Becoming a new parent can be challenging, and it can be especially difficult if a new mom is experiencing intrusive thoughts. Partners can play an important role in supporting new moms during this time. Here are some tips for partners on how to support a new mom with intrusive thoughts:
1) Listen without judgement: It can be helpful for partners to listen to their partner's experiences and feelings without judgement. It's important to create a safe and supportive environment where the new mom feels comfortable sharing her thoughts and concerns.
2) Offer reassurance: New moms experiencing intrusive thoughts may feel guilty, ashamed, or fearful. Partners can offer reassurance that these thoughts are a normal part of the peripartum period and that they do not define the new mom as a person or a parent.
3) Help with practical tasks: Partners can help alleviate stress for new moms by assisting with practical tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare. This can help reduce the burden on the new mom and give her more time to focus on self-care.
4) Encourage self-care: Self-care is crucial for new moms, especially those experiencing intrusive thoughts. Partners can encourage self-care by taking care of the baby to give the new mom some alone time, suggesting relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, or helping her schedule a therapy appointment.
5) Educate yourself: Partners can educate themselves on the topic of peripartum mental health and specifically on intrusive thoughts. Understanding what the new mom is going through can help partners provide more effective support.
It's important to remember that partners also need support during this time. Encourage your partner to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if they need it.
References:
Chisholm K. Perinatal mental health: Partners' experiences. Br J Midwifery. 2019;27(11):693-697. doi:10.12968/bjom.2019.27.11.693
Goodman JH. Paternal postpartum depression, its relationship to maternal postpartum depression, and implications for family health. J Adv Nurs. 2004;45(1):26-35. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2648.2003.02857.x
Paulson JF, Dauber S, Leiferman JA. Individual and Combined Effects of Postpartum Depression in Mothers and Fathers on Parenting Behaviors. Pediatrics. 2006;118(2):659-668. doi:10.1542/peds.2005-2948
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