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What are the three biggest challenges facing new moms today, and what are the solutions?

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are by far the biggest challenge for new and pregnant moms today. Even before the pandemic, at least about 1 in 7 new moms (15%) suffered from postpartum depression (PPD). In women of color and/or living in poverty, the number is much higher (up to 50% of new moms in this group experiences PPD). In Utah, between 2017 and 2019, about 43% of new moms experienced anxiety or depression (before and/or after giving birth) — and this was before the pandemic.

A new study from Canada, in a low-risk sample of mothers who were mostly White, married, and well educated, 41% indicated that they experienced depression, and 72% said they experienced anxiety during pregnancy or within a year after giving birth. This was a self-selected sample, so moms may have opted into the study out of an interest in this topic, but it is safe to say that the pandemic has caused a rise in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Secondly, there is a constant onslaught of information for new parents to process. Of course, there has been lots of information about the risks of the pandemic and what to do about it in the past year, and this information has often been changing or confusing.

But even before the pandemic, there has been an explosion of information about how to best take care of yourself during pregnancy and how to best raise a child. Some of this is information that is solidly based in research, but there is also a lot of mom and dad blogs (of varying quality) and an avalanche of advertising to new parents. New parents are made to believe that they need a ton of fancy products to make their baby smarter, better developed, and bonded. But the vast majority of these products has no research evidence behind them, and babies do not need specific toys for optimal development.

Thirdly, we have a birth culture that often leaves moms feeling disempowered, emotionally unsupported, and alone. We tend to see birth as portrayed on TV: surrounded by panic, excruciating pain, and potential danger. While pregnancy and birth do place a huge burden on a woman’s body, complications are still more exception than rule. We do need to have highly specialized doctors, in case there are risk factors or emergencies.

But research shows that interventions in normal, low-risk births (e.g., inductions) tend to lead to more interventions, which tend to go along with stress. About 9% of mothers develop postpartum PTSD. This is often related to emergency situations but also is more likely when the mother is not told what is going on, why procedures are done, and what (if any) choices she has.

After giving birth, parents are expected to go home from the hospital and figure out how to care for a newborn and for the mom’s well-being without support or adequate parental leave. Other countries, such as The Netherlands and Australia, have nurses who come to your home to help the family adapt after the huge event of giving birth. All of these challenges are even more likely in women of color, women who are younger or less educated, or women living in poverty.

What we can do on a societal level is to improve policies for parental leave, provide more support for parents around the time of birth (such as home visiting programs), and support high-quality childcare. Social support from friends, family, and fellow parents also greatly reduces risk.

On an individual level, it helps to be informed and to know that you have choices (e.g., about how to give birth, if it is not high-risk). Be sure to go to your doctor for check-ups, and be sure to have them check in with you about your emotional well-being. Moderate exercise and mindfulness practices (like yoga or meditation) have been proven to reduce depression and anxiety. Pre-birth relaxation and visualization exercises also help reduce stress. Lastly, reach out for mental health support when you need it. There are lots of expert professionals out there who love to help.

What is your best piece of advice for women considering motherhood for the first time today?

• Follow your own intuition, and trust yourself. The vast majority of babies are born healthy, and every child has their own strengths, even as a tiny baby.
• Be informed, but trust the process once you decide you are ready for a baby. Use information wisely, but do not let all the news overwhelm you.
• Accept help whenever you can — it does take a village to raise a child. You are worthy of support, and you cannot take care of a baby very well if you do not take care of yourself, too.
• Know that you matter!

A recent study found that pregnant women and their babies are at increased risk of COVID-19 complications. What special precautions, if any, should expectant mothers take to avoid those complications?

This is important information but yet another reason for the increased anxiety among pregnant mothers. We all need to be sensible about protecting ourselves from COVID-19, and this is especially true when you are pregnant or have a new baby.

Keep in mind that headlines like to emphasize alarming news because that attracts attention. It is good to do all that we reasonably can to reduce risk. But sometimes the news sounds deeply concerning when the relative risk is still quite small (for instance, when risk increases from 1 to 5 in 10,000, that means a five-fold increase but still a low risk in general).

It is good to inform yourself and to talk to your doctor about these risks. But then all you can do is take reasonable precautions (such as distancing, mask wearing, and getting vaccinated) and trust that you are doing enough.

The pandemic has exacerbated depression and anxiety symptoms in new moms. What are your top three suggestions for getting the support they need?

First, know that you are not alone and there is help. New moms are often led to believe that they need to be the ones who take care of everything. But you need care, as well.

It is a huge transition to become a mom, physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. You discover new ways of relating, redefine your identity, along with all the practical changes of having a new baby in your home.

Who in your social network can support you? Do you have a partner who can support you (emotionally, practically, or even just financially)? If you have no family nearby, is there a new-mom group in your area or online? Ask for help when you need it, and accept help when it is offered.

Second, know that professionals are waking up to the reality that many moms are suffering mentally. Pediatricians, OB-GYNs, and family physicians are increasingly checking in about emotional well-being in new moms and helping them get connected to services.

There is a growing group of mental health professionals who are specifically trained in Maternal Mental Health (also called Perinatal Mental Health). Check with your local Maternal Mental Health Collaborative, Postpartum Support International (PSI), Help Me Grow, or United Way 2-1-1 to find these resources.

Third, don’t give up. Keep advocating for yourself when you don’t feel heard or helped. This is very hard to do when you feel anxious or depressed because there is typically a tendency to withdraw and think you are not as important as your baby and to focus on other barriers.

But, again, there is help, and these conditions are treatable. When you leave them untreated, they can get worse over time. It is better for everyone if you allow yourself the care that you need. If you cannot muster the energy to do this, ask your doctor or anyone who loves you to get you connected. A well-resourced mom is a much better resource for her baby.

What is the best gift for a new mom this Mother’s Day and why?

Let her know she is loved. Most new moms will appreciate it if she feels you care about her.

Offer her some time away from baby, a sensory experience (like a soft blanket or some time in nature), or just to spend quality time with you. All moms are different, so you could offer several options and have her choose something that would comfort her.

Listen to her. The most important thing is that she feels loved and cared for and that she realizes that her well-being will help her baby, too.

What are the three biggest challenges facing new moms today, and what are the solutions?

Welcoming a new baby is always a challenge, and during the pandemic, especially so. I think the three biggest challenges today are finding consistent social support, finding reliable child care, and supporting positive mental health.

To be clear, I don’t think these are new challenges. These have always been challenges for new moms. But the pandemic has really amplified these challenges. I think finding a child care situation that meets the families’ needs can really help address all three of these challenges.

What is your best piece of advice for women considering motherhood for the first time today?

Enjoy it. The pandemic may have presented challenges, but it hasn’t taken away the joyful experiences.

For those considering motherhood, I hope the pandemic is not the factor that keeps them from becoming a parent. In an ongoing study we’re conducting, we found that 58% of currently pregnant individuals said they delayed pregnancy because of the pandemic.

While I think it is definitely worth planning ahead a little more to handle the additional challenges, I hope that people thinking about becoming a new mom don’t let the pandemic discourage them.

A recent study found that pregnant women and their babies are at increased risk of COVID-19 complications. What special precautions, if any, should expectant mothers take to avoid those complications?

This is true. Several studies have now shown that pregnant women are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection, including admission to the intensive care unit and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now lists pregnancy as a medical condition placing people at higher risk of severe infection.

Pregnant women and those considering pregnancy can avoid exposure to COVID-19 by following guidelines from local public health officials and getting their COVID-19 vaccine.

If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant, it would definitely be worth getting your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available to you. If you become pregnant before you’re able to get vaccinated, it’s important to note that there is now data from over 30,000 vaccinated pregnant people to show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for pregnant women and their babies.

The pandemic has exacerbated depression and anxiety symptoms in new moms. What are your top three suggestions for getting the support they need?

I think the medical system has responded as best possible to emerging health issues, and this has included providing support for maternal mental health.

My first recommendation is to check in with yourself. It’s normal to have some feelings of anxiety and depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and I think it’s easy for new moms to dismiss when feelings of sadness and anxiety are not normal. Don’t be afraid to check in with your health professional about your mental health — even if you think it may be normal.

My second recommendation is to accept help wherever you can. Health professionals and support groups have responded creatively during the pandemic, creating virtual support groups, social media networks, and other “distanced” ways of supporting new moms.

My last recommendation, and this was some of the best advice I received as a new mom last year, is to be kind to yourself.

What are the three biggest challenges facing new moms today, and what are the solutions?

One of the biggest challenges facing new moms is the lack of paid parental leave in the U.S. This can lead to insufficient time for moms to recover after childbirth; increased stress for families who are trying to ensure job stability while simultaneously finding suitable infant care; and premature cessation of breastfeeding. Thankfully, the political willpower to expand paid family-leave benefits seems to be growing.

The second challenge is identifying strategies to balance work and family obligations. Women often take on most housework and domestic duties, and the pandemic has clearly exacerbated these patterns. For two-parent households, women should work with their partners to voice challenges and come up with equitable solutions, which might include outsourcing some domestic labor.

The third challenge concerns the health of moms after they give birth. Infancy can be a rewarding but challenging period, especially when sleep becomes compromised. Moms tend to put themselves last when it comes to their health and well-being. Any small changes new moms can make to prioritize their needs can go a long way. And if moms feel guilty for engaging in self care, they should remind themselves that doing so makes them a better parent.

What is your best piece of advice for women considering motherhood for the first time today?

One of the best pieces of advice I received is that there’s never a perfect time to become a parent. I think most people think that to start a family they need to have all their ducks in a row, so to speak. What really matters at the end of the day, though, is that you are able to provide a child with a loving home.

A recent study found that pregnant women and their babies are at increased risk of COVID-19 complications. What special precautions, if any, should expectant mothers take to avoid those complications?

As more studies come out, the evidence becomes clearer that pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness compared to those who aren’t pregnant. The COVID-19 vaccine is the best line of defense against these complications, but there is a lack of clinical trial data for the pregnant population.

That said, a recent study evaluating the safety of the vaccine in around 35,000 pregnant individuals did not identify safety concerns. These findings are preliminary, and additional follow-up is needed, but they are also reassuring. Pregnant people should therefore discuss vaccination considerations with their doctors or other members of their clinical care team, as vaccinations can be provided to pregnant people if requested.

If vaccination is not an option, pregnant people should continue taking standard precautions to guard against COVID-19 infection. These include limiting in-person interactions with people who might have been exposed or infected, wearing a mask indoors, practicing social distancing, and avoiding poorly ventilated spaces.

The pandemic has exacerbated depression and anxiety symptoms in new moms. What are your top three suggestions for getting the support they need?

My first suggestion is for new moms to seek help from their health care provider. Postpartum depression is a common experience and is treatable. If you are experiencing postpartum depression and have difficulty contacting a provider, ask a partner or friend to contact them for you. If you are worried about contacting a health care provider because of financial or health insurance concerns, postpartum depression hotlines can provide support.

My second suggestion is to connect with other mothers who are experiencing similar challenges. While the pandemic has limited in-person interactions, online support groups, including those found on social media sites like Facebook, can be a great way to voice your worries and feelings; they also provide reassurance that you’re not alone.

My third suggestion, which aligns with what I mentioned above, is to practice self care. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to get enough sleep and exercise when taking care of an infant, but a little goes a long way. Napping while the baby sleeps, taking walks outside, and doing an activity that you enjoyed prior to becoming a parent are all ways to improve your health and mood.