Mental Health
Navigating Postnatal Mental Health
Ah, the postpartum period—a time when you’re figuring out how to be a parent, how to find time to shower, and how to deal with all those unsolicited parenting tips from Aunt Beryl. But amid the baby giggles and late-night feeds, postnatal mental health can sneak up on you like a rogue nappy explosion.
So, let’s chat about it—because mental health is serious, but we can still share a laugh along the way
Signs You Might Need a Pit Stop
It’s common to experience the “baby blues” for a couple of weeks after giving birth—think tears, mood swings, and wondering if you’ll ever get more than three hours of sleep again. But if you’re feeling persistently down, anxious, or just not yourself, you could be dealing with postnatal depression or anxiety.
And no, it’s not something you can just “snap out of” like putting on a fresh pair of undies.
Some signs to watch out for include:
- Feeling overwhelmed, like you’re drowning in a sea of nappies and laundry.
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy (yes, even Netflix).
- Trouble bonding with your baby—if they feel more like a demanding boss than your bundle of joy.
- Feeling irritable or angry over the smallest things, like the dog breathing too loudly.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s okay to ask for help. You’re not failing—your brain just needs a bit of TLC.
Mental Health Resources:
Mental Health Services
Australia offers a range of mental health services, including counselling, therapy, and support for conditions like anxiety and depression. Services are available through helplines, online platforms, and in-person care, with many being Medicare-supported.
How Pumping Saved My Mental Health
Shares a personal journey of how choosing to pump over breastfeeding helped restore balance, reduce stress, and support mental well-being. This piece highlights the power of finding feeding solutions that work best for both parent and baby.
PANDA
Mental Health Checklist
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges.
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The Baby Blues
Bringing a baby into the world is a life-changing event. Alongside the joy and wonder of meeting your little one, you might also experience unexpected feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability. These temporary mood swings, known as the "baby blues"
