Emotional Healing after Childbirth

The Healthcare Gap

While pregnancy and childbirth are areas of intense medical focus, the postpartum period often slips through the cracks. This omission, this “black hole” in our medical system, can have serious repercussions on a mother’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. 

What Studies Show

If you feel isolated or overwhelmed post-childbirth, you’re far from alone. Research shows that a staggering 80% of new mothers report feelings of loneliness during this transitional period. To combat this isolation, experts recommend assembling a “postpartum team” during your pregnancy. This team can include a lactation consultant, postpartum doula, a mom’s meal service, as well as connections to local or online breastfeeding and motherhood groups. You might also consider joining groups focused on mindfulness, yoga, or hypnobirthing as part of your support network. Having this support team in place can help you feel less alone in the postpartum period and bolster your sense of well-being and community. But if you haven’t put together such a team yet, don’t worry—it’s never too late to start, and a good first step could be consulting with a lactation consultant. 

The Proven Benefits of Lactation Consultation

Meeting with a lactation consultant not only improves your breastfeeding experience but also contributes to your overall well-being and confidence as a new mother. Research shows that professional lactation support can have a positive effect on a mother’s emotional state, providing a much-needed boost during the emotionally intense postpartum period.

You can also discuss any mental health concerns you may have with your lactation consultant. She can draw from her own wisdom and, if necessary, direct you to additional resources such as mothers groups, therapists or support groups, whether local or online.

Emotional Healing Support

Various therapies, backed by extensive research, are proving their value for mothers in the postpartum. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and even herbal solutions. Your local lactation specialist can refer you to especially qualified therapists in your area. For more information regarding the different therapies and resources, see the section at the bottom of this page.

Hilary Jacobson’s contribution to Maternal Health

I also faced my challenges postpartum, including breastfeeding difficulties and breastfeeding grief. I also felt alone and without guidance. But that was decades ago, when far less was understood about the needs of new mothers. My trials led me to research holistic modalities such as lactogenic diets and hypnotherapy, so I could provide a more comprehensive support structure for mothers’ well-being.

The Value of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is far more than a contemporary buzzword; it’s an essential skill for navigating the emotional and mental landscape of postpartum life. Learning to be fully present in a relaxed and focused way can profoundly impact your experience, both in reducing stress and deepening your bond with your newborn.

For example, while feeding, you might find it beneficial to engage in focused breathing exercises or calming visualizations. These simple yet effective techniques can not only alleviate stress but also enhance the bonding experience with your child. And if you’re still pregnant and preparing for childbirth, know that these same practices can help set a positive emotional foundation for the journey ahead.

By embracing mindfulness through everyday exercises, you’re taking positive steps toward managing stress and creating a nourishing emotional environment for both you and your child.

Mindfulness-Based Hypnotherapy: An Alternative for Some

If you’re looking for a more in-depth approach to emotional well-being, hypnotherapy, a core aspect of my practice, offers a specialized method for rapid emotional integration. This method combines guided relaxation with therapeutic techniques, enabling you to harmonize your thoughts and emotions more efficiently. Should this specialized form of emotional support interest you, please consider exploring further on my website.

Resources

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https://aboutmanchester.co.uk/shocking-extent-of-loneliness-faced-by-young-mothers-revealed/

Kent-Marvick, J., Simonsen, S., Pentecost, R. et al. Loneliness in pregnant and postpartum people and parents of children aged 5 years or younger: a scoping review. Syst Rev 11, 196 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-022-02065-5 

Chrzan-Dętkoś, M., Walczak-Kozłowska, T., Pietkiewicz, A., & Żołnowska, J. (2021). Improvement of the breastfeeding self-efficacy and postpartum mental health after lactation consultations–Observational study. Midwifery, 94, 102905.

Li, Y., Chen, J., Chen, B., Wang, T., Wu, Z., Huang, X., & Li, S. (2022). Effect of mindfulness meditation on depression during pregnancy: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 963133.

Traylor, C. S., Johnson, J. D., Kimmel, M. C., & Manuck, T. A. (2020). Effects of psychological stress on adverse pregnancy outcomes and nonpharmacologic approaches for reduction: an expert review. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM, 2(4), 100229.

Jensen, K. H. K., Krog, M. C., Koert, E., Hedegaard, S., Chonovitsch, M., Schmidt, L., … & Nielsen, H. S. (2021). Meditation and mindfulness reduce perceived stress in women with recurrent pregnancy loss: a randomized controlled trial. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 43(2), 246-256.