4th Trimester Project

A Village for Mothers

Coping with Stress

Topics:

Topics in Staying Well

Autoimmune Disorders
Childbirth Trauma and Maternal Near-Miss
Eating Well
Exercise
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Immunizations
Intimacy and Sex After Childbirth
Managing Your Conditions
Postpartum Health Care
Postpartum Mental Health & Wellness
Thyroid Problems
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
Your Hormones

It can be wonderful and also very hard coping with a new baby. Partners and family members can be helpful AND also bring new challenges to the house. While many women worked hard during pregnancy to stop using tobacco, using marijuana, drinking alcohol, and using drugs, postpartum stress makes it very hard to stay quit. Some women just want to get back to “themselves” by doing things they did to relax before they were pregnant. For others, medication provided to help them manage postpartum pain can be hard to manage and even trigger past habits. Getting enough sleep with a baby in the house is easier said than done, which can add to the stress level. It can be very tempting to pick up cigarettes or start vaping again– even if you worked hard to quit.

If you have had a medical diagnosis in the past, be sure to talk openly with your provider about your mental health and any conditions. Some mental health conditions can happen during or after childbirth – take a look at some of those here.

Things that can help you cope better:

  • Try to rest when the baby sleeps or share babysitting with a family member or friend so that you can make time for a nap or other stress-relieving activity that helps you feel like YOU again. 
  • If you’re struggling with stress or exhaustion during your baby’s early morning or late afternoon feedings, try eating a healthy snack like fruit or peanut butter and crackers for a little boost.
  • Stay away from tobacco and minimize alcoholic and caffeinated beverages – these things can make it harder for you to rest well. This is easier said than done for sure. But it will definitely be beneficial.
  • Every US state has a tobacco quitline with free, confidential support to help you quit any form of tobacco, including cigarettes; vapes, Juul, and other e-cigarettes; hookah; and other tobacco products.  Even if you were not able to quit completely during pregnancy – it is never too late!  There are long term benefits for your health and your family’s health. 
  • Your state’s quitline can also help if you quit during pregnancy, but are struggling to stay tobacco free since your baby was born. Find your state quitline here.

Motherhood is full of dual feelings and highs and lows. It is a sign of strength to ask for help and put boundaries on what you need to feel cared for and supported. For better or worse, remember, so many phases of motherhood IS short-lived. YOU Matter. YOU CAN DO THIS.

Resources:

The content of this website is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider. If you need emergency care, call 911 right away.

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