Why Maternal Mental Health Matters
Becoming a mother is a major life change. While many people focus on the baby’s health, the mother’s mental health is just as important.
The truth: Not every mother feels instant joy. Many struggle with their emotions during pregnancy and after birth. This is real, valid, and treatable.
Common Maternal Mental Health Conditions
1. “Baby Blues”
What it is: Mild mood changes after giving birth.
Symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Crying for no clear reason
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping (even when baby sleeps)
- Irritability
Timeline: Starts within days of birth, lasts up to 2 weeks
Affects: Up to 80% of new mothers
Treatment: Usually goes away on its own with rest and support
2. Postpartum Depression (PPD)
What it is: A more serious and longer-lasting form of depression after childbirth.
Symptoms:
- Deep sadness or emptiness
- Feeling like a bad mother
- Loss of interest in the baby
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Extreme tiredness
- Changes in eating (too much or too little)
- Difficulty bonding with baby
- Thoughts of harming yourself or baby
- Feeling hopeless
Timeline: Can start anytime in the first year after birth
Affects: 10-20% of new mothers in Kenya
Important: This is NOT your fault. It’s a medical condition.
Treatment: Therapy, sometimes medication, support groups
3. Postpartum Anxiety
What it is: Excessive worry and fear after having a baby.
Symptoms:
- Constant worry about baby’s health and safety
- Racing thoughts
- Can’t relax
- Physical symptoms (fast heartbeat, nausea, dizziness)
- Difficulty sleeping
- Panic attacks
- Intrusive thoughts (disturbing thoughts that won’t go away)
Common fears:
- “What if something happens to my baby?”
- “What if I drop the baby?”
- “What if I’m a bad mother?”
Treatment: Therapy (especially CBT), sometimes medication
4. Postpartum Psychosis
What it is: A rare but serious mental health emergency.
Symptoms:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Hallucinations (seeing/hearing things that aren’t there)
- Delusions (false beliefs)
- Paranoia
- Rapid mood swings
- Thoughts of harming yourself or baby
Timeline: Usually starts within first 2 weeks after birth
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY: Go to hospital immediately or call 999/112
5. Pregnancy-Related Depression and Anxiety
Mental health challenges during pregnancy.
Symptoms:
- Persistent worry about pregnancy complications
- Fear of childbirth
- Depression during pregnancy
- Anxiety about being a parent
- Feeling disconnected from pregnancy
Why Maternal Mental Health Issues Happen
Hormonal Changes
- Dramatic drop in hormones after birth
- Body adjusting to pregnancy and postpartum
- Affects brain chemistry
Physical Factors
- Exhaustion and lack of sleep
- Physical pain from delivery
- Complications during pregnancy or birth
- Breastfeeding challenges
Emotional Factors
- Adjustment to motherhood
- Loss of previous identity
- Feeling overwhelmed by responsibility
- Unrealistic expectations (social media, family pressure)
Life Circumstances
- Financial stress
- Relationship problems
- Lack of support from partner or family
- Previous mental health conditions
- Traumatic birth experience
- Baby health problems
Cultural Pressures in Kenya
- “A good Kenyan mother doesn’t complain”
- Expected to be happy and grateful
- Extended family expectations
- Pressure to have more children
- Stigma around mental health
Who Is at Higher Risk?
You’re more likely to experience postpartum depression if:
- You’ve had depression or anxiety before
- You experienced depression during pregnancy
- You have a family history of depression
- You have little support from partner or family
- You’re facing financial difficulties
- Your baby has health problems or cries a lot
- You had complications during pregnancy or birth
- The pregnancy was unplanned or unwanted
- You’re a teen mother
- You’re experiencing domestic violence
Having risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get PPD, but be extra aware.
Recognizing the Signs
”Am I Just Tired or Is It More?”
Normal new mother tiredness:
- You’re exhausted but can rest when baby sleeps
- You feel overwhelmed sometimes but also moments of joy
- You’re adjusting but have hope
- You feel love for your baby (even when frustrated)
Postpartum depression:
- Exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest
- No joy, only emptiness or sadness
- Feeling hopeless about the future
- Difficulty feeling connected to your baby
- Lasting more than 2 weeks
If you’re not sure, talk to someone. It’s better to ask than to suffer in silence.
Getting Help: What to Do
Step 1: Recognize You Need Help
Common thoughts that stop mothers:
- “I should be happy—I have a healthy baby”
- “Other mothers cope fine”
- “I’m a bad mother for feeling this way”
- “People will judge me”
The truth:
- Maternal mental health conditions are medical, not your fault
- Many mothers struggle
- Getting help makes you a GOOD mother
- Your health affects your baby’s health
Step 2: Talk to Someone
Who to tell first:
- Your partner or spouse
- Your mother or trusted family member
- A close friend who has children
- Your doctor or midwife
- A counselor or therapist
What to say: “I’m not feeling like myself since the baby came. I feel sad/anxious/overwhelmed most of the time. I need help.”
Step 3: See a Healthcare Provider
Where to go:
- Your doctor or midwife (they should screen for PPD)
- County hospital maternal health clinic
- Private counselor or psychologist
- Psychiatrist (for medication if needed)
What they’ll do:
- Ask questions about your symptoms
- Rule out physical causes (like thyroid problems)
- Discuss treatment options
- Create a care plan
Treatment Options in Kenya
1. Therapy (Counseling)
Most effective treatment for PPD.
Types that help:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Changes negative thought patterns
- Interpersonal therapy: Improves relationships and communication
- Support groups: Connect with other mothers
Where to find it:
- Nairobi: Amani Counselling, Oasis Africa, Chiromo Hospital
- Mombasa: Coast General Hospital, private counselors
- Kisumu: JOOTRH, Aga Khan Hospital
- Online therapy: Available through various providers
Cost: KES 1,500 - 6,000 per session (hospitals cheaper than private)
2. Medication
Antidepressants can help severe PPD.
Important to know:
- Many are safe while breastfeeding
- Prescribed by psychiatrist or doctor
- Take 2-4 weeks to start working
- Don’t stop suddenly—taper off with doctor’s help
- Not addictive when taken as prescribed
Where to get:
- County hospitals (affordable)
- Private psychiatrists
- Some counseling centers have psychiatrists
3. Support Groups
Connect with other mothers experiencing the same thing.
Benefits:
- Feel less alone
- Share experiences
- Get practical tips
- Build friendships
Find groups:
- Through hospitals or counseling centers
- Online forums for Kenyan mothers
- Facebook groups (search “postpartum support Kenya”)
- Mother-baby wellness centers
4. Lifestyle Support
These help alongside therapy/medication, not instead of:
- Regular sleep (ask partner/family to help with baby so you can rest)
- Nutritious food
- Gentle exercise (even short walks)
- Sunlight
- Connection with other adults
- Time for yourself (even 15 minutes)
Support at Home
What Partners Can Do
- Take over some baby care (feeding, diaper changes, bedtime)
- Let mother sleep (take night shifts if possible)
- Help with housework
- Listen without judging or trying to “fix” it
- Encourage her to get professional help
- Take care of older children
- Be patient—recovery takes time
What Family Members Can Do
- Offer practical help (cooking, cleaning, watching baby)
- Avoid judgment or “you should be happy” comments
- Give mother space to rest
- Support her treatment (watch baby during appointments)
- Learn about PPD so you understand
What the Mother Can Do for Herself
- Accept help when offered
- Lower expectations—you don’t have to be perfect
- Rest when baby sleeps (dishes can wait)
- Talk about your feelings with someone
- Get dressed and go outside when you can
- Connect with other mothers
- Be kind to yourself—you’re doing your best
Special Situations
Teen Mothers
- Higher risk for PPD
- May feel isolated from peers
- Need extra support from family, school, community health workers
- Organizations like LVCT Health offer support
Single Mothers
- Lack of partner support increases stress
- Build a support network (family, friends, community)
- Look for single mother support groups
- Access county resources and NGO support
Mothers of Multiples (Twins, Triplets)
- Extra exhaustion and stress
- Higher risk for PPD
- Need more hands-on help
- Connect with multiples support groups
Mothers Who Have Lost a Baby
- Grief combined with hormonal changes
- May experience PPD symptoms
- Need bereavement counseling
- Join pregnancy loss support groups
When to Seek Emergency Help
Go to emergency room or call 999/112 if:
- You’re thinking about hurting yourself
- You’re thinking about hurting your baby
- You’re hearing voices or seeing things
- You feel disconnected from reality
- You can’t take care of yourself or baby
THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, NOT SHAMEFUL.
Also call:
- Befrienders Kenya (24/7): 0722 178 177
- Kenya Red Cross: 1199
Prevention: Can You Avoid PPD?
You can’t always prevent it, but you can reduce your risk:
During Pregnancy
- Attend all antenatal appointments
- Talk to your doctor if you have mental health history
- Build your support system
- Plan for help after birth
- Learn about postpartum period
After Birth
- Rest as much as possible
- Accept help from others
- Talk about your feelings
- Watch for warning signs
- Stay connected to healthcare provider
Common Myths vs Facts
Myth: “Postpartum depression only happens to weak women.” Fact: PPD is a medical condition. Strong women get it too.
Myth: “If you love your baby, you won’t get depressed.” Fact: PPD is caused by hormones and stress, not lack of love.
Myth: “Postpartum depression means you’ll hurt your baby.” Fact: Most mothers with PPD would never hurt their baby. Intrusive thoughts are a symptom, not intention.
Myth: “Taking medication means you’re a bad mother.” Fact: Taking care of your health so you can care for your baby makes you a good mother.
Myth: “You should just tough it out and pray more.” Fact: Faith is important, but medical conditions need medical treatment. Prayer and therapy work together.
Myth: “It will go away on its own.” Fact: Baby blues might, but PPD usually needs treatment to improve.
Recovery and Hope
PPD Is Treatable
- Most women fully recover with proper treatment
- Early treatment leads to faster recovery
- You can still bond with your baby after recovering
You’re Not Alone
- 1 in 5 Kenyan mothers experience postpartum depression
- Even celebrities and wealthy women get PPD
- It’s not your fault
- Help is available
Life After PPD
- You can go on to have more healthy pregnancies
- Your child will not be harmed if you get treatment
- Many women say seeking help was the best decision
- You’ll learn valuable coping skills
Resources in Kenya
Helplines
- Befrienders Kenya: 0722 178 177
- Kenya Red Cross: 1199
Healthcare Facilities
- Nairobi: Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, private hospitals
- Mombasa: Coast General Hospital
- Kisumu: JOOTRH
- All counties: County referral hospitals have maternal health services
Community Health Workers
- CHVs (Community Health Volunteers) can provide initial support
- Available at dispensaries and health centers
- Free services
Online Support
- Kenyan parenting groups on Facebook
- Maternal mental health awareness groups
- Online therapy options
Take Action Today
If You’re Struggling
- Tell someone you trust: “I’m not feeling okay”
- Call a helpline: Befrienders Kenya 0722 178 177
- See your doctor or midwife
- Join a support group (online or in-person)
- Be kind to yourself—you’re not failing
If You’re Worried About Someone
- Express concern gently: “I’ve noticed you seem down. How are you really feeling?”
- Offer specific help: “Can I watch the baby while you nap?”
- Encourage professional help
- Don’t judge or shame
- Stay involved—check in regularly
Final Message
Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also hard. It’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to not feel instant love. It’s okay to need help.
Your baby needs a healthy mother. Taking care of your mental health is taking care of your baby.
You are not a bad mother. You are not alone. You deserve support. Recovery is possible.
You matter. Your health matters. Reach out today.