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The journey of pregnancy and the postpartum period is a transformative experience that brings a whirlwind of emotional, psychological, and physical changes. While it's a life-altering event for mums, it's equally important for partners to be well-informed and supportive. This blog aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for partners, offering a deep dive into these three critical aspects that women go through during this phase of life: Emotional, Psychological and Physical and how you can play an effective role in improving your partner’s wellbeing.
Doing your own research and reading articles like this one, is not only an important part for your own understanding but is a practical way to show that you are interested, engaged and ready to assist your partner especially when she needs you most.
Pregnancy and postpartum can bring a range of emotions, from ecstatic joy to sudden bouts of sadness and anxiety. These emotional swings are not just "mood swings" but are often the result of significant hormonal shifts that affect the mum’s neurotransmitters. Understanding this can help partners offer the emotional support that is so crucial during this time. Hormonal changes like increased levels of estrogen and progesterone can significantly impact a woman's emotional state. Partners should be aware of these changes and be prepared to offer emotional support.
Your emotional availability can make a significant difference to her postpartum experience. Emotional support includes being there for doctor's appointments, being an active listener, and offering a shoulder to lean on when things get tough.
Listen to her, hold her, and stand by her as she navigates through this challenging period.
The emotional and physical exhaustion that comes with being a new mom is often underestimated. Partners may not fully grasp the depth of tiredness, thinking a good night's sleep is all that’s needed to bounce back.
However, the exhaustion is often both physical and emotional, stemming from the constant demands of caring for a newborn and recovering from childbirth.
Partners should be proactive in offering help, whether it's taking over baby duties or preparing meals.
The postpartum period is often glamorised, with social media images of happy mums cuddling their newborns. Although many influencers now show a more realistic day to day life of being a new parent, the reality is always quite different and far more complex. Some women feel overwhelmed, anxious, and even frustrated. Emotional struggles, such as the 'baby blues,' are common and should not be dismissed. These feelings are often exacerbated by sleep deprivation and the constant demands of a newborn.
Partners should be aware of the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and be prepared to seek professional help if needed.
While 'baby blues' are common, some women experience more severe symptoms that could indicate postpartum depression. This condition requires medical attention and should not be taken lightly.
Partners can play a crucial role in identifying the signs and encouraging professional help. Postpartum depression is a severe condition that can have long-lasting effects on the mother and the family. Early intervention is crucial, and partners should be vigilant in monitoring for signs.
In Australia, if you or someone you know is struggling with perinatal anxiety and depression please seek assistance by visiting PANDA– Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia or calling the National Helpline 1300 726 306.
Perinatal anxiety and depression are common, have many faces and do not discriminate – these conditions can affect anyone, and have devastating consequences for individuals and families if left untreated. PANDA –supports women, men and families across Australia to recover from perinatal anxiety and depression, a serious illness that affects around 100,000 Australian families every year.
Real-life stories often offer the most genuine insights into what the journey is like. While every woman's experience is unique, there are common threads that run through most postpartum stories. One of these is the emotional toll it takes on new mums. While much is said about the physical aspects of postpartum recovery, the emotional aspects are just as crucial but often overlooked. Partners should be prepared to offer emotional and psychological support during this challenging time.
A study by Duke University compared the physical intensity of pregnancy to running a 40-week marathon. Researchers found that pregnancy operates at 2.2 times the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) of a woman, almost reaching the humanly sustainable limit of 2.5 times BMR. This makes pregnancy one of the most energetically expensive activities a human body can maintain for an extended period.
This scientific insight adds another layer of understanding to the physical challenges of pregnancy. It's not just about the visible changes; it's about the incredible energy and endurance it takes to bring a new life into the world.
Pregnancy is not just a phase but a high-endurance event that demands a lot from the body. Partners should recognize this and offer support accordingly.
Next time your partner feels guilty for not keeping up with prenatal yoga or has cravings, remember she's in the "greatest race of her life." Support her dietary needs and emotional well-being as she's operating close to her body's energy limit.
The body goes through a marathon of changes to accommodate the growing baby. From weight gain and swollen feet to backaches and morning sickness, the list is endless. After childbirth, the body doesn't magically revert to its pre-pregnancy state. Recovery can take anywhere from weeks to months and varies from woman to woman.
Partners should be prepared to offer physical support, whether it's helping with household chores or taking care of the baby to give the mum some rest.
During this time, it's essential for partners to step up and take on additional household responsibilities.
Physical recovery includes wound healing, hormonal balance, and regaining physical strength.
Partners can offer support by encouraging a healthy lifestyle and being there for doctor's appointments.
A C-section is a major surgical procedure that requires a longer recovery period compared to some vaginal births. Mobility will be more limited, and there will be post-surgical care involved.
Focus on how best you can support your partner during this extended recovery period, from helping to manage pain to assisting with mobility and wound care.
Recommended:
7 Things You Can Do to Speed Up C-Section Recovery
Like an elite athlete your partner can benefit from the right equipment to alleviate common pregnancy aches and pains and to speed up postpartum recovery. Check out the evidence-based compression garment range by SRC Health, which has been designed in consultation with an obstetrician, is endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the Australian College of Midwives.
SRC Pregnancy Shorts and Leggings are ideal for providing pain relief during pregnancy and treating Low Back Pain, Pelvic Girdle Pain, Mild Varicose Veins, Sciatica and Vulval Varicosities.
SRC Recovery Shorts and Leggings can assist women with fast-tracking recovery after pregnancy by treating Abdominal Muscle Separation, Perineal Tears and stitches, C-Section wounds, Sciatica and Low Back Pain.
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Read About Belly Bands, Maternity Belts and Pregnancy Belts
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