I experienced postpartum depression for years without seeking help. The worst feeling as a mother is going through dark times and not understanding why. I struggled being a first-time mom but getting the right help was a turn into the right direction.
No one's ever fully prepared into motherhood.
Even though having a baby is the most miraculous event a woman can go through, it could also be followed by a difficult time.
Most women experience baby blues. Baby blues is immediate stress, anxiousness, tiredness, crankiness after giving birth. It's your body trying to adjust to your new life. As soon as your body adjusts, it goes away.
Baby blues is nothing to be concerned about, it's just a friendly welcome into mommy-hood.
But if you're experiencing any of the following:
• Can't take care of yourself or your baby • Convinced yourself that you’re not a good mother • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby • Severe unexpected mood swings/anxiety/panic attacks/outbursts • Completely isolating yourself from family and friends • Suffering from too little sleep or too much sleep • Can't bond with your baby • Lost of interest in daily tasks
You are most likely suffering from postpartum depression.
Unlike baby blues, postpartum depression is the baby blues intensified. It doesn't just go way. PPD can happen immediately after birth or it can show up months later. This can last weeks, months or even years if left untreated. 1 out of 7 women suffer some sort of postpartum depression but don't worry! PPD is treatable, it's all about reaching out and seeking the right treatment.
If you're in doubt, set up an appointment with your doctor. It's important to get clarification so you can take the appropriate steps to get back to yourself!
