New Mommy Moods

Dr. Shoshana Bennett  |  Course Summary

New Mommy Moods

Understanding Perinatal Mental Health — From Pregnancy Through Postpartum

This summary covers the key concepts from all four modules of the New Mommy Moods course. Use it as a reference guide to revisit important topics or review before supporting a new mother.

What is Perinatal?

• •Perinatal covers pregnancy through the first year postpartum
• •Mental health conditions often begin during pregnancy, not only after birth
• •Pregnancy is not a cure for existing mental health challenges

Mental Health During Pregnancy

• •15–20% of pregnant women experience depression
• •Warning signs: reduced appetite, missed prenatal visits, substance use
• •Effects on baby: lower birth weight, preterm delivery, higher cortisol levels

Common Myths — All False

• •Pregnancy hormones cure mental health challenges
• •All pregnancies are the same experience
• •The “magical hour” after birth is essential for bonding
• •Sleep deprivation is simply manageable

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

• •Affects 1 in 7 new mothers — more common than gestational diabetes
• •Symptoms peak at 3–6 months postpartum
• •Without treatment, can become chronic (lasting years)
• •Risk factors: prior PPD (50–80% recurrence), hormonal sensitivity, isolation

Other PMADs

• •Postpartum Anxiety: Excessive worry, racing thoughts, panic attacks
• •Postpartum OCD: Affects 3–5% of mothers. Intrusive thoughts + compulsive behaviors
• •Postpartum Psychosis: Rare (1–2 per 1,000). Hallucinations, delusions. Medical emergency.
• •Thyroid Issues: Hyper = mimics anxiety; Hypo = mimics depression. Test at 2–3 months postpartum

• •Panic Disorder: Extreme anxiety, dizziness, sweating, fear of losing control
• •PTSD: Affects 1–6% of mothers. Nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance
• •Bipolar Disorder: 82% risk if history of bipolar. Requires immediate psychiatric intervention
• •Postpartum Psychosis: Develops within 2–3 days. Hospitalization required. Medical emergency

Formal Screening Tools

• •Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
• •Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS)

Effects of Untreated Maternal Depression

• •On infants: Less active, higher cortisol, sleep difficulties
• •On toddlers: Attachment problems, social issues, language delays, low self-esteem
• •Increases child’s long-term risk of depression and anxiety

Dr. Shosh Wellness Strategy — 6 Key Parts

5 Key Screening Questions

• •“Are you able to sleep when your baby sleeps at night?”
• •“How is your appetite?”
• •“Do you feel supported emotionally and physically?”
• •“Do you generally feel like yourself now?”
• •“Are you having any scary or unusual thoughts?”