In our society, having a baby is often portrayed as a joyous event, with excitement and anticipation from friends and family. Social media amplifies this by showcasing perfect families and influencers who seem to return to their pre-baby bodies and adapt to life with a bub quickly. This portrayal can create the impression that ‘having it all’ is effortless, making those who may be struggling feel like something is wrong with them.
In reality, pregnancy and the postpartum period come with a lot of changes – hormonal, physical, emotional, psychological, and financial. Learning to manage all the new responsibilities of being a parent, such as feeding, soothing, and caring for a newborn while going through a massive identity shift, is no small achievement. It is a big learning curve, and if your baby is typical, you must do it in the middle of sleep deprivation (which we know has been used a form of torture, under other circumstances!)
Considering these less-than-ideal conditions, it is no surprise that 1 in every 5 women will experience symptoms of depression and anxiety perinatally. These figures may be even higher since many women do not reveal symptoms of mental health issues due to the stigma surrounding perinatal mental health, judgment from others, health professionals using inadequate screening methods, and fears about legal consequences, such as losing custody of their child.
"...those who may be struggling feel like something is wrong with them."
Recurrent thoughts about how everyone would be better off without her were common when Ana* had her first baby in her 30s. She felt inadequate and struggled to enjoy her days as a new mum. This only made her feel more guilty and depressed, which she couldn't understand, especially since she had waited so long to have this baby. She noticed she no longer enjoyed going out, and she could barely get out of bed on some days. Additionally, she had trouble falling and staying asleep.
Jasmine*, who was pregnant, was also experiencing difficulties sleeping. As soon as she lay in bed, she began worrying about her baby's well-being. Having experienced a miscarriage a few months earlier, she was terrified of losing this baby as well. Jasmine found herself overwhelmed with fears about something terrible happening to her baby. She also felt on edge, with a tight chest and heart palpitations, making it nearly impossible for her to relax.
When untreated, mental health concerns like those experienced by Ana and Jasmine, can profoundly impact the lives of the women and their families. Pregnant women experiencing depression are at an increased risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, and having a non-elective caesarean. Furthermore, perinatal anxiety and depression are associated with delays in children’s communication, motor, problem-solving, social skills and social-emotional challenges. Significantly, these mental health concerns can lead to maternal suicide, one of the most frequent causes of maternal death reported in Australia between 2012 and 2021. Early intervention and treatment mitigate these risks.
"She noticed she no longer enjoyed going out, and she could barely get out of bed on some days."
Even though both Ana and Jasmine may feel like the only ones going through these challenges, depression and anxiety during this time are not uncommon. None of us were made to do any of this alone, and this is one of the reasons why so many women experience mental health concerns in the perinatal period. The old African saying "it takes a village to raise a child" rings true, and recent research backs it up: having strong social support during pregnancy and the postpartum period is linked to fewer mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. In today’s busy world, where people are often away from their families or feeling socially isolated, you might ask yourself, "Okay, so, where is my village?!".
After giving birth, women often seek connection with other mothers. Building and strengthening these friendships can significantly improve their mental health. Research shows that support from fellow mothers can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety during the postpartum period. These connections are invaluable because they offer a sense of normalcy and validation through shared experiences, without judgment. Mother’s groups arranged by hospitals, antenatal classes, child and family health clinics or peer support groups can also provide a valuable opportunity to connect with other mums with children of similar ages.
"Okay, so, where is my village?!"
For those needing more mild-to-moderate care, Gidget Foundation Australia provides bulk-billed individual psychological counselling services delivered face-to-face or online under Medicare’s Better Access. Support is also offered to people who have experienced a pregnancy or childbirth-related loss, such as stillbirth, miscarriage, or termination, within the last 12 months. Partners can also access our specialised services. Along with other supports (such as factsheets, podcasts and a moderated peer support group of Facebook), Gidget Foundation Australia also provide Gidget Village Group Programs. This is safe and confidential space for expectant and new parents to work through common issues and encourage and support others who may be facing similar difficulties. All groups are online, free of charge, and facilitated by a Gidget Foundation Australia’s perinatal mental health specialist.
Sometimes more intensive mental health support is necessary. In recent years, the number of Mother and Baby Units in Australia has increased, offering significant psychiatric support for mothers facing acute mental health challenges. These inpatient services cater to parents who are the primary caregivers for their babies (up to 12 months old), providing holistic and multidisciplinary care that focuses on both the parent and the infant. The approach is family-centred and inclusive of carers, ensuring that even mothers with severe mental health issues can stay with their babies whenever possible. This helps counter the misconception that seeking help might lead to separation from their child, which can sometimes deter women from getting the support they need.
In psychology, the term ‘help-seeking behaviour’ refers to the act of communicating an issue or challenge to obtain support, advice or help. Contrary to the belief that seeking help is a sign of shame or embarrassment, reaching out for support is considered a protective factor for clients and their families. It indicates that the person is aware of their challenges and limitations and is motivated to address them, so life can feel more manageable again. Remember that even if it may feel like you are alone, you are not. Please don’t be discouraged by unhelpful and idealised motherhood fallacies; seek help if you are overwhelmed.
*Fictional names.
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