5 Baby Worries That Keep You Up (And 8 Ways to Sleep Easier)

As a newly pregnant individual or a new parent, it's natural to worry about your little one. But when does normal concern cross the line into excessive anxiety? If you find yourself constantly anxious and worried over your baby's well-being, you're not alone. Let's dive into the world of pregnancy and postpartum worries and explore some common thoughts that might be keeping you up at night.

Is It Normal to Constantly Worry About Your Baby? The short answer? Yes, it's pretty normal. The long answer? It's normal, but it shouldn't take over your life. Becoming a parent is a huge responsibility, and some level of worry comes with the territory. However, if your anxiety is interfering with your daily life or enjoyment of parenthood, it might be time to seek support.

5 Common Intrusive Postpartum Worries

1. "What if I drop the baby?"
   This fear is super common, especially among new parents. Your baby seems so fragile, and your sleep-deprived brain might conjure up worst-case scenarios.

2. "Is my baby breathing?"
   Are you finding yourself obsessively checking on your sleeping infant. While it's good to be vigilant, constant checking can disrupt both your and your baby's sleep.

3. "What if I'm not bonding enough with my baby?"
   Bonding is a process, not an instant connection! You might worry about why you’re not feeling an immediate rush of love. Don't worry – your relationship with your baby will grow over time.

4. "Am I a bad parent if I need a break?"
   Absolutely not! Taking time for yourself is crucial for good parenting.

5. "What if something terrible happens when I'm not watching?"
   This fear can lead to hyper-vigilance and exhaustion. While it's important to be attentive, it's also crucial to remember that you can't control everything.

The nasty thing about anxiety is that it always attaches to and attacks what we care about most. Unwanted and scary worries about your pregnancy or baby are truly just highlighting how much deeply care and love them, and how important this pregnancy/ this relationship is to you. Keep this in mind next time an anxious thought comes up! And if that doesn’t help weaken the worry, try these helpful tips:

15 Ways to Reduce Anxiety Postpartum

1. Practice deep breathing exercises (eg. box breathing: 4 sec inhale, 4 sec hold, 4 sec exhale, 4 sec hold).

2. Get outside for a walk with your baby

3. Limit caffeine intake

4. Share your feelings with a trusted friend or partner

5. Keep a worry journal to track and challenge anxious thoughts or do Worry Time!

6. Challenge your thoughts, and find the evidence against your catastrophic thinking.

7. Limit exposure to anxiety-inducing media or social media

8. Consider setting up a session with perinatal psychologist, Dr. Hila Sachs

Remember, it's okay to ask for help. If you're finding it hard to manage your anxiety on your own, reaching out to a perinatal mental health specialist can make a world of difference.

While some anxiety is normal, there are signs that your worries might be crossing into territory that needs professional attention. These include:

• Persistent, intrusive thoughts that you can't shake

• Anxiety that interferes with your ability to care for yourself or your baby

• Panic attacks

• Avoiding certain situations due to fear

• Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, or nausea when anxious

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to reach out for help. Dr. Sachs can provide you with tools and strategies to manage your anxiety and enjoy this special time.

Worrying about your pregnancy or baby is a normal part of parenthood, but it shouldn't overshadow the joy of this new chapter in your life. By recognizing common worries, implementing anxiety-reducing strategies, and knowing when to seek help, you can navigate the postpartum period with more confidence and less stress.

Remember, you're doing an amazing job, even when it doesn't feel like it. Your baby is lucky to have such a caring parent. And if you need support, don't hesitate to reach out – there's a whole community of professionals and fellow parents ready to help you thrive in your new role.

If you're in the NY or FL area and looking for support, Bloom is here to help. Dr. Sachs understands the unique challenges of pregnancy and postpartum, and can provide you with the tools and support you need to navigate this exciting but sometimes overwhelming time. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.