Now that your precious baby is here…
How are you feeling? Emotional, exhausted, overwhelmed, and yet, so in love?
Are you struggling? Maybe not recovering as you wished.
Where are your support people? Friends? Family? Spouse?
Having a baby can be the most trying time for new parents. You want it to appear like all things are going perfectly, but honestly, you are suffering inside. Getting up, a shower, and even feeding yourself are tasks that are met with difficulty.
You are not alone!
Many new parents find themselves in a time of despair. They are desperate to reclaim their bodies and life as they once knew it. As many as 1 in 7 women suffer from Postpartum Depression.
Did you know that men can also suffer postnatally? Yes, it is true. PPND (Paternal Postnatal Depression) can have crippling, lifelong effects. 1 in 4 new fathers may experience PPND. PPND is more common when the spouse is also suffering from Postpartum Depression.
Here is what to look for:
Women
Mood swings
Uncontrollable weeping
Lack of bonding with your baby
Withdrawing from others
Loss or excessive appetite
Insomnia or Hypersomnia
Extreme fatigue or statements of no energy
Little to no interest in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed
Intense irritability and anger
Worry of being a failure or not a good mother
Overwhelming emotions
Inability to focus or think clearly
Excessive stress, anxiety and/or panic attacks
Recurrent thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Men
Insomnia or Hypersomnia
Hormonal changes
History of depression
Spousal Tension
Strained relationship with family
Excessive stress about becoming a parent
Poor social functioning
Intense irritability and anger
Lack of support from others
Financial difficulties
Exclusion from the mother and baby bond
Recurrent thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Make the Call
Unfortunately, many parents of newborns suffer in silence, with no idea of where to turn or who to call. They fail to recognize the symptoms and fall further into the hole of depression.
Both Postpartum Depression and Paternal Postnatal Depression can be treated. Help is available; your midwife, doctor, and/or hospital will have resources for you. This is a serious matter and you need to seek a professional.
Call your care provider as soon as possible, if the signs and symptoms:
Don't fade after two weeks or are suicidal in nature
Are getting constant or debilitating
Make it hard for you to care for your baby or yourself
Have thoughts of harming your baby or other children
As a doula and a counselor, I have seen the beauty of mothers and fathers being restored after treatment. Their families have thrived and the bond with their children was better than ever! You are worth it!