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I don't really talk much about motherhood outside of funny anecdotes from my kids, but listening to a friend of mine this morning reminds me that there isn't enough discussion with new mothers about PPD/PPA.
I was definitely both extremely depressed and anxious after the birth
I was definitely both extremely depressed and anxious after the birth
of my oldest. Both the pediatrician and my OB had screeners for new moms at their check-ups, but they mainly only seem focused on whether or not mom is a danger to herself/the baby.
There were no discussions about my mental state, since my answers didn't raise any red flags.
There were no discussions about my mental state, since my answers didn't raise any red flags.
I had/have extreme anxiety issues since getting pregnant with my second. Nobody picked up on it.
And that's the thing, most people I know are afraid to talk about their mental health issues, even with medical professionals. I've read the horror stories
And that's the thing, most people I know are afraid to talk about their mental health issues, even with medical professionals. I've read the horror stories
of new mothers having their baby taken away because they answered a PPD screener honestly/ asked their doctor for help with PPD/PPA, and it adds a terrifying barrier to seeking help with something that SHOULDN'T be stigmatized. There needs to be major changes in how new mothers
are treated. So often we're thrown into parenting, alone and unprepared. All new mothers should be allowed access to teletherapy in the first months after having a baby, especially if they lack a social/familial support system.
Additionally, there's the very well documented issue of "mommy wars" that takes its toll on mothers everywhere. There's a constant fighting amongst moms, especially on the "crunchy" spectrum, that discourages women from seeking help from medical professionals for
All sorts of things, whether it be childbirth, or vaccinations for children, and even mental healthcare. You're somehow viewed as less of a woman if you admit you're struggling.
I WISH I had had better influences during my first pregnancy/first years of parenting.
I WISH I had had better influences during my first pregnancy/first years of parenting.
Instead, my "Earth goddess" mama role models made me feel horrible for failing to have an intervention free birth, for vaccinating, and for not being overjoyed that my body was swollen and misshapen after pregnancy. Not everybody takes to parenthood like a duck to water,
and there's nothing wrong with that.
Just like there's nothing wrong with being anxious or depressed after having a baby.
I guess my point after this rant is that mothers need more support. We need to know that it's okay if we don't feel ourselves for days, weeks, months
Just like there's nothing wrong with being anxious or depressed after having a baby.
I guess my point after this rant is that mothers need more support. We need to know that it's okay if we don't feel ourselves for days, weeks, months
And sometimes even years after having a baby.
We need to know that it doesn't make us any less of an amazing parent to seek counseling or therapy for anxiety.
Check in with your mom friends, especially now.
We need to know that it doesn't make us any less of an amazing parent to seek counseling or therapy for anxiety.
Check in with your mom friends, especially now.
