Self-Worth And Postpartum Anxiety
I’ve been called a lot of things: weird, bossy, shy, loud, smart, quirky. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Wife.
But the second I held my squishy little beast in my arms, the only label that mattered was Mom.
Being his mom felt like the ultimate identity — my number one, my favorite, my purpose.
But that came with a lot of pressure. Pressure to do it right. Suddenly, I was measuring my self-worth by how “good” I was at momming. Every minute of every day felt like a test. I was in a constant state of fight or flight, worried about what could go wrong and what problems I needed to prevent before they even happened.
That constant flow of adrenaline had me feeling on edge, overwhelmed, exhausted, and angry.
I Neglected to Plan for My Postpartum — and That Was a Big Problem
I thought I was ready. I read the books, signed up for the weekly emails, took the classes. But I didn’t have an actual plan.
A postpartum plan is about so much more than baby gear and frozen meals.
Here’s what I wish I’d considered before my baby was born:
Boundaries around my time and energy
Emotional support
Realistic rest and sleep strategies
An environment and lifestyle that supported my needs
Risk Factors for Postpartum Anxiety
I was completely unaware of my risk factors for postpartum anxiety. Some of us are just more vulnerable — and I really wish I’d known I was one of them.
Some of the red flags I wish I’d recognized sooner:
Family history of anxiety or depression
Sensory sensitivity (I’ve always hated repetitive noises, bright lights, or crowds)
Executive dysfunction (I could manage life, but it took every ounce of effort — and motherhood multiplied that struggle with the lack of sleep, nutrition, and support)
Perfectionism
People-pleasing tendencies
A need for control (hello, “Type A”)
Pregnancy loss or infertility challenges
Where Placenta Encapsulation Fits In
Postpartum can hit hard: sleep deprivation, iron loss, nutritional depletion, and a massive identity shift — all at once.
I didn’t even know placenta encapsulation was a thing when I had my first baby. But with my next, I was determined to do everything I could to protect myself from postpartum anxiety and rage. Once was more than enough — I wanted to enjoy my postpartum this time.
Placenta pills aren’t magic, and plenty of moms do great without them. But for those of us at higher risk for perinatal mood disorders, they can offer support in the exact areas where new moms tend to struggle.
Many of us who’ve taken placenta pills swear by them — reporting a more stable mood, more energy, and even a boosted milk supply.
That was definitely my experience. Sure, a lot was different for me the second time around — my birth, my support system, my awareness — but if I were to ever have another baby (which I won’t), I’d absolutely include placenta pills in my postpartum plan.
If you’re curious and local to me (I serve families within about 90 minutes — including Central and South Jersey, the Jersey Shore, Philadelphia, and Delaware), click here to learn more about how the process works, what services I offer, and how your placenta can help you have a calmer, more enjoyable fourth-trimester experience.
