Ask Her Anything: A nurse answers questions about maternity and newborn care

October 7, 2025 | 8 min read

Becoming a parent is a massive life shift that looks different for every individual. One common thread: women often have many unique health needs during this time that are overlooked. “There’s a dearth of education around what issues can arise during this stage, and how to best navigate them,” says Jennifer Foubert, Assistant Vice President and Head of Product & Growth for Group Benefits at Manulife Canada.

Shyna Asaria, a registered nurse with Maven Clinic, a virtual clinic specializing in women’s health, says she routinely gets questions from women worried about their mental health and struggling to balance their new life with work. Below, Asaria answers some of the most commonly asked questions she hears at the clinic.

“I vividly remember slipping away to my car during lunch breaks to cope with morning sickness in those early weeks, before I was ready to share the news with my employer. The excitement of a new baby was mixed with worry – wondering when to tell everyone, worrying about my job security and the impact of a newborn on our already busy schedules.

As a clinician, I often remind patients that pregnancy is not just a physical experience — it’s an emotional and mental health journey.

Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, back pain, or sleep disruption can make it harder to focus, meet deadlines, or maintain the same pace you did before. Mentally, this can create feelings of frustration, guilt and even anxiety — especially if you pride yourself on high performance or fear being perceived as less capable. Hormonal shifts can also affect mood and stress resilience, amplifying emotional reactions to workplace pressures.

To protect your mental health, start by setting realistic expectations for yourself. Recognize that your body is working incredibly hard behind the scenes and that energy and focus may ebb and flow. Where possible, communicate openly with your employer about your needs — whether that’s asking for more flexible hours, remote work days, or modified duties. Small adjustments, like breaking tasks into shorter intervals or scheduling demanding work during times of day you feel best, can help you maintain productivity without burning out.

Self-care is not indulgent — it’s essential. Prioritize rest, eat small frequent meals to manage nausea, and use stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, stretching, or short walks. If you notice persistent sadness, anxiety, or trouble coping, seek professional support early; mental health care during pregnancy is just as important as physical care.

“Many parents experience a mix of depression and anxiety symptoms postpartum, and both can significantly affect bonding, functioning, and quality of life.

PPD, or postpartum depression is characterized by a persistent low mood and feelings of sadness, or emptiness. Symptoms might include the loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, changes in appetite and difficulty bonding with the baby. Thoughts such as “I’m not a good enough parent” or “things will never get better” are typical of someone facing PPD.

Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) on the other hand, may include excessive worry, nervousness or fear that is hard to put aside. Common symptoms are racing thoughts, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, feelings of overwhelm, or being on “constant edge”. For someone dealing with postpartum anxiety, their thoughts are often focused on the “what if’s”, such as worrying about the baby’s safety, feeding, health, etc. Some degree of trepidation surrounding the care of a newborn is normal; individuals with postpartum anxiety often face intensified and persistent thoughts that escalate to the point of significantly interfering with daily functioning.

The key difference lies in the primary emotional state —feelings of sadness and hopelessness for PPD, versus fear and excessive worry for PPA. Both conditions are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of — early support and treatment can make a profound difference.”

“Welcoming a new baby naturally brings a wide range of emotions — joy, worry, fatigue — all of which are part of the normal adjustment to parenthood. It is when these feelings become far more intense, persistent, and overwhelming, to the point that they disrupt one’s daily life, they may signal a postpartum mental health disorder.

Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (PPOCD) often emerges within days to weeks after birth, bringing intrusive, unwanted thoughts—commonly about the baby’s safety—paired with repetitive checking or mental rituals. An example could be of a new mother, though exhausted, not allowing herself to sleep or rest due to constant monitoring of her child’s breathing after learning about SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). 

Postpartum panic disorder can also develop in this early period, presenting as sudden surges of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and dizziness.

Postpartum PTSD, typically arising within the first three months, often stems from traumatic birth experiences, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance.

Postpartum psychosis (less common, but urgent) appears within the first two weeks postpartum, with hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and severe mood changes, requiring immediate hospitalization.

Perinatal bipolar disorder can develop during pregnancy or after childbirth, marked by alternating episodes of mania and depression. In these cases, the emotional 'highs' and 'lows' are more extreme and more pronounced than typical mood fluctuations.

Each condition benefits from targeted interventions, ranging from psychotherapy and support groups to medication management, with treatment tailored to the parent’s symptoms, needs, and breastfeeding considerations.”

This story was originally published in La Presse on September 14, 2025.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. If you have questions or concerns about your specific situation or are seeking medical advice, contact your medical doctor or your health-care provider.

A note about gender:
While we use the term “women,” “female,” and “men” and “male” in this article, we recognize that these terms are not inclusive of all gender identities and that the health issues addressed here may be relevant to individuals across the gender spectrum

About Maven Clinic:
Maven is the world’s largest virtual clinic for women and families on a mission to make healthcare work for all of us. Maven’s award-winning digital programs provide clinical, emotional, and financial support all in one platform, spanning fertility & family building, maternity & newborn care, parenting & pediatrics, and menopause & midlife. More than 2,000 employers and health plans trust Maven's end-to-end platform to improve clinical outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and provide equity in benefits programs.