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Midwife Edwina's advice on postnatal depression and anxiety

By 9Honey Parenting|

Falling pregnant and then adjusting to life with a newborn can be a very overwhelming and isolating experience.

According to recent research by PANDA, an increasing number of women and their partners are suffering from perinatal depression and anxiety, partly due to the impact of COVID-19.

"When you fall pregnant there are a lot of unknowns, and unknowns can trigger anxiety," explains midwife and Birth Beat Founder, Edwina Sharrock, "Throw in a global pandemic and of course, we're going to see so much more anxiety, particularly in pregnant women and their partners. And we do know that one in 10 new fathers can also experience depression or anxiety."

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Overwhelmed new mum with baby (iStock)

While it is normal to feel exhausted, teary and flat 48 to 72 hours after having a baby as the endorphins leave your body, if you are still feeling like this after two weeks, it could be time to seek help.

The most important thing to understand, Edwina shares with 9Honey Parenting, is if you are feeling depressed or anxious while pregnant or after having your baby, you need to talk about it.

"This is not something that you can manage on your own or suffer in silence," she urges. "It will make it last longer and could increase the severity of your experience.

For more advice about postnatal depression and anxiety, watch the video above

Anyone having trouble coping with pregnancy or post-childbirth can visit panda.org.au or call the PANDA Helpline on 1300 726 306 Mon to Fri, 9am - 7.30pm AEST/AEDT. You can also contact the Gidget Foundation on 1300 851 758 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au

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