May 1, 2024 marks World Maternal Mental Health Day +
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
It is estimated that approximately 10% to 20% of new mothers may experience significant postpartum depression (PPD), postpartum anxiety (PPA), and/or other mental health conditions during the first year of parenthood. World Maternal Mental Health Day draws attention to essential mental health concerns for mothers and families to help lessen the negative impacts these conditions can have. Maternal mental health matters. Learn more below! #maternalMHmatters.
Here are 10 quick facts about maternal mental health:
Maternal mental health refers to the emotional well-being of mothers during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common maternal mental health disorders, affecting about 10% to 20% of new mothers.
Symptoms of PPD can include sadness, anxiety, irritability, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty bonding with the baby.
Postpartum anxiety and postpartum OCD are other common maternal mental health concerns, characterized by persistent worry or intrusive thoughts.
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health condition that requires immediate medical attention, often involving hallucinations, delusions, and extreme mood swings.
Risk factors for maternal mental health issues include a history of mental health disorders, lack of social support, stressful life events, and hormonal changes during pregnancy and childbirth.
Maternal mental health disorders can impact the mother's ability to care for herself and her baby and can have long-term effects on the child's development and well-being.
Screening for maternal mental health issues is an important part of prenatal and postnatal care, allowing for early detection and intervention.
Treatment for maternal mental health disorders may include therapy, support groups, medication, and lifestyle changes.
Support from partners, family members, healthcare providers, and community resources is crucial for promoting maternal mental health and well-being.
Learn more about Postpartum Mental Health + Find Support!!
My Story and WHY
With my oldest, our life was very structured with work and "stereotypical" new parent life. I was also 25 years old and the first of my friends to have a baby. I breastfed exclusively for the first months but it was HARD. It felt dark at times. Looking back, I clearly struggled with Postpartum Depression (PPD). I added formula in and combo-fed until my daughter was 5 months old then transitioned to formula and primarily purees! When my son was born, I recognized that mental medical history + our life was completely different! My husband travelled often for work, so I was primary caregiver, often alone! This was with 2 kids, so I knew that breastfeeding did not feel like the best pathway for us. I have experience as a NICU RD, so I felt quite confident in my choice to exclusively formula feed day 1 (and still do!). I didn't "avoid" PPD this go, it actually seemed to transition more to Postpartum Anxiety (PPA), but I felt good about our feeding journey + I could get the true help I needed rather than worrying or focusing as much on feeding baby. When my son was 7 months old, the infant formula recall and subsequent shortage hit, and unfortunately, we were not immune. That lead to the development of Baby Food and Fun, L.L.C.! As an RD for nearing 10 years, I've always been passionate about critical care and alternative nutrition (tube feedings, oral nutrition supplements, etc.). When Baby Food and Fun came about, it was the perfect opportunity to take my passion and share it with others while educating! It's safe to say that my feeding experiences are essentially everything to me and I am very grateful for my pathways, including the darker moments.
Facts about Maternal Mental Health, including some statistics:
Up to 1 in 5 can experience maternal mental health concerns during pregnancy and postpartum
Common Maternal Mental Health Conditions:
Perinatal = after birth
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum OCD
Prenatal = before birth
All conditions above can also occur during pregnancy specifically and may improve following birth!
Prenatal Anxiety, Prenatal Depression
Other Associated Conditions:
PTSD related to loss
Pregnancy and/or birth related PTSD
Prevalence: Postpartum mental health disorders affect about 1 in 7 women globally.
Types of Disorders: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common, affecting around 10-15% of mothers. Other conditions include postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis, and postpartum PTSD.
Onset: Symptoms of postpartum depression can begin during pregnancy or up to a year after childbirth, with the highest risk occurring during the first three months after delivery.
Risk Factors: Factors such as a history of depression, stressful life events, lack of social support, and hormonal changes contribute to the development of postpartum mental health disorders.
Impact on Fathers: Postpartum mental health issues are not exclusive to mothers; fathers can also experience depression and anxiety after the birth of a child. Approximately 10% of fathers experience postpartum depression within the first year of their child's birth.
Impact on Child Development: Maternal mental health has a significant impact on child development. Children of mothers with untreated postpartum depression may experience cognitive, emotional, and behavioral difficulties later in life.
Screening and Diagnosis: Despite its prevalence, postpartum depression often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Routine screening for maternal mental health during pregnancy and postpartum can help identify at-risk individuals and provide timely interventions.
Barriers to Treatment: Barriers to seeking treatment for postpartum mental health disorders include stigma, lack of awareness, inadequate healthcare resources, and difficulty accessing mental health services, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
Treatment Options: Treatment for postpartum mental health disorders may include therapy, medication, support groups, lifestyle changes, and self-care practices. Early intervention and support are crucial for recovery.
Global Disparities: Access to mental health services and support varies globally. In low- and middle-income countries, maternal mental health services may be limited, exacerbating the burden of postpartum mental health disorders on women and families.
Mental Health Awareness
Across the Board
It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (57.8 million in 2021).
According to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI):
"
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and only half of them receive treatment.
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience a serious mental illness each year, and only two-thirds receive treatment.
1 in 6 U.S. youth experience a mental health condition each year, and only half of them receive treatment.
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
122 million people live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas.
In 2020, 1 in 5 young people reported that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on their mental health.
In 2020, there was a 31% increase in mental health-related emergency department visits among adolescents.
As of 2021, 1 in 10 young people under age 18 experienced a mental health condition following a COVID-19 diagnosis.
More than three quarters of Americans (76%) say they are not content with the status of mental health treatment in this country.
7 in 10 Americans (72%) agree that people with mental health conditions face discrimination in their everyday life.
Only half of Americans (53%) say they are familiar with the U.S. mental health care system."
**Data from SAMHSA, CDC and others. Find sources for this resource at nami.org/mhstats and in NAMI’s Poll of Public Perspectives on 988 & Crisis Response (2023). ; Provided by NAMI
Mental Health By The Numbers:
Anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder are some of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in the U.S., affecting ~42.5 million adults.
Depression: 21 million U.S. adults are living with depression, while 3.7 million people ages 12 to 17 experience major depression and 2.5 million people ages 12 to 17 experience severe depression.
PTSD: There are 12 million U.S. adults living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar disorder: 3.3 million U.S. adults experience bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia: Around 1.5 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with schizophrenia
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports , in 2021:
Suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 48,100 people.
Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34 , the third leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 15-24, and the fifth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44.
There were nearly two times as many suicides (48,183) in the United States as there were homicides
THIS is why I will never understand or agree with those who feel that mental health is not a factor in a parents feeding journey. Mental health is a factor in EVERYTHING. You never know where another may be on their journey and how they are feeling. Tread lightly with words.Please!
Memorial Day and Mental Health
It is no secret that Memorial Day is often celebrated as a Thank You to our service-folks + the unofficial start of summer!!
The true secret though... Memorial Day is not so "simple" for everyone..
Veterans are known to have a significantly higher rate of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental disorders, largely in relation to their experiences. It has been said that ~14-16% of those who served in Afghanistan have returned with mental health concerns, especially PTSD and Depression. While the mental health crisis continues to worsen across the board, veterans and soldiers are showing a nearly 10-fold increase in suicide numbers of the last 2 decades.. First Responders and many others in such positions face similar challenges.
Some helpful Blogs and Posts with ideas and support:
How can mental illness impact nutrition?
Mental illness can significantly impact nutrition in various ways. Here are ten ways it can affect dietary habits and nutritional status:
Appetite Changes:
Increased Appetite: Conditions like depression and anxiety can lead to emotional eating, often resulting in overeating and poor food choices.
Decreased Appetite: Depression, anxiety, and certain medications can decrease appetite, leading to inadequate food intake and nutrient deficiencies.
Disordered Eating Patterns:
Disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder directly impact eating behaviors, leading to severe nutritional imbalances.
Meal Timing:
Irregular eating patterns, such as skipping meals or binge eating at irregular times, can disrupt metabolism and nutrient absorption.
Food Choices:
Mental illnesses can influence food preferences, often leading to cravings for high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods, which can negatively impact overall nutrition.
Gastrointestinal Issues:
Stress & anxiety can exacerbate G.I. problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), affecting digestion & nutrient absorption.
Medication Side Effects:
Many psychiatric medications have side effects that impact nutrition, including weight gain, altered taste perception, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal disturbances..
Motivation and Energy Levels:
Mental illnesses often reduce motivation and energy levels, making it difficult for individuals to prepare balanced meals, leading to reliance on convenience foods that are typically less nutritious.
Social Isolation:
Social withdrawal associated with mental illnesses can lead to eating alone, reducing meal enjoyment and sometimes leading to poorer food choices and less balanced meals.
Cognitive Function:
Impaired cognitive function in conditions like schizophrenia or severe depression can affect an individual's ability to plan, shop for, and prepare nutritious meals.
Financial Constraints:
Mental illness can impact employment and financial stability, reducing the ability to afford healthy, nutritious foods, and leading to reliance on cheaper, less nutritious options.
Mental illness can also significantly impact new mothers & ability to feed their babies. Here are some ways in which this impact can manifest:
Breastfeeding Challenges:
Reduced Milk Supply: Stress, anxiety, and depression can interfere with the hormonal balance necessary for milk production, leading to possible reduced milk supply.
Difficulty with Let-Down Reflex: Anxiety and stress can impair the let-down reflex, making breastfeeding more challenging and less efficient.
Feeding Practices:
Inconsistent Feeding: Mental health issues can cause inconsistent feeding patterns, either due to forgetfulness, lack of energy, or difficulty in maintaining a regular schedule.
Formula Feeding vs. Breastfeeding: Some mothers with mental health conditions may choose formula feeding over breastfeeding.
Medication and Breastfeeding:
Medication Safety: Mothers on psychiatric medications may have concerns about the safety of breastfeeding while medicated, leading to early weaning or avoidance of breastfeeding.
Side Effects: Some medications can cause side effects that impact the mother’s ability to care for and feed her baby, such as drowsiness or agitation.
Bonding and Attachment:
Reduced Interaction: Depression and anxiety can reduce the mother’s ability to interact positively with her baby during feeding times, affecting bonding and attachment.
Postpartum Depression (PPD): PPD can lead to feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and withdrawal, impacting the mother’s motivation and ability to feed and care for her baby effectively.
Nutritional Intake:
Mother’s Nutrition: Mental illness can affect the mother’s own nutritional intake (as we saw above), which can influence the quality of breast milk if breastfeeding.
Dietary Restrictions: Certain conditions, like eating disorders, OCD, ADHD, etc. can lead to inadequate nutrition for the mother, which in turn affects the baby’s nutrition. In addition, some trial different dietary approaches to help improve symptoms which can lead to unnecessary restriction.
Support Systems:
Lack of Support: Mental health issues may strain relationships with partners & family members, reducing support available to the new mother for feeding and caring for the baby.
Professional Support: Mothers with mental illness may require additional professional support from lactation consultants, therapists, and support groups to manage feeding effectively. This added requirement of additional support can be both a good & bad thing as additional appointments can be overwhelming and add to stress during this time.
Stress and Anxiety:
Feeding Stress: High levels of stress and anxiety can make feeding sessions more stressful for both mother &baby, leading to feeding aversions or difficulties, and potential resentment
Sleep Deprivation: Mental illness can exacerbate sleep deprivation, making it harder for the mother to maintain the energy and focus required for regular feeding. Sleep deprivation can also exacerbate mental illness. It's a vicious cycle.
Health Complications:
Physical Health: Poor mental health can sometimes lead to neglect of the mother’s own health, resulting in physical complications that make breastfeeding or bottle-feeding more difficult.
Infant’s Health: A mother’s mental health can also impact her ability to monitor and respond to her baby’s health needs, potentially affecting the baby’s feeding and overall well-being.
Parental Confidence:
Self-Doubt: Mental illness can erode a mother’s confidence in her ability to feed and care for her baby, potentially leading to feeding difficulties and reliance on others for feeding.
Feeding Environment:
Creating a Positive Environment: Mental health challenges can make it difficult to create a calm and nurturing feeding environment, which is essential for successful feeding sessions.
Addressing the nutritional impacts of mental illness on those impacted, especially new mothers, requires a combination of medical, psychological, and social support to ensure that both the mother and baby receive the care and support they need. It requires understanding and empathy of mental illness. Understanding these impacts can help in developing better nutritional strategies and interventions tailored for individuals suffering from mental illnesses, ultimately improving the health and well-being of those individuals. & maybe most importantly, the well-being in both mothers and their infants.
Resources:
In CRISIS?!: Dial 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Association of Mental Illness: New Parent and Pregnancy related information:
National Association of Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
Nation Institute Of Health, National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org/
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/
The Team Recovery: https://theteamrecovery.org/
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Thank you for your support and love in this space! It means more to me than you will ever know.
I truly enjoy sharing this information and I hope you find the information provided valuable. If you do find this information helpful, I kindly ask that you consider sharing - via social media, word of mouth, email, etc. I would love to help support as many out there as I can! <3
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Thank you again for giving Baby Food & Fun, LLC a place to grow and flourish, just like our kids :)
Jessica Enderle, R.D., L.D.
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