On March 11, the World Health Organization officially labeled COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Shortly thereafter, on April 10, a dear friend welcomed her newborn into the world. The days leading up to her delivery were filled with anxiety, confusion, and many unanswered questions. Where would she give birth? Would her partner be allowed in the delivery room? Who would care for her toddler while they were at the hospital?
Once the baby arrived, those questions faded, yet the stress and anxiety persisted, giving rise to new challenges. The baby was restless at night, breastfeeding support was essential, and grocery shopping became a daunting task. With friends and family unable to offer their usual assistance, my friend found herself overwhelmed, recovering from a taxing delivery while wearing a mask, functioning on little sleep, and managing a spirited toddler.
My friend’s experience is far from unique. Babies didn’t pause their arrivals just because the world was grappling with a pandemic. New mothers faced unprecedented hurdles during those already challenging weeks postpartum. Isolated from their support systems and navigating uncharted territory while battling sleep deprivation, new moms are being asked to perform the impossible.
It’s no wonder a recent study revealed that new mothers are more prone to anxiety and depression during the pandemic. The study surveyed 900 women who were either pregnant or had given birth within the last year, finding a significant uptick in maternal mental health issues. Depression rates soared to 40.7% during the pandemic, compared to just 15% beforehand. Meanwhile, 72% of respondents reported moderate to high anxiety levels during the pandemic, in contrast to 29% prior.
To better understand these findings, we reached out to Sarah Lane, Director at the Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) at Riverside Medical Center, and Laura Finch, a Social Worker there. Lane highlighted a tripling of calls to the Center since the pandemic’s onset, aligning with the study’s results.
The root cause of this distress is crucial to examine. In a recent email, Lane explained, “PMADs thrive on isolation and fear, and COVID is steeped in both. Pregnant and new mothers find themselves in a tangled web—afraid to leave their homes yet yearning for connection with others going through similar experiences.” This creates a perfect storm for new moms, who are already susceptible to mood disorders. The study notes that one in seven women experiences depression or anxiety during the perinatal period, even without a pandemic looming.
The ongoing pandemic has intensified intrusive “what if” thoughts that plague new mothers, according to Lane. When these fears dominate one’s mind, daily functioning becomes increasingly difficult. Additionally, the ordinary worries that new parents face are magnified during this time. Lane observed that nine out of ten calls received regarding PMADs are from those experiencing anxiety and panic attacks that were manageable before the pandemic.
Consequently, prioritizing the mental health of new mothers is essential. The study suggests that maintaining physical activity during the pandemic could be beneficial for pregnant and postpartum women, especially when access to treatment is limited. The authors recommend engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week.
Finch provided a more comprehensive approach for supporting new mothers: “The most effective treatment combines individual therapy, peer support, and medication if necessary to address overwhelming sadness or racing thoughts.” She emphasized the importance of self-care, maintaining a healthy diet, and finding a suitable support group. Many new mom support groups have successfully transitioned to virtual formats, such as those run by Jen Carter at Motherhood Understood, TheBloomFoundation.org, and PostpartumProgress.com.
Identifying symptoms of perinatal mood disorders can be challenging. Finch advises partners to be vigilant for signs of anxiety or OCD, encouraging open conversations about feelings. “Don’t assume that because she looks fine, she is fine,” she cautions. “If a new mom expresses that she’s not herself, it’s time to seek help.”
New mothers are inherently vulnerable due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and shifts in brain chemistry. The pandemic has only heightened these challenges, forcing them into isolation from their usual support networks and adding layers of uncertainty to their daily lives.
It’s crucial to remember that PMADs are a temporary condition and not a lifelong psychiatric issue, as Lane points out. “With appropriate treatment from specialized professionals, every mother can reclaim her sense of self,” she assures. “Everyone who seeks help can recover.”
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Summary:
The pandemic has significantly impacted new mothers, increasing rates of anxiety and depression due to isolation and stress. A recent study showed a rise in mental health issues among new moms, highlighting the need for prioritizing their well-being. Support systems have shifted, with many resources transitioning to virtual spaces, emphasizing the importance of community and self-care. New mothers must be encouraged to seek help and recognize that PMADs are treatable.
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