Every woman who has given birth knows that those final weeks and days until baby’s arrival are some of the best and most difficult times of your pregnancy. The excitement and anticipation of meeting your sweet baby have you on an exhilarating high. However, many mothers find themselves in a deep depression after the baby is born. Postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 7 women in the year after their baby’s birth. While this number may be scary, there are ways to make sure your mental health is taken care of so you can enjoy your new bundle of joy.

Get Help Before You Need It
It’s important for expecting mothers to have a support system in place and ready to go. Even if you do not end up experiencing postpartum depression, having a safety net is important. Build a list of friends and family that you can contact if things get rough. Have a discussion with them to make sure they’re prepared. It will also help to start reaching out to psychiatrists who can treat you in advance so you’re not left overwhelmed when the time comes. Having a plan in place can also help you feel more at ease in the later stages of your pregnancy.

Stay Healthy
Be sure you are eating well and doing some light exercise at every stage of your pregnancy. You may not realize it, but your physical health has a big impact on your mental health. Not only is staying healthy beneficial to the baby, but it can also help you cope better after the birth.

Go Easy on Yourself
Being a mother to a newborn is difficult, so it’s common for new moms to feel overwhelmed. Every parent goes through stress and anxiety during and after pregnancy. Don’t put yourself under unnecessary stress, and know that you have what it takes to bring a healthy baby into the world.

To learn more about natural birthing at a birth center, contact Birth Center Stone Oak. Our facility offers labor and birth services utilizing a midwife, as well as water births, and care for postpartum depression in San Antonio.