Postpartum Distress
You've just given birth to a wonderful baby, and everyone is so happy and joyful.
Everyone, that is, except you.
If this is supposed to be such a happy time, why do you:
- Feel overwhelmed
- Feel anxious or irritable
- Have difficulty sleeping
- Feel alone or isolated and want to connect with other parents who are feeling the same way
- Feel sad, depressed, or can't be bothered with any of the things you used to enjoy
- Have a hard time feeling connected to your baby
- Just don't feel like yourself
These can be common signs of postpartum mood disorder, which can be experienced by any new parent—a mom or a dad.
You're not alone. Talking about it helps.
Postpartum Distress Support Group
A good place to start is This is Not What I Expected, a support group where you can get together with other families and talk about how you are adjusting with a new baby. You'll learn ways to cope and get the help you need.
You can attend alone, with your baby, partners or other supportive friends or family members.
Families who attend the group often tell us that it brings them a great sense of relief to connect with other parents who are experiencing similar feelings.
Women who are currently pregnant and have experienced anxiety or depression currently or in the past, are also encouraged and welcome to attend.
This free group meets remotely on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, from 7-9 p.m. For remote access, call our Class Registration line at (425) 544-0050 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or email: parentbaby@evergreenhealth.com.
The group is led by an educator and a licensed clinical social worker who are trained to support parents through these challenges and help you connect with resources in our community for coping with postpartum adjustment and mood disorders.
Could you have postpartum depression? Take this quiz
Other Postpartum Distress Resources
Postpartum Mood Disorders
Postpartum Dads www.postpartumdads.org
Perinatal Support Washington http://perinatalsupport.org/
Postpartum Support International (PSI) www.postpartum.net
Birth Trauma
Improving Birth www.improvingbirth.org
Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth (PATTCh) http://pattch.org/
Solace for Mothers www.solaceformothers.org
