I remember it like it was yesterday, even though years have passed. Sleep deprivation. Waking up to breastfeed every 1.5 hours like clock work. Checking to see if baby was breathing. Changing the baby, bathing the baby, feeding the baby, walking the baby in our stroller daily, making meals, managing the laundry, sneaking in a quick shower or a quick snack. Feeling so isolated, missing my profession, feeling guilty for crying or being irritable, feeling inadequate for not being better organized, happier or grateful for my baby. Feeling there was no one to ask for help.
Even though I didn't drink alcohol as I was breatfeeding, I ate well-balanced meals and got regular exercise and my partner was a great co-parent, the symptoms were intense and persistant. I didn't realize until my second birth, that what I had experienced was postpartum depression.
It is vitally important for you as new parent to be to become aware of the symptoms and check in with each other frequently. Learn to advocate for yourself and become aware of the signs and symptoms of postpartum. Just like your little one, you derserve to be cared for. Postpartum depression (PPD) is like other depressive episodes and is treatable. Here is a great tool to become aware of the signs. https://perinatology.com/calculators/Edinburgh%20Depression%20Scale.htm
Try not to wait until after the baby has arrived to make the part of your planning for wellbeing. Before and after Baby Arrives (Post Partum) here are strategies for both parents to assist with maternal recovery and parental mental wellbeing.
1. Eat a well-balanced diet
2. Avoid alcohol
3. Get regular exercise
4. Get enough sleep (seriously)
5. Drink 8-12 glasses of water each day
6. Connect with others face to face once weekly at a minimum
7. Manage stress by
a. Take/give frequent baby breaks
b. Nap/rest/relax during the day -music, stretching, garden, crafts…do what you
enjoy
c. get outdoors daily
d. co-parent baby in all events and daily functions
e. talk about your symptoms of well-being FREQUENTLY with your partner or family or friend
Jocelyn Gallagher
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