Hyperarousal in Postpartum & Parenthood
When your nervous system is leaving your window of tolerance, and you are experiencing dysregulation on the way to hyperarousal, you may:
-Begin to feel agitated.
-You may feel anxious, revved up, or angry.
-You don’t feel out of control, but you also don’t feel comfortable.
What this might look like in postpartum and parenthood:
-You are starting to notice some negative feelings towards your spouse/partner.
-It is taking you longer to fall asleep between night feedings.
-You begin to worry about “what if something bad happens…”
When your nervous system is in hyperarousal, you might:
-Feel agitated, restless, fidgety, or angry
-Have sweaty palms, racing heart, and tense muscles
-Sense danger, uneasiness, discomfort, or a lack of safety
-Have a racing mind, obsessive or repetitive thoughts.
-Get easily overwhelmed or distressed.
-Wound up, hard to relax or go to sleep
What this might look like in postpartum and parenthood:
-You notice yourself snapping at your spouse/partner.
-You feel like your body is more sore and tense than usual.
-You are terrified your baby will stop breathing in their sleep, and so you check on them through the night.
-You begin to have frequent intrusive thoughts about ways harm could come to your baby.
-You get overwhelmed when your baby cries or fusses.
-You have difficulty falling asleep, because your heart is racing or you feel restless.
If you are resonating with any of this…
You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.
Check out Postpartum Support International’s website for more resources and support!
