Our bodies go through a lot of changes during pregnancy. Our hormones get out of whack. Our bodies stretch in places we never would have imagined, our chemical balance in our brains change. After the baby is here, moms body is still going through changes. Our uterus has to shrink back to size, our breasts are leaking milk. Our brains chemicals are still adjusting on top of sleepless nights. It is a lot to go through.
Many women don’t recognize the signs of postpartum depression. Little did I know, there are two forms of it. I found this out after having my first child. 1. Mom wants nothing to do with the baby after its born. 2. Mom wants no one else having anything to do with caring for the baby. I had the second version. I didn’t realize it at the time, I thought I was simply momming. I was paranoid over everything with my daughter. Nobody else was allowed to keep her, feed her, change her, bathe her… anything. I almost killed myself via lack of sleep due to biting off anyone who tried helping me’s head. If my daughter coughed, I called the doctor. If she cried and I didn’t understand the cry, I called the doctor. I mean, when I say I was ridiculous right after she was born, I mean that 100%. Her pediatrician became concerned and asked me some questions about some of my behaviors. That is what got me to go to my doctor and find out what was going on.
My doctor asked me if I had heard of Postpartum depression, and I scoffed. “Psh…. Yes, I have heard of it and no that’s not an issue with me. I want everything to do with my baby to ensure it’s done correctly.” That’s when he informed me that there are in fact two different forms of it. After that, we worked on some things and got through it. Afterwards, I realized I couldn’t take care of my daughter if I didn’t also take time to take care of myself. I mean I was so concerned about SIDS that I refused to sleep. I had to look at her and check on her every five minutes. I went on a couple hours of sleep for over a 2 week period…. I finally crashed. My body said, “woman, if you ain’t making yourself sleep…. Ill make you sleep!” And I crashed hard. I remember when I fell asleep it was dark, when I woke up it was daylight. I jumped out of my bed and ran to my daughters bassinet to check on her. She was sleeping well. I sat down…. Took a deep breath and in that moment I decided the doctor was right. What if my body had have crashed like that while I was holding her? Feeding her? Bathing her, even? All super terrifying situations. As hard as it was for me, I accepted help from my family. I learned to go to sleep instead of checking on her 24/7. It was then, that I realized how much more I was able to actually enjoy being a mom verses constantly worrying and draining my health in the process.
Postpartum depression is very real. I personally think that it deserves more attention. If you are a new mom or if you live with a new mom, married to a new mom or even just know a new mom….please pay attention and watch for signs of postpartum depression. Remember to be understanding and without judgment. Offer your help, but respect the answer mom gives you. If you notice any signs of postpartum depression please gently advise mom to go to the doctor and look into it. Don’t be ashamed to seek help and guidance. Momming isn’t always easy. Post pregnancy mind and body also isn’t always easy. Keep your head up, you’ve got this mama’s!!!!!!!
Anonymommy 