Redefining Joy

Joy is often envisioned as a state of ease and comfort, yet the reality of new motherhood can be filled with challenges like sleep deprivation and anxiety. The experience of caring for a newborn can trigger hypervigilance and even lead to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, blurring the lines between joy and stress. Many new mothers may find that their expectations of joy do not align with reality, leading to feelings of disappointment and confusion.