The Negative Effects of Stress in Parenthood

Stress and trauma can shrink your window of tolerance.

This means that it may be harder to stay calm and focused.

If you are a parent, you know that postpartum and parenthood can be FULL of stress.

AND up to 45% of mamas/birthing parents report their birth experience as traumatic.

SO, it is not uncommon for your window of tolerance to get smaller during postpartum and parenthood.

When you’re outside your window of tolerance, you may be more easily thrown off balance.

In postpartum and parenthood, this might look like:

Hyperarousal

-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.

Hypoarousal

-You find yourself crying for, what feels like, no reason at all.

-You freeze and don’t respond when your baby cries or fusses.

-You feel unable to get out of bed or engage in daily hygiene, like showering.

If you resonate 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!