Common Challenges Postpartum

Some of the most common challenges postpartum include:

1. Not enough time in the day to get everything done that you'd like to. Even if you have help and people to delegate the most important tasks to, it can be hard if that support slowly tapers out. New mothers often report that they feel like there is always something that doesn't get done each day that she'd like to have done.
2. Irritability towards loved ones. Even without a mood disorder present, due to sleep deprivation and lack of quality sleep, patience and moods are not at their best. It can feel bad unintentionally snapping at loved ones or being short with others.
3. So much to learn. With so many parenting books available, it can be overwhelming with how much there can be to read and learn. Not to mention the advice our well-meaning family and friends offer us. In addition to parenting theories, you are also learning practical skills everyday postpartum.
4. Loneliness and loss of sense of self. The transition to the role of new mother from a previous lifestyle or career can be a difficult one. Many new mothers report they feel like they have "lost their previous self". Mothers who need human interaction and social gatherings to feel energized complain of loneliness and isolation.

These challenges not only appear in the first few days. In fact, these challenges become more common as time goes on when family and friends start going back to work and stop visiting as often. Check out our article here about what 3 things new mothers need most in the postpartum time.

A postpartum doula can help in all of these challenges. Feel free to give us a call at 720-675-8343 or email us at krystal@doulasofdenver.com if you are experiencing some challenges postpartum and want some support over the phone about some solutions to these very common challenges. You are not alone!