression, you will not have the motivation to do anything, including calling the therapy provider and filling in a very long intake form. So, booking your therapist before the baby arrives will help a lot.
3. Exercise
Exercise played a big part when I was in my most challenging and anxious period after giving birth. Find your favorite sport and do it daily once your postpartum Doula or doctor thinks it is OK. Especially exercising with joyful music will hugely help in terms of postpartum anxiety.
4. Keep a long-term vision
Keep a long-term vision when you are in postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression. Any situation or anxious thought is just a temporary event in your life. Anything will be healed in time. Focus on the long term instead of the short term. For instance, when your baby is sick, as a mom, you can get highly anxious; however, raising a baby is a marathon; when you manifest a long-term picture, your nervous system will ease, and your kid will thrive.
5. Journal
Another thing I did not do well during my postpartum anxiety period was writing down my feelings and my stories. When writing your feelings down, your anxiety level will reduce, and you will have a much clearer mind.
This post is all about the five ultimate ways to reduce your postpartum anxiety. Postpartum anxiety is widespread. Don’t feel scared or lonely; when you do those five things, you will gradually have your postpartum anxiety in control.
Disclaimer: (The information provided in this post is for educational use only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.)