How Postpartum Care Can Improve Long-Term Mental Health
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: the postpartum period. Or as I like to call it, the ‘survival zone’—where every diaper change feels like you’ve just run a marathon, and figuring out how to shower becomes an Olympic-level challenge. It’s a beautiful, raw, and sometimes messy time where parents are navigating not just sleepless nights but a whole new emotional landscape. But, here’s the thing—this period is not just about getting through those first few weeks (although, trust me, that’s an accomplishment all on its own!). It’s also about setting the foundation for your long-term mental health.
Let’s be real for a second. The postpartum period can be overwhelming. Physically, you’re recovering from childbirth, which is no walk in the park. Emotionally, your hormones are on a rollercoaster ride that makes the wildest amusement park look tame. And then, on top of that, there’s a tiny human relying on you for literally everything. No pressure, right?
But amidst the late-night feedings, diaper explosions, and trying to remember what a full night’s sleep feels like, there’s an incredible opportunity. Postpartum care—whether it’s professional support from a doula (like me!), self-care routines, or community connections—can make a world of difference not just in those early weeks but in your long-term mental health.
Why Postpartum Care Matters More Than You Think
Picture this: you’re about six weeks postpartum, and while you’ve finally figured out how to use that baby wrap without feeling like a human pretzel, you’re still feeling… off. Maybe it’s anxiety creeping in every time your baby cries, or maybe you’re finding it hard to bond with your little one because of how overwhelmed you feel. It’s easy to dismiss these feelings as just part of the “new parent package,” but here’s where postpartum care swoops in like the superhero you didn’t know you needed.
The truth is, how you’re cared for postpartum directly impacts how you process this life-altering change emotionally and mentally. When you’re supported—whether it’s through professional care or simply having someone around to help you feel less alone—your chances of experiencing long-term mental health struggles like postpartum depression (PPD) or anxiety can decrease significantly.
But how does it work? Let’s break it down (and, of course, sprinkle in a little humor along the way).
1. Emotional Validation—No, You’re Not “Just Being Emotional”
There’s this weird thing that happens during postpartum, where the phrase “Oh, it’s just your hormones” is tossed around like confetti at a wedding. While yes, hormones are doing their thing, your feelings are still 100% valid. You’re not “overreacting”—you’re adjusting to an entirely new life (yours and your baby’s).
Postpartum care, especially when it’s culturally sensitive and understanding of your specific experience, provides emotional validation. A doula or support system isn’t there just to coo over your adorable baby (though we love that too); we’re there to listen. To let you vent about how your baby hates every swaddle technique known to mankind. To hear your fears, your joys, and your frustrations without judgment.
When you have someone in your corner validating those emotions, it takes a load off your mental health. You’re reminded that you’re not alone, and that’s huge. Sometimes, just hearing “You’re doing an amazing job” can be all the therapy you need to get through a particularly rough day.
2. Helping You Find Your New Rhythm
There’s a popular myth that after birth, you’re supposed to just “bounce back” to normal life. I’m here to tell you—that’s a lie. Like, a big one. Life post-baby is a whole new game, and trying to pretend like it isn’t is just setting yourself up for stress and anxiety.
Postpartum care helps you adjust to your new normal, rather than forcing you to fit into the old one. Whether it’s figuring out how to juggle self-care with baby care (because, yes, both matter), or learning how to navigate the emotional and physical recovery post-birth, having support in this time allows you to ease into your new rhythm without feeling like you’re constantly failing to “keep up.”
And hey, some days keeping up means that you’ve managed to change out of your pajamas before noon. Celebrate that win! The postpartum period is all about redefining what “success” looks like, and finding a pace that works for you and your mental health is part of that journey.
3. Reducing Overwhelm—Because Yes, You Can Ask for Help
One of the sneaky things about postpartum mental health is how easily overwhelm can set in. Suddenly, your to-do list is overflowing, and despite your best efforts, there’s always something more to be done. Whether it’s laundry, figuring out breastfeeding, or trying to remember if you’ve eaten anything besides crackers in the last 24 hours, it can feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up.
This is where postpartum care steps in as the fairy godmother of relief. You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether you have a doula by your side or a partner, friend, or family member, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. It’s okay to pass the baby off for a bit so you can nap, shower, or just sit in silence. Your mental health will thank you for it.
When you take time for yourself, even in small ways, it reduces that crushing sense of overwhelm that can so easily lead to anxiety or depression. Remember: You are not a superhero, and no one expects you to be.
4. Building a Village (Yes, It Takes One!)
There’s this lovely proverb you’ve probably heard a thousand times: “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, I’m going to take that one step further—it takes a village to support parents. And by village, I don’t just mean people there to help with the baby. I’m talking about people there to support you emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Postpartum care, whether from a doula, a therapist, or a close-knit community, builds that village around you. They help you feel less isolated, and they’re there to remind you that you don’t have to do it all on your own. Plus, having that support in place early on can provide a strong safety net for your mental health. When those inevitable hard days hit (because they will), your village is there to catch you.
5. Promoting Self-Compassion
In the postpartum period, there’s often this sneaky little voice in your head whispering, “You should be doing more.” It tells you that you’re not bonding fast enough with your baby, that you should be handling everything better, and that everyone else has it figured out except you. (Spoiler alert: That’s not true!)
Postpartum care teaches you self-compassion. It reminds you to give yourself grace as you adjust to this new chapter of life. Whether it’s through encouraging words from a doula, mindfulness practices, or simply having someone there to offer a helping hand, postpartum care helps you quiet that inner critic and focus on the fact that you’re doing your best—and your best is enough.
Long-term, this practice of self-compassion has a profound impact on your mental health. When you learn to be kind to yourself in the postpartum period, you set the stage for continued kindness as you face future challenges in parenting and life.
6. Setting the Foundation for a Healthier Future
All of these elements—emotional validation, reducing overwhelm, building a village, and practicing self-compassion—aren’t just about surviving the postpartum period. They’re about thriving beyond it. The care you receive postpartum creates a ripple effect that can positively influence your mental health for years to come.
When you’re supported, heard, and cared for, you’re more likely to recover from the emotional and physical challenges of childbirth. This strong foundation doesn’t just make you a more grounded parent; it makes you a healthier individual, both mentally and emotionally.
Final Thoughts: The Long-Term Payoff of Postpartum Care
At the end of the day, postpartum care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s an investment in your mental health that pays off long after the newborn phase has passed. So whether you’re currently in the thick of it or preparing for that stage, know this: You deserve care, too. Your mental health matters. And with the right support, you can navigate this journey with a little more grace, a little more humor, and a lot more peace.
Thank you for reading this weeks’ blog post ”How Postpartum Care Can Improve Long-Term Health,” For more tips and tricks on all things pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood click here.
