Managing Postpartum Anxiety with Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care for postpartum anxiety offers natural holistic remedies that help alleviate the symptoms that might arise after childbirth.

Postpartum anxiety is a very common psychological condition that affects many new mothers after giving birth. It can manifest itself in different ways and significantly negatively impact your quality of life. 

Unfortunately, it can be challenging to treat with traditional approaches such as medication or psychotherapy. Chiropractic care, however, can provide an effective alternative for managing postpartum anxiety symptoms.

What We Know About Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is a condition that affects many new mothers. It is characterized by intense, persistent worries and fears about the safety and well-being of both mother and child. Women with postpartum anxiety often experience guilt, shame, or helplessness due to their inability to control their thoughts or emotions. 

Postpartum anxiety can also cause physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, rapid heart rate, and difficulty sleeping. It is essential to seek help if you are experiencing postpartum anxiety to manage the condition and reduce its effects on your life.

A combination of hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, physical pain, and lifestyle changes causes postpartum anxiety. Hormonal shifts are one of the primary contributors to postpartum anxiety, as increased levels of estrogen and progesterone can negatively affect moods and lead to feelings of stress or anxiety. Sleep deprivation, common during the postpartum period, can also contribute to anxiety due to the strain it places on both body and mind. Physical pain or discomfort from childbirth or breastfeeding can create further stress, making a woman more vulnerable to developing feelings of anxiety. 

Finally, changes in lifestyle that come with caring for a newborn - such as a lack of social support, a lack of free time, and increased responsibility - can add further stress to the postpartum period. All these factors combined can lead to feelings of anxiety in new mothers.

The Difference Between Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression

Postpartum anxiety is a form of anxiety disorder with extreme worry and fear that can last for weeks or months after childbirth. It is usually characterized by excessive worrying, physical symptoms such as racing heart and breathing problems, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, and exhaustion. Postpartum anxiety can range from mild to severe and may interfere with everyday tasks like bathing, feeding, and caring for the new baby. 

Postpartum depression is a type of major depression that can occur in the weeks or months following childbirth. Unlike postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression is characterized by extreme sadness, fatigue, guilt, and lack of joy or pleasure. Postpartum depression can also interfere with a person's ability to care for their new baby and perform everyday tasks such as bathing, feeding, and sleeping. It can last for weeks or months and requires professional treatment.

Both postpartum anxiety and depression are serious mental health issues that require treatment, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety

The most common symptoms of postpartum anxiety include the following: 

• Feelings of overwhelm
• Worry
• Irritation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Racing thoughts
• Sleep disturbances
• Fear
• Panic attacks
• Headaches
• Upset stomach
• Avoidance of activities or people

These symptoms often last several weeks after childbirth and can interfere with daily functioning. 

In more severe cases, women may experience suicidal thoughts or other extreme behaviors. 

Natural Remedies for Postpartum Anxiety

Even though many medications are available for treating postpartum anxiety, some women may prefer to use natural remedies. 

Exercise can be a great way to manage stress and anxiety, so getting physical activity can be very helpful. Postpartum women may not be able to get as much exercise as they used to, so a simple 10-minute walk or yoga class can help them release any built-up tension. 

Spending time outside in nature has also been proven to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Taking a few hours away from the house and getting some sun and fresh air can bring down the body's cortisol levels (the stress hormone). 

It’s also crucial for new mothers to get adequate rest and sleep. Taking a nap during the day or going to bed early are helpful ways to ensure that postpartum women are not only rested but also emotionally stable. 

In addition to these natural remedies, postpartum women should also make sure to spend time with supportive family and friends. Social activities can help them focus on the positive aspects of life and reduce their anxiety levels.

Additionally, chiropractic care can treat postpartum anxiety.

Chiropractic Care for Postpartum Anxiety: A Holistic Approach

Chiropractic care has proven to be an effective way to help mothers experiencing postpartum anxiety. Studies have shown that adjustments can reduce stress levels in the body, which can alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety. Receiving regular chiropractic adjustments helps to balance hormones, allowing for a greater sense of peace and relaxation during this difficult time. It can also decrease inflammation to help the body function more efficiently and reduce pain levels.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care works to correct misalignments in the spine and promote balance throughout the body. This can help reduce stress levels, improve mood, and support overall physical health. By restoring balance to the body, chiropractic care can help to reduce postpartum anxiety symptoms. Chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly to help manage postpartum anxiety. 

It is important to note that while chiropractic care can help manage postpartum anxiety, it should not be used as a replacement for traditional treatments such as medication and psychotherapy. If you are experiencing postpartum anxiety, you must speak to your doctor to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.