Under Pressure with Baby Dove

Video by Baby Dove

There are countless resources available for women when they become pregnant—from helpful checklists to baby registries, trackers and more. However, for the one in five new moms who experience serious mental health conditions in the postpartum period: including Postpartum Anxiety, and Postpartum Depression – information is not readily available, which can make recovery even more isolating and challenging.

To help arm women with information and build a community, Baby Dove is partnering with Postpartum Support International and the 4th Trimester Project to make helpful resources, support groups and discussion guides more easily accessible to all moms and allies as part of their #OneRealPressure campaign. Baby Dove understands the power of shared experiences and wants all moms and caregivers to know: you are not alone. To build a community, the brand created a beautiful new film with a group of new moms called “Under Pressure.

We interviewed those involved in Baby Dove’s Under Pressure campaign to learn more.

Interview with Postpartum Support International Executive Director, Dr. Wendy N. Davis, PhD, PMH-C

Dr. Wendy N. Davis, PhD, PMH-C is the Executive Director of Postpartum Support International (PSI), the world’s largest perinatal mental health organization. Wendy began her career as a psychotherapist, providing counseling and consultation to individuals, couples, and families since 1990. She became a specialist in perinatal mental health after recovering from postpartum depression and anxiety, living through the risks and rewards of the crisis and recovery. She was the Founding Director of Baby Blues Connection, Oregon’s first parent-to-parent perinatal support organization in 1994, and became PSI Executive Director in 2009.

Can you share a little bit about your background and what led you to specializing in perinatal mental health?

My first work as a counselor was as a peer counselor in college, volunteering and then coordinating the Sexual Information and Counseling Center at Oberlin College. I have always been interested in how our minds and bodies work together to influence health, and I studied psychobiology and holistic methods of healing and recovery. After college, I became a psychologist and specialized in creative process and performance, but also in treating chronic mental illness, depression, and anxiety. I worked with many parents and supported them through all kinds of transitions and difficulties. But it was not until I had my first baby that I got a crash course in postpartum mood disorders. In all my training and schooling, I had never been taught anything or encountered information about postpartum mental health.

When I had PPD and anxiety, despite being a specialist in depression and anxiety, I did not recognize that I was depressed! I thought instead that I had made a mistake - that I should not have become a mother, that I would never enjoy it. That is the nature of depression and the terrible effects of the depressive symptoms of self-blame, doubt, and pessimism. What a strange experience – I loved my baby and took great care of him - but I was so unhappy, fell into panic attacks and insomnia, and became isolated and exhausted. Thank goodness for a wonderful postpartum Doula and my family who believed in me. It was my Doula who suggested I had postpartum depression - it was as if she turned on the lights for me. Once I realized what was going on, and as soon as I could read again, I delved into everything I could find about postpartum mood disorders and recovery. I knew I had to help other pregnant and postpartum people, and I started a parent support group here in Portland Oregon. A few years later I started volunteering for Postpartum Support International (PSI), and now it is a full circle journey, from that scared mama to PSI’s first Executive Director. It has been transformative, to be immersed in work that is constantly rewarding and illuminating, and still based on holistic models and creative solutions to improve prevention, support, and advocacy pathways for perinatal mental health. Some people go through a crisis and say they never look back. For me, and others with lived experience/expertise, it is the opposite - I often look back, with compassion for the woman I was, as if I am collecting that lonely new mom and shining a light to light the way for her to this rewarding future.

Our values at Atlas of Motherhood align with PSI’s mission to provide education support and awareness to life after birth. For those experiencing difficulties with the changes and challenges of new parenthood, what are some of the ways that PSl can help and support them?

For PSI, support begins before birth when a person is pregnant. We offer education, support groups, and a Helpline that any pregnant or postpartum helpseeker can contact. From the Helpline, in English and Spanish, our volunteers offer reassurance and connect them to local support volunteers or groups in their community. We have more than five hundred volunteers, all over the world, and we offer almost forty separate virtual support groups every week, led by our amazing, trained volunteers. Our goal is to have a support group that meets the needs of any parent. We believe and see that the power of peer support and support that arises from lived experience and community sources of resilience and healing.

What about Dove’s Under Pressure campaign spoke to you and made PSI want to get involved?

When Baby Dove reached out to us and explained their idea to highlight the pressures of the postpartum period, we were delighted to get involved. The Under Pressure video represented an honest and compassionate view of the struggle, and we related very much to that poignant honesty. Postpartum Support International is the largest perinatal mental health non-profit in the world, and we thought that our mission aligned well with the #onerealpressure campaign not only to educate about perinatal mental health on a large scale, but also to let parents know that when they need someone to turn to – we are here for them, and can connect them to the support they need when they need it most.

What we found compelling about the Under Pressure campaign is that it illustrates the normal struggles that every new mother goes through. When is it more than pressure and a mother should reach out for mental health support? Are there signs to be aware of that indicate when to seek help?

You are right - every new parent goes through the normal struggles, but at PSI we recognize that it is not just mothers. Partners, Adoptive Parents, Foster Parents, Parents who have experienced a loss, and caregivers can also experience mood disorders as a result of the pressures of new parenthood. Studies tell us that 1 in 5 to7 women and 1 in 10 men experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. When to reach out? Honestly, whenever you feel like you would like to talk to somebody who understands what you are going through and can help you see your way through.

We find that most people wait too long to reach out, as one of the risk factors for perinatal mental health disorders is in fact being overly self-reliant, perfectionistic, and not knowing how to ask for help. I would say that If you are feeling distressed, sad, confused, anxious, and basically not like yourself – and it gets worse instead of better after two weeks, it is time to reach out. But it is never too early to reach out for help. You do not need a diagnosis to reach out to us.

Through our research, we have found that other countries outside the United States support mothers through different methods of care and policies (paid family leave, pelvic floor physiotherapy, appointments within the first six weeks, subsidized childcare, etc.), what do you think is most important in improving overall maternal health and wellness - changing cultural norms or advocating for more government support?

PSI is involved in helping people where they are and with immediate resources. Changing cultural norms can help parents feel less isolated in their struggles with new parenthood, as many parents feel like they are failing if things are not going how they imagined. Government support can be helpful, too, like the new National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provided by the US Health and Human Services Department. It is the combination that is the most powerful - increased public awareness of symptoms and resources PLUS governmental and industry support for the vulnerabilities of the time through pregnancy, postpartum and perinatal loss.

PSI is supported through a lot of volunteer efforts - in what ways can others get involved and help?

Yes! We love our volunteers. There are many ways to volunteer – supporting other parents; being part of our Climb Out of the Darkness, community advocacy, fundraising, so many ways. Anyone who wishes to learn more or get involved with volunteering at PSI can contact us here: https://www.postpartum.net/join-us/volunteer/.

If you had one piece of advice for new mothers, what would it be?

“You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.” This is the PSI Universal Motto. Be kind and generous to yourself. Do not give up. Do not judge yourself or any part of your life when you are having a bad day; focus on the moment and the things you do not have to struggle with. Keep it simple, and remember that although there is no quick fix to perinatal depression or anxiety, you are going through a temporary, treatable condition that does not define you. There is hope and there is help for you. If this is a time in your life when you need more support, the wisest thing you can do is to lean into that, accept it, and let in that support you need.

Interview with Dr. Kristin Tully PhD, a leading member of the UNC School of Medicine and the 4th  Trimester Project

 Dr. Kristin Tully, PhD is a research assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UNC and a member of the Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health. She is trained in medical anthropology and developmental science. Her research focuses on the needs of birthing people and infants in the postpartum period and the ways in which health care services can be more family-centered and effective. She was a lead on the Postpartum Mental Health and Wellness in the U.S.: Realities of new motherhood whitepaper.

How did you get involved in the fourth trimester project?

The 4 th Trimester Project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a group of researchers, clinicians, and advocates who share values and sense of purpose. We founded this initiative in 2015 and continue to collaborate on research and implementation projects together for impact, with colleagues, community leaders, and birthing people. We are here for action, as part of sustained movement for more equitable and uplifting care.

There is immense opportunity to change the culture of health, maternity policies, and practices. We are striving to establish a more just, accommodating, and joyful system of care. The overarching goal of line of work is to better enable people to have positive postpartum experiences. This means much more than surviving pregnancy and the absence of postpartum complications. We want people to be safe and well, so involvement and continual growth with this line of work is deeply compelling for me.

What has your research found to be the most important needs for birthing people?

The 4th trimester is a special part of life and should be honored and protected. We need healthcare systems that are structurally competent and resourced, so that services can be appropriate for patients and their families. There is a lot of attention focused on “saving mothers,” yet the way we treat people is the place to focus. Many aspects of the US healthcare system are dysfunctional. Our ability to access services and utilize resources in a timely manner should not be a function of privilege. Health is a human right, so we can position birthing people’s autonomy, dignity, and companionship as priorities and then strengthen services around achieving those goals. Childbirth is significant life event, which is also a process that occurs along a continuum of health, development, and relationships. People are incredibly strong and capable – what many people are working on, unfortunately, is to stops harms to pregnant people, their loved ones, and their health care team members. The healthcare system, and our society more broadly, can and must be more of an ongoing resource. People need people, so healthcare navigators, doulas, nurses, midwives, home visitors, and peer supports as well as virtual resources are areas to expand and maintain.

Through our research at Atlas of Motherhood, we have identified gaps in maternal care in the U.S. compared with other countries (including paid family leave, midwifery care, pelvic floor physiotherapy, postpartum support, etc.). What has your research indicated are the most important factors to making health care services more family-centered and effective?  Are there ways for others to support and advocate for these changes?

The US system of postpartum care has not been structured to be birthing parent-focused or accommodating for parent-infant dyads or families. We can change that. Advocacy can occur on a national level with policy, with state initiatives, locally with health departments and healthcare institutions, and through meaningful patient feedback. Critically, this does NOT mean that patients should have to advocate for themselves during their health care. That’s an undue burden and unfair. We should structure care for them. There is a “Cycle to Respectful Care” that can provide a helpful approach (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8141109/?report=reader)

Your website looks like it has incredible resources and information for expecting and new parents to help support the transition into parenthood. If an expectant mother is looking for support and education, what are some of your offerings and how can they be used?

NewMomHealth.com and SaludMadre.com are open-access websites that the 4 th Trimester Project team developed and continue to expand with birthing people and clinicians. This free postpartum health information is non-commercial, which is important. No ads and no specific products. Pour objective is to provide clear, evidence-based, and relevant information. It might be helpful to browse the topic directory page (newmomhealth.com/topic-directory and saludmadre.com/directorio-de-temas), in addition to browsing the sections and using the search box.

Through your research have you focused on the impacts of social media and the ways it can affect a mother’s mental health and overall wellbeing, as well as expectations of what to expect in early motherhood?

The 4th Trimester Project partnership with Baby Dove was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the role of social media on maternal mental health and happiness. A big part of new parent life is emotional – birthing people are continuously navigating self- and infant care in the context of family and professional life. No part of that story is all positive or negative, there are trade-offs and mixed feelings at each step. Mothers who participated in the survey described the first year postpartum as a happy (13%), beautiful (12%), and a remarkable experience (10%) and at the same time described it as including stress (54%) and exhaustion (42%). That’s a lot going on and the findings also included that 70% of mothers frequently hid their true feelings (70%). There is enormous opportunity for more authentically and comprehensively supporting each other, and there are consequences of that action or inaction. I’d love for us all to validate what’s working well, normalize challenges, and overall lead with resources. There should be much more focus on preantal preparation for postpartum, and ongoing postpartum support.

If you could share one piece of advice with expecting mothers, what would it be?

I think we all need someone to listen to us, to hear what we are really saying. Ideally, that relationship can grow close enough to have that person or group be able to identify what is unsaid too. The persistent nature of motherhood is a lot, so reflect on what helps, communicate that, and accept the support that is useful for you. Try to let the rest go and be kind to yourself in the process. Hugs! Please also utilize the free, confidential maternal mental health hotline. There is 24/7 support, resources, and referrals to any pregnant and postpartum people and their loved ones, via phone and text in English and Spanish. Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746).

Interview with Sally Brown, Global Brand Director, Baby Dove

What inspired Baby Dove to create the Under Pressure campaign?

Baby Dove’s #OneRealPressure campaign is part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to bolster parents’ belief in their ability to care for their babies with confidence. This initiative amplifies and connects the voices of new moms to create a community of shared experiences, so that we can destigmatize pressures of new motherhood through transparent conversations.

Why do you think it’s so important for mothers to share their stories with expecting and new mothers?

Research suggests that many new moms don’t have the opportunity to transparently share their postpartum realities and connect with one another. Since they’re often not given the space to talk about the overwhelming challenges, many women feel pressure to be “the perfect mom” and internalize their struggles, resulting in feelings of loneliness and mental health conditions like Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression. Baby Dove recognizes the power of shared experiences, and how by destigmatizing these pressures through conversation, we can build a community that supports new moms on their postpartum journeys.

What changes do you hope to make by bringing awareness to the realities of the postpartum period?

Baby Dove hopes to inspire new moms to be open and vulnerable with each other, so that there’s more transparent conversation and less new moms who feel alone in their struggles. The brand intended to make it more commonly understood that there is a broad spectrum of pressures that new parents face, but some people also experience serious mental health conditions during the postpartum period -- one in five new moms experience Postpartum Anxiety and/or Postpartum Depression. By raising awareness of these realities and offering resources on our website, we hope to help more women identify their symptoms so that fewer will suffer in silence and talk to other moms about what they are going through.

In your campaign, you indicate 7 out of 10 mothers experience postpartum pressures. What are the postpartum pressures that new mothers experience?

After giving birth, new moms are met with a new reality at the most transformational moment of their lives. We created the “Under Pressure” film to shed light on some of the earliest and most challenging moments of motherhood, including: feeding obstacles, sleep deprivation, body changes and balancing responsibilities outside of the home. However the broad spectrum of pressures also includes more serious mental health challenges such as Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression. No matter what types of challenges new moms face, we want all parents to know: you are not alone. The film intends to build a shared sense of experience and recognize the real, unfiltered, and often unshared moments of new motherhood.

How does Dove as a company support their employees who are new parents?

Unilever’s family support for its United States employees includes: inclusive paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers, fertility support, adoption assistance, state-of-the-art mothers' rooms and free milk shipments for nursing parents, and back-up childcare options.

How can people get involved in the Under Pressure campaign, and are there ways for mothers to share their postpartum stories with Dove?

Baby Dove’s campaign aims to inspire transparent conversation about navigating the pressures of early motherhood. We encourage all moms to share their personal #OneRealPressure on social media – just one honest struggle or challenging experience during their own postpartum journey. Tag @BabyDoveCare in the posts and encourage other moms to share to support one another, too.

If you had one piece of advice for new mothers, what would it be?

You are not alone. The pressures of early motherhood can affect us moms in many ways. When you open up about these pressures through conversation, we build a community grounded in supporting one another.