How to reduce isolation post-birth

Being a new mum can make you feel lonely and isolated. Anita Guerra, Midwife and Fitness Trainer, explains how we can reduce isolation post-birth and help prevent postnatal depression.

- Up to one in six women experience postnatal depression, which develops between one month and up to one year after the birth.
- Postnatal depression is depression which occurs after the birth of a baby and is more than just the baby blues.
- Many women experience the ‘baby blues’ between the third and tenth day after giving birth, due to changes in hormone levels following childbirth. You might feel tearful or overwhelmed, but this usually passes within a few days and without any specific care – apart from support and understanding.
- All parents go through a period of adjustment as they try to handle the huge changes a new baby brings. Remember that you’re not the only ones trying to figure out how to collapse that new pram or settle a screaming baby – all new parents are in the same boat. Most people will go through a temporary adjustment as they learn the ropes and build confidence in their new role. But if you’re feeling distressed, down, sad or overwhelmed most of the time for two weeks or more, you may be experiencing depression.
- Postnatal depression can also occur after subsequent births as well.

Thanks to Kidspot for the infographic.
How can we reduce isolation and help prevent Postnatal Depression?- Tell friends and family how you're feeling. Ask them if they can call in for a coffee and a chat.
- Check out the local mother and baby/toddler groups. You're likely to meet women there at the same stage of life who are attending for exactly the same reason.
- Speak to your Maternal and Child Health Nurse (MCHN) about breastfeeding/new baby support groups that are often held in local health centres.
- Have a look at online parenting forums – they sometimes arrange group meet-ups in different locations.
- Consider an activity geared towards mums and babies such as mumma fitness with a Safe Return to Exercise Trainer, mum and baby yoga or swimming classes, or baby massage.
- Some cinemas organise baby/toddler film viewings. Go along and try to strike up a conversation beforehand.
- If you have children of school-going age, host a coffee morning for a few of the mums.
- Look into an evening activity that you enjoy, and is separate from being a mother. You never know what friends you might make along the way.
- Exercise in a class like Fit For 2 with other mums. Try to start between 6-10 weeks postpartum to start rebuilding strength and get you moving again which assists with your mental stability!
- Go for daily walks with your partner.
- Time out for mum. You need to be doing something for YOU again for your mental health and wellbeing.
- Walk with a friend or neighbour or join a class together.
- Exercise will make you feel better, increase energy stores and help heal and tone your body again to increase your confidence.

About the Author
Anita believes that all women can empower themselves with the correct guidance to reduce fear and anxiety so they can enjoy pregnancy and transition well into motherhood.
She belives all women deserve to be educated and informed on choices and the importance of the correct prenatal and postnatal care guidelines with exercise while protecting their pelvic floor and bodies from life long complications.
Her fitness programs help women to build strength and exercise safely. They learn about pelvic floor and abdominal muscles and how to activate safely to carry their baby well and reduce complications. Many report their pregnancies have felt easier, and their birth experiences more positive, with reduced need for analgesia, experiencing a smoother recovery period.
Anita monitors their post birth journey closely, teaching them how to return to exercise safely while creating a positive mindset and providing them with a supportive community.
Anita also draws on her own experience as a mother and found her second birth to be the hardest. By going through her own journey she knew she wanted to do more for women around post birth education.
Anita believes that all women can empower themselves with the correct guidance to reduce fear and anxiety so they can enjoy pregnancy and transition well into motherhood.
She belives all women deserve to be educated and informed on choices and the importance of the correct prenatal and postnatal care guidelines with exercise while protecting their pelvic floor and bodies from life long complications.
Her fitness programs help women to build strength and exercise safely. They learn about pelvic floor and abdominal muscles and how to activate safely to carry their baby well and reduce complications. Many report their pregnancies have felt easier, and their birth experiences more positive, with reduced need for analgesia, experiencing a smoother recovery period.
Anita monitors their post birth journey closely, teaching them how to return to exercise safely while creating a positive mindset and providing them with a supportive community.
Anita also draws on her own experience as a mother and found her second birth to be the hardest. By going through her own journey she knew she wanted to do more for women around post birth education.?