Let’s Talk PTSD Symptoms in Postpartum
4 things to look out for in postpartum…
I think back to my first postpartum, and I remember how intense that time was.
The long days. Even longer nights.
Not knowing when this hard phase would be done.
It took me years to even consider having a second child, because the thought of re-experiencing that time felt incomprehensible.
What might symptoms of trauma/extreme stress look like in the perinatal period?
There are four different sub-categories of PTSD symptoms with their own specific characteristics (listed in the carousel above):
1) Intrusion
-Recurring feelings and ruminating thoughts (there may have been a lot of dark thoughts during those hard moments in postpartum)
-Distressing memories (your baby may have been crying and you felt you didn’t know how to meet their needs)
-Flashbacks (thinking back to those sleepless nights or hours of crying)
-Feeling violated while breastfeeding (this is a common feeling for people who have experienced abuse)
2) Avoidance
-Distancing from partner (especially if not wanting to risk getting pregnant)
-Impaired parent-infant bonding (when we are in fight-or-flight, or even freeze-or-fawn, it is difficult to connect with people, including our baby)
-Emotional numbing (such as shutting down, scrolling social media, watching TV, eating)
-Avoidance of further pregnancies (the thought of re-experiencing the stressors feels like too much)
3) Negativity in Cognitions and Moods
-Guilt (e.g., if you have an insufficient milk supply or are unable to breastfeed)
-Depression/hopelessness (e.g., feeling like they aren’t a good parent)
-Negative thoughts (e.g., about self, relationship with baby, events that occurred)
-Persistent and distorted sense of blame on self or others (i.e., “It’s my fault my baby isn’t gaining weight”)
4) Arousal
-Sleep disturbance (the body is in a fight-or-flight state, and it is difficult to relax and rest)
-Poor concentration (your body/brain is in hyper-arousal and your ‘lid is flipped’)
-Aggression (anger is a normal emotion, and we have it for a reason)
-Hyper-vigilance (afraid something ‘bad’ will happen, but unsure what that is)
If you experienced, or are currently experiencing, these symptoms, please know…
You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.
Call or text Postpartum Support International HelpLine at 800-944-4773. You never need a diagnosis to ask for help.
Download the Connect by PSI App.
Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262.
