Motherhood: the ultimate balancing act between nurturing others and nurturing oneself.
Common Myths of Motherhood:
All pregnancies are wanted
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Pregnant women are always glowing and happy
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All new mothers instantly bond with their babies
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Being a mother is instinctual
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Breastfeeding will always come naturally
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Postpartum depression is a sign of weakness
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Postpartum depression will pass on its own
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You should always put your children's needs before your own
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Experienced parents don't need to ask for help
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All pregnancies are wanted 〰️ Pregnant women are always glowing and happy 〰️ All new mothers instantly bond with their babies 〰️ Being a mother is instinctual 〰️ Breastfeeding will always come naturally 〰️ Postpartum depression is a sign of weakness 〰️ Postpartum depression will pass on its own 〰️ You should always put your children's needs before your own 〰️ Experienced parents don't need to ask for help 〰️
Understanding PMADs
PMADs, or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, refer to a group of mental health conditions that occur during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. These disorders can include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosis. PMADs can affect individuals regardless of age, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, and they can have significant impacts on both the individual experiencing them and their family. It's essential to recognize the symptoms of PMADs and seek support and treatment from healthcare professionals to ensure the well-being of both the parent and the child.
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PMADs affect approximately 1 in 5 women during pregnancy or the first year after childbirth, making them one of the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
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Postpartum depression is the most well-known PMAD, affecting approximately 15% of women after giving birth. Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), are also prevalent. Approximately 6% of pregnant women and 10% of postpartum women develop anxiety. Sometimes they experience anxiety alone, and sometimes they experience it in addition to depression.
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Certain factors can increase the risk of developing PMADs, including a history of depression or anxiety, stressful life events, lack of social support, and complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
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PMADs can have significant consequences for both the parent and the child, including impaired bonding and attachment, disrupted infant development, and long-term mental health effects for the parent if left untreated.
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Despite the prevalence of PMADs, they often go undiagnosed and untreated. Stigma, lack of awareness, and barriers to accessing mental health care can contribute to underreporting and undertreatment.
These statistics underscore the importance of screening for PMADs during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as providing comprehensive support and treatment for affected individuals and their families.