Perinatal Suicide
There is now more awareness than ever before about postpartum mental health. September is Suicide Prevention Month, so we’re highlighting an often-overlooked connection: maternal mental health and suicide. Research estimates that suicide accounts for up to 20% of deaths during pregnancy and the year after birth, making it a leading cause of maternal mortality [Reference].
While perhaps shocking, this is understood by our licensed counselors at Birthright St Charles. The natural hormone changes associated with childbirth and changes in mood while caring for a newborn can contribute to or escalate feelings of overwhelm. Insomnia has long been known to be an independent risk factor for suicide [Reference]. And anyone who has been a new parent remembers the difficulties that can be caused by lack of sleep during the newborn stage.
While babies are beautiful and endearing, they also require round-the-clock attention and care. Many moms crave brief breaks where they can simply let their guards down or engage in activities that were previously enjoyable. These breaks can seem impossible since giving birth.
If this feels familiar, please know you are not alone. And you are not to blame. Sometimes women are reluctant to seek help because it might mean they are “a bad mom” or aren’t capable of motherhood. They might be concerned about being viewed as ungrateful for a pregnancy they desperately wanted.
If You Know a New Mom
Maybe this wasn’t your experience. Maybe you’re not a new mom, but you probably know one… a wife, daughter, friend, or coworker. What can you do to help her feel supported, encouraged, and less alone?
Check on mom. Ask her what would be most helpful for her. Or, just do a task that lightens her load. Many postpartum women express frustration that their loved ones are very glad to help care for the newborn, but less eager to help with other tasks that might be causing overwhelm—laundry, meal prep, errands, or caring for older children in the home.
Believe new moms if they say they are struggling and refrain from judging. Help get them connected to professional care. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free, 24/7 support from trained counselors via call, text, or chat. And 988, the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, is available 24/7 for anyone facing mental health struggles or emotional overwhelm.
If You Haven’t Yet Delivered
If you are expecting, now is the time to begin creating your postpartum plan. Pregnant women often give a great deal of attention to birth plans, while neglecting plans for life after delivery. The American Pregnancy Association has some resources to help you get started. The internet is also full of examples and fillable templates, like this one, to help plan for your family’s practical needs.
Many communities have opportunities for in-home postpartum care, which can be a lifeline for women recovering after childbirth. And birth doulas often make postpartum home visits as a routine part of their care.
It is not a betrayal of your miraculous little one to feel overwhelmed by the newborn phase. Postpartum Support International offers a free helpline, virtual support groups, and online peer support from women who have been in your position. And, our licensed mental health professionals at Birthright St Charles, often help moms throughout the postpartum period with free counseling, emotional support, and practical needs. No matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, if you are struggling, help is available. You deserve to be truly present for every day of your baby’s life.
At Birthright St. Charles, we understand that physical and emotional changes of childbirth, combined with sleepless nights and the demands of caring for a newborn, can leave new moms feeling overwhelmed. Supporting a mom’s mental health is crucial to supporting the whole family.
