NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 HAWAII PARENT 105 childbirth. This can manifest as racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat. According to psychologist Dr. Joan Rosenberg, in response to any given situation, we might experience eight common unpleasant feelings: shame, sadness, helplessness, anger, vulnerability, frustration, disappointment, and embarrassment from time to time. During pregnancy and post-pregnancy, the hormonal changes in a mother’s body might cause them to question their worth one moment, and then at other moments, their hearts overflow with unconditional love and happiness. Many people have never been taught how to handle their feelings, and feelings cannot be controlled. We, however, have power over how we respond. When babies cry, a mother’s instinct is to nurture their little ones. When sleep deprivation and hormonal changes are added, mothers can feel overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations. Knowing that the emotional rollercoaster ride is normal and expected may provide a healthier perspective for “This can manifest as racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat.”
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