Part 3: Tips and Resources for the New Mom
This blog series is designed to keep mental health a part of the conversation as a new mother prepares to meet and care for her new self. In Part 1 we honored the transformation a mother goes through. In Part 2, the statistics showed us that mood and thought changes are perfectly normal during the prenatal and postpartum period. Finally, here, we will look at what we can do with this information. How can we best support ourselves as mothers undergoing this transformation?
It is natural to feel differently after becoming a mother, when that interferes with your ability to take care of your basic needs like hygiene, eating or getting (at least some!) restful sleep, it is likely time to enlist help. Let’s normalize and expect mental health changes for a new mother. By anticipating our needs during and after giving birth, we can set ourselves up for a more supported transition.
For months after each of my children was born, I distinctly remember feeling like I lost my sense of perspective. I recognized that I needed support and partially researched things but didn’t always follow through. If this happens to you too, it’s ok! It can be scary to ask for help and when we do, finding the best help to meet our needs can feel overwhelming. Take a look at some tips and resources here to see what might feel good for you in this season:
- Consider asking a partner, parent, friend or sibling to check-in on you regularly in your pregnancy and at least one year postpartum.
- Acknowledge that for all you are celebrating with the arrival of your new baby, feelings of grief related to previous losses may also surface. Find a support that meets virtually or in-person. Remember, you are NOT alone.
- Hate baby shower games? Me too! At your baby shower, ask someone to coordinate something that will actually help ease your load such as:
- A meal train sign-up for the new parents. The practical help of having prepared meals is huge for new parents. Here are some great tips: Everything You Need to Know About Setting Up a Meal Train – Fed & Fit
- A Postpartum chore chart for visitors. Personally, I didn’t do this one but wish I had because I had a hard time not going into “host mode” when people would visit. You can find postpartum chore charts with a quick Google search like this one: Newborn Support: Visitors’ Helpful Chore List or search Etsy for a format that better suits your needs
- Call or text the Postpartum HelpLine
- 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) #1 En Español or #2 English
- Text in English: 800-944-4773
- Text en Español: 971-203-7773
Along with some of these practical tips, you may consider finding a therapist during your pregnancy and postpartum period. With all of the changes you are experiencing, it can be grounding to prioritize an hour every week or two to check in on yourself with a trusted professional. Here are some resources that can support you during your pregnancy and postpartum:
New Jersey resources:
Montclair B.A.B.Y. : Yoga classes, workshops, support groups and much more for new parents to learn and enjoy
Mary Szubiak, L.Ac. : Acupuncturist, herbalist and doula. Her nurturing presence gave me so much in the early days of conceiving my daughter
Maternal & Family Center – CarePlus New Jersey (CPNJ) : Psychiatry, support groups and clinical counseling specifically for expecting and new mothers.
North Carolina resources:
Raising Resilience : Clinicians, workshops and support groups for new mothers, with a special emphasis on treating Black women who are historically and systematically underserved
Gilbert Family Chiropractic : Webster Technique Certified Chiropractor who played a significant role in giving me adjustments that help flip my baby from a Breech position
She Thrives PT : Physical Therapist, Brenda Gajowski DPT, helps moms prepare for labor and delivery and recover afterwards
Finally, I am honored to announce that I have joined the Mind Body Baby NC Collective as a provider who is committed to caring for moms and parents during their early years. Mind Body Baby offers support groups and an unmatched Support Directory for parents in North Carolina. As a holistic therapist and a mother, I am passionate about supporting families by treating women during their motherhood journey.
I offer a unique blend of inner child work, cognitive retraining, yoga, breathwork and Reiki energy healing in my approach. Pregnancy and postpartum periods are such a vulnerable time in a woman’s life. I love to help empower mothers to feel mentally and emotionally strong for themselves and their families. By taking good care of yourself, you are naturally taking even better care of your baby.
Are you interested in learning more about our holistic and therapeutic mental health services? Contact Anna Marchese to schedule a free 15 minute consultation at annamarchese@collabintherapy.com!
