Understanding PMADs: Supporting Moms in Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health
As the cofounders of MomSense, Kathryn and I are passionate about supporting mothers through every stage of their journey in motherhood. As we kickoff May, we want to shed light on the important topic of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). We care about this so much that we both got certified in Perinatal Mental Health prior to launching MomSense. The training and support we received through that process was phenomenal and there is so much we want to share with you all. So we’ll start here with defining PMADs and share some support resources.
PMADs encompass a range of mental health challenges that can affect moms during pregnancy or after childbirth. It's super important that we recognize these disorders as common, treatable, and free from stigma and shame. By understanding PMADs and knowing where to seek support, we can improve and save the lives of moms everywhere.
What are PMADs?
Multiple conditions are included under the PMADs umbrella including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and psychosis. Symptoms may include:
Persistent sadness or crying
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Intense worry or anxiety that limits your ability to function
Prolonged difficulty bonding with the baby
Intrusive thoughts or fears
PMADs are not a reflection of a mother's ability to parent. They are complex conditions influenced by hormonal changes, genetic factors, stress, or previous mental health issues.
Seeking Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PMADs, don’t hesitate to seek professional help promptly. Postpartum Support International (PSI) is an excellent resource for moms and their support people.
PSI offers:
Helpline: Access to trained volunteers and mental health professionals who can provide support and guidance.
Online Support Groups: Virtual communities where moms can connect with others facing similar challenges.
Provider Directory: A directory of healthcare providers specializing in perinatal mental health.
Supporting Moms
Do you know what the number one contributing factor to PMADs exacerbation? Lack of sleep. While we include a number of suggestions below, the number one thing you can do to help a new mom or pregnant woman struggling with her mental health, help her protect her sleep time. Whether that’s assisting with nighttime feedings and getting the baby back to sleep, or watching the baby during the day so she can nap, protecting sleep is a true lifesaver.
As a support system for a mom experiencing PMADs, here are some other ways you can help:
Encourage her to seek help from a healthcare provider or counselor.
Listen without judgment and offer reassurance.
Assist with daily tasks like washing bottles, caring for older children, cooking, cleaning, or errands.
Educate yourself about PMADs to better understand her experience.
Avoid saying “just wait until their teenagers!” Or “get ready for the terrible twos”. These statements suggest parenting never gets easier than it is in these hard times when mom is struggling. Yes, those phases are hard, but not the same as the perinatal period. Moms need to know things will get better. This is a good segue to…
The Light at the End of the Tunnel!
To all the moms going through PMADs, the strain of the postpartum period is temporary and does get better. Hormone levels regulate, babies learn to sleep and feed, and life will return to a manageable state. Plus, with the right support and treatment you can emerge stronger and more resilient. Lean on your support network, seek professional help, and take it one day at a time. You are not alone, and you will overcome this challenge.
Breaking the Stigma
By openly discussing PMADs, we can break the stigma surrounding maternal mental health. It's okay to not be okay sometimes. Let's create a culture of support and understanding where moms feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment.
At MomSense, we believe that every mom deserves support and understanding. If you're struggling with PMADs, please know that you are not alone.
Mother’s Day may be May 12th, but let’s take care of moms all year long.
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Resources:
Need immediate assistance for a mental health emergency? DIAL 988. The national suicide and crisis lifeline does include support of moms with PMADs.
Postpartum Support International (PSI): Visit their website at https://www.postpartum.net for helpline numbers, online support groups, and provider directories.
