11 Things Moms Ought To Know About Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum Anxiety

Jan 16

Written By Tara Gregorio

Have you noticed your body feels different after childbirth?

It’s hard to settle down at night and get a good night’s sleep.

Maybe, you’re more on edge?

In this post, I’ll share the 11 things I wish I knew about my body after a twin birth and the exact steps to start healing naturally; even if you’re breastfeeding or your children are older.

What are Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms?

Moms say they feel…

insomnia - can't sleep, can’t settle down at night or go back to sleep after getting woken up

heart palpitations
dizziness, light head
stomach issues
tight chest
shortness of breath
headache
sweating
can't focus
crying spells
overthinking, circular thinking, or intrusive thoughts
exhaustion

Often, postpartum anxiety, postpartum insomnia and depression go hand in hand. So we have to address insomnia first in order to heal.

2. How long does postpartum anxiety last?

It depends on what you consider postpartum. Typically, it lasts for a while, unless you take steps toward healing which include..

therapy
mineral depletion
blood sugar regulation
nervous system regulation
etc.

Then, doctors will call it anxiety.

3. Is it Postpartum Anxiety or Depression?

The major sign of postpartum depression is intrusive thoughts of harming oneself or your children.

But!!! It’s important to know.. postpartum anxiety, insomnia, and depression go hand in hand.

So, if you’re struggling with one - you’re likely struggling with all of them.

Based on the Polyvagal Ladder….When you start healing depression… you’ll have anxiety.
>>>This is a good thing, this is a sign you’re healing.

4. Does postpartum anxiety ever go away?

Yes, it can! Getting to the root cause of your symptoms and addressing nervous system regulation. You can heal.

Additionally, most moms have the MTHFR gene and may need a methylated B vitamin and Dr. Ben Lynch suggests avoiding folic acid.
Also, during this stressful time, you may need more Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Omega 3’s.

5. Can Postpartum Anxiety Start at 3 Months?

Yes. It may get harder when you STOP breastfeeding as your hormones need to adjust. My insomnia began the night I stopped breastfeeding!

6. What causes Postpartum Anxiety?

Here are some reasons you may be struggling with anxiety

Can’t sleep… You’re unable to go back to sleep after getting woken up or can’t settle down at night
You have unresolved trauma that you may or may not know about
Your living in Mold or have mold toxicity
Your relationship is stressful; little to no resources to support you and your children
You may have low vitamin levels due to blood loss; B, D, Zinc, iron, and Omega 3s
You may have the MTHFR gene and need a methylated B vitamin to avoid folic acid
Your cortisol is high due to the stress of motherhood
You’re doing too much and refuse to ask for help {I say this with love as the transition to motherhood is not easy and when we’re used to doing things on our own, it’s hard to ask for help!}
You have low progesterone!

7. Why do I have Postpartum Anxiety At Night?

We tend to have anxiety at night because it’s the first time we stop moving all day!

Our cortisol tends to be high; making us feel “tired and wired”. To stop this, you want to think of the PUSH/PAUSE idea during the day.

Push - make breakfast, bring kids to school, etc.
Pause - practice your breathing or gratitude journaling
Push - make lunch, work or clean
Pause - make a cup of tea, lie down, and rest, or just take 5 deep breaths

By incorporating this change of movement during the day, your body will know how to rest at night.

Along with some herbal remedies to calm your nervous system; anxiety at night can be a thing of the past!

8. Should I take Postpartum Anxiety Medication?

Check with your doctor for conventional medications, but know you can integrate herbal medicine at the same time if you choose to take SSRIs for anxiety.

If the SSRI medications make you feel flat, this is a sure sign you probably have the MTHFR gene.

The one botanical you may want to avoid with SSRIs is St. John’s Wort. But, if you’re working with a professional herbalist and your doctor, you may be able to incorporate it as well.

9. What is Postpartum Anxiety Natural Treatment?

With my private clients and within the Present Momma online course, we use the 5-Step Present Momma Framework.

REGULATE: Learn nervous system exercises so you can re-teach your body how to feel safe in your body again.
BALANCE: THE POSTPARTUM ADRENAL FATIGUE CURE, PLUS HOW TO BALANCE YOUR HORMONES AFTER BIRTH WITH DIET & HERBAL MEDICINE
RESTORE: Restore your sleep with the EXACT herbal & homeopathic remedies to help you settle down at night, when you wake up in the middle of the night, and daytime remedies so you feel refreshed when you wake up; without using Nyquil, Unisom, or Melatonin anymore.
NOURISH: Discover the herbal remedies to soothe heart palpitations, dipped moods, overwhelm, and anger!
HEAL Your Gut: Taught by functional medicine doctors, we cover the five steps to reduce bloating, constipation, IBS, and other digestive issues so you can feel strong in your core again.

10. Does Postpartum Anxiety go away on its own?

Possibly. But you may always struggle with it your whole life on/off if you have the MTHFR gene.

11. Who treats postpartum anxiety?

As a certified herbalist, with Dr. Aviva Romm; I’m teaching moms how to heal anxiety with nervous system regulation exercises and herbal medicine.

Additionally, seek out different types of therapists until you find one you’re comfortable with. I’ve explored EMDR, talk therapy, art therapy, and Primal Trust.
Nutritionists may help fill any nutrient gaps you may have.
Functional medicine doctors could test you for mold toxicity, long-term Lyme, and heavy metals; as well as copper toxicity which is common with postpartum depression.
Check out this blog post to find a practitioner near you:Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Resources
Conclusion

Your body has a great capacity to heal. You can feel calm, refreshed, and balanced again after childbirth when you get to the root cause of your symptoms.

Therapy can help - but we also need to look deeper into the right supplements, nutritious diet, and herbal remedies that can support and calm your nervous system.

===Check out these reviews on how moms are calming their bodies naturally.