No family, friend or partner wants to think about the possibility of their loved one suffering from postpartum psychosis. And, the truth is, it’s rare, affecting 1-2 women out of 1000. Perhaps the most famous case of postpartum psychosis is that of Andrea Yates, a mother of 5, who drowned each of her children in the family bathtub. They ranged in ages from 7 years old to 6 months. 

In honor of Maternal Mental Health in May, let’s look more closely at postpartum anxiety, panic, and obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD). Postpartum anxiety, panic and OCD is part of a broader classification of postpartum mood disorders, which also includes postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.  Postpartum anxiety disorders are very common in women, often occurring immediately or within 4-6 weeks after giving birth. Postpartum anxiety is characterized by fearful and distressing thoughts or feelings after the birth of the baby.

Chronic pelvic pain and incontinence (leaking urine or feces) are not acceptable, long term conditions after childbirth.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction After Childbirth?

As women, we’ve all heard it many times, that leaking pee (urinary incontinence) is the way it is - forever - after childbirth. While urinary incontinence and pelvic discomfort can occur during pregnancy and in the immediate postpartum period, usually because of weight, posture, and hormonal changes, it’s an unacceptable outcome to suffer with chronic urinary incontinence for years and decades after pregnancy and childbirth.  

Effective, frequent nursing speeds the recovery of clogged milk ducts and mastitis. The antibacterial qualities of breastmilk prevent the baby from getting an infection related to an inflamed or infected breast. The first week of August is World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) week, which brings awareness to the protection, support and benefits of breastfeeding. In honor of this agenda, it’s  important to dig into the challenges of breastfeeding, specifically mastitis. Mastitis is one of the most common problems related to breastfeeding. It usually begins with a clogged milk duct that leads to inflammation of the breast tissue and sometimes an infection of the breast.

Big changes are made one degree at a time, through small choices every day. Over time, these small changes lead to a 180 degree turn-around. This year, Mother’s Day kicks off a spotlight week on Women’s Health issues. For many women, stress management is a high priority on this list because it’s often an underlying factor in the development of physical and mental health conditions that affect women’s health.

January is Thyroid Awareness month. When it comes to women’s health, understanding what your thyroid is and how it should be serving – not stagnating – your health and wellness is crucial. This knowledge is especially important during pregnancy and the postpartum period, when hormone fluctuations can leave you feeling like you’ve been through the physical and emotional ringer.