During pregnancy, women face major physical, psychological and social changes and impacts from conception, puerperium to lactation. The joy or anxiety varies from person to person. Women with poor adjustment are prone to depression during pregnancy and childbirth, and related emotions not only affect the woman herself, but also directly affect the physical and mental state of the fetus/newborn. Understanding the physical and mental knowledge related to pregnancy and childbirth can not only help oneself but also assist pregnant women. Physical and mental health. The following introduces stress relief strategies for prenatal psychological changes, puerperal psychological stress, and common breastfeeding problems, hoping to provide women with knowledge and responses to self-care.
First of all, prenatal psychological changes, women experience surprise and shock at the fact of pregnancy, which comes from unexpected conception, or they did not expect to be pregnant smoothly; they are in a state of conflict between having a child and the impact of life. Statistics show that 80% of pregnant women feel the timing of pregnancy. No, life plans are ruined and you face conflicts. The pressures that pregnancy will face include increased financial burdens, pain of childbirth, and adaptation to new roles as parents, etc.
What kind of psychology do pregnant women experience during pregnancy?
The above changes are accompanied by the adjustment to accept the fact of pregnancy, and the physical discomfort is gradually relieved, the fetus is stable, and the fetus is moving. Fetal movement When you first wake up and become a mother, you will fantasize about the shape of the fetus and the fetus. The environment you are in, what your child will look like in the future,
Imagine what it will be like to be a mother. Most of the fantasies in late pregnancy are accompanied by worry and fear, worrying that the child will be defective and the birth will not be smooth or dangerous. As hormones change, some women experience mood swings, feeling sad and crying inexplicably. Changes in body image, including a gradually bulging belly, are the biggest source of stress for pregnant women. If they cannot accept the change in body shape, it will impact their role as mothers. adapt.
Time enters the puerperal period. During the period up to one month after delivery, the mother must rest at home and cannot go out. It is also called confinement or confinement. Stress during the puerperium period will have an impact on mothers, newborns, and even mother-child relationships and family life. The three levels of maternal psychological stress are:
1. Stress caused by paying attention to the body of mother and child : Concern about the return of one's own body to its pre-pregnancy condition, body image belt It is important for newborns to relax their bodies and maintain a happy mood, as well as the pressure caused by the physiological functions of newborns.
2. The pressure caused by identifying with the mother’s role : Newborn care skills, family economic status and own work arrangements. The arrival of a new baby adds a lot of joy and peace to the original family. Naturally, the role of the mother has changed. With one more responsibility, raising children has become a top priority for the entire family.
3. Pressure caused by seeking support: Is there a good source of support? Worry about burdening others and being criticized.
The last lactation period is another pressure that women must face. Common problems include babies not sucking milk, insufficient milk, babies not having enough milk supply, breast engorgement, nipple rupture and pain, etc. This is a difficult challenge for new mothers. Healthy mother-infant interaction and confidence-building will improve women's breastfeeding efficiency; on the contrary, women will fall into the frustration and depression of motherhood.
At this time, if there are consultation channels and experience teaching from experienced mothers, it can alleviate the uncertainty and self-blame. A woman's physical and mental stability can promote the lactation reflex. When the mother likes the baby, thinks the baby is cute, or hears the baby crying, the pituitary gland secretes prolactin, and breastfeeding will be relatively smooth and successful. On the contrary, the mother is worried and afraid, especially breastfeeding. Pain and feelings of embarrassment and shame about breastfeeding can inhibit the milk ejection reflex.
Those who have a correct understanding of the pregnancy and childbirth stage and stress relief strategies are more likely to have a successful motherhood experience. It is recommended to find ways to express emotions that suit you, such as listening to music and reading; developing some leisure activities that make you feel happy; and maintaining the habit of exercise. ; Learn relaxation techniques; talk to someone and consult experienced mothers about parenting difficulties and responses; learn to look at things objectively and rationally, encourage you to use thoughts to change your emotions, and let yourself and your baby have a healthy and beautiful life.
Author: Qingjiang Warm Current Psychological Counselor
