Postpartum Rage - When You're Angry and Don't Know Why | 234

Trish goes deep into a rarely discussed but incredibly common postpartum symptom: rage. We're not talking about everyday irritability - this is intense, explosive anger that can feel overwhelming and out of control. If you've ever snapped at your partner over something trivial, slammed doors, or felt fury bubbling up when the baby cries, you're not alone, and you're certainly not a bad mom. Trish, a labor nurse with over 16 years of experience and mom of seven, shares insights on what postpartum rage really is, its potential causes, practical strategies for managing it in the moment, and long-term steps to seek help. Tune in to feel less isolated and more empowered on your postpartum journey.

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Key Takeaways

1. Understanding Postpartum Rage: It's not just anger - it's a sudden, disproportionate fury that can manifest as yelling, slamming things, or feeling out of control. Trish reassures listeners that this is often a symptom of perinatal mood disorders, not a reflection of your character as a mom.
2. Common Causes: Hormonal shifts post-birth, chronic sleep deprivation, constant overstimulation from being needed and touched, lack of support, and underlying anxiety or depression can all contribute. Your body is in survival mode, and rage is its way of protecting you.
3. Immediate Coping Strategies:
4. Acknowledge it out loud: "I'm feeling rage right now - this is a symptom, not who I am."
5. Step away safely: Place baby in a crib and take a break.
6. Regulate your body: Chug ice water, splash cold water on your face, do jumping jacks (if recovery allows), scream into a pillow, or try box breathing (in for 4, hold for 4, out for 6).
7. Long-Term Solutions:
8. Get screened for perinatal mood disorders by your OB or midwife.
9. Prioritize sleep, even in short stretches.
10. Reduce overstimulation: Limit visitors, silence notifications, and carve out quiet time.
11. Meet basic needs: Eat regularly, stay hydrated, and move your body.
12. Seek therapy, ideally from a perinatal mental health specialist.
13. Communicate with loved ones: Use specific scripts like, "I need you to take the baby for 30 minutes" or "I need you to listen without trying to fix it."

Helpful Timestamps:

1. 00:58 Understanding Postpartum Rage
2. 01:25 Causes of Postpartum Rage
3. 02:07 Immediate Coping Strategies