A new study from Aarhus University shows that it is normal for many mothers to feel anxious and overwhelmed after childbirth. The researchers hope the study’s findings will encourage better conversations between new mothers and health care professionals.

Most parents can probably relate to that overwhelming mix of responsibility, love and uncertainty when the birth is over, and you are suddenly on your way home with a new tiny human being.

Now, a new study from the Department of Public Health at Aarhus University shows that a significant number of mothers experience strong symptoms of worry and insecurity, says postdoc Mette-Marie Zacher Kjeldsen, who led the study. The study is published in the journal BMJ Mental Health.

“When we screen new mothers after childbirth, the purpose is to identify symptoms of a postpartum depression. But our study shows that it is completely normal for mothers without depression to also struggle and grapple with many intense emotions and uncertainties in the period after giving birth,” says Zacher Kjeldsen.

The new study shows that feelings of insecurity and anxiety, without any obvious cause, are a natural part of parenthood. But it is rarely something mothers speak openly about.

“We hope our results can help normalize and acknowledge the many different reactions to motherhood. This may reduce stigma and feelings of guilt among new mothers and perhaps also improve the quality of the conversations they have with health care professionals after giving birth. It is important that they can talk about their insecurities—even if they do not have postpartum depression.”

She also hopes the study will be used as a concrete and practical tool by health care professionals when discussing mental well-being in the postnatal period.

“The study can serve as a conversation starter during the screening offered eight weeks after childbirth in Denmark. It could become a tool for health visitors in their discussions with mothers and perhaps make it easier for them to open up about difficult emotions. Hopefully, it can also help reduce stigma around emotional challenges after giving birth.”