If you’re pregnant or a newly postpartum mom, this time can be full of so much joy and happiness. There is truly nothing like anticipating the arrival of your newborn and those first several weeks of soaking in all the snuggles with your new baby. It can also be an incredibly overwhelming time for women and be a significant trigger for loneliness. If you are pregnant or newly postpartum and feeling lonely, you’re not alone.
For many people, they do not experience or go through pregnancy and newborn bliss surrounded by a bunch of other women going through the same thing. For many women, they may be the only person in their life currently pregnant or newly postpartum, which can feel isolating and as if others cannot relate. This period can also be an isolating time for mother’s as you grow and change in this new season of life. Your thoughts, emotions, and activities are all new and rapidly changing, which can cause many women to feel they are growing apart from certain relationships.
There are many reasons you may be feeling lonely right now. Some of the most common reasons women feel lonely during and after pregnancy and through periods of motherhood include:
- Lack of social support they can talk to/relate to
- Significant changes in day to day activities
- Morning sickness, fatigue, body aches, and discomfort limiting desire to do things
- Change in relationships or friendships
- Spending less time in social settings or with friends
- Not talking to others about how you’re really doing/how you’re actually feeling
- Staying home more frequently and/or being on maternity leave
Regardless of the reason or reasons you’re feeling lonely right now, you are not alone. Countless women are feeling similarly to how you are right now or have been through it and gotten to the other side. If you are struggling with loneliness during pregnancy or feeling alone in your postpartum journey, try these tips:
- Reach out and talk to people in your support network
- Get out of the house and do things that you enjoy
- Be open and tell people how you’re doing when they ask (don’t say you’re “fine” if you’re not)
- Consider joining a pregnancy class, a new mom group, or making a new friend
- Talk to others who are in a similar life phase as you that can relate (moms need mom friends)
- Consider talking to a counselor or seeking therapy for additional support
If you are feeling alone in this phase, I encourage you to reach out and seek support. I know it can be hard initially yet it is without a doubt worth it. Pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood can at times feel isolating, but you don’t have to feel alone in this journey. So many women have and are going through the exact same experiences you are and are available for support. If you are struggling to manage feelings of loneliness, reach out today to learn more about how therapy can help. From one mother to another, I see you.
