postpartum

“Do you experience feeling sad or down lately?” – was a familiar question at any doctor’s office for the first few weeks after birth. However, at 2 months postpartum (pp), when I was asked this question at my pediatrician’s office, it didn’t feel like rhetoric. I wanted to say YES. I was apprehensive, and reluctant, withdrew, and said NO. Postpartum depression is real. I had a slightly traumatic birth experience, and recovery was hard. I had an epidural administered twice, pushed for 6 hours, however, the epidural was discontinued during birth – lightly put, this was just the beginning. I am not going to go into the gloomy details of it, nor do I want to want to relive it, because, at the end of it, I had a beautiful baby boy. The reason for PPD is never fully understood. Some say it could be hormones, some say it could be a past trauma, and some completely dismiss it. Nonetheless, I am not trying to make a case for or speculate if PPD is real, and neither am I going to describe the gory details of my labor. Instead, I want to focus on how to empower oneself if faced with this situation. Like how every pregnancy is unique or every child is unique, so is every woman’s postpartum and recovery. Each woman’s experience is different, her healing and her recovery strategy. Instead of this post being a singular experience, I reached out to a few moms to share their experiences. The question asked was “Did you experience postpartum depression? If yes, how did you overcome it?”. I am not an expert in this field, but hey! Here are my 2 cents to support any new mom. Educate yourself In combating PPD educating oneself on the difference between baby blue and depression is critical. During pregnancy, I discussed with my husband the possible sadness and mood swings that I might experience during postpartum and how he can support me. I asked him to avoid dismissive language like “Calm down” or “try to relax” when I was already agitated. This preparation can lead to a more supportive and aware environment. I had the slightest form of PPD. However I was able to overcome it quickly. After the baby is born, hormones can be all over the place for new moms. I found myself constantly crying for no reason. I was aware of PPD and signs and symptoms. I had a discussion with my family members and told them how I was feeling. My grandmother who can be staying with me during that time took a great effort to make sure I was feeling ok. She supported me all ways – breastfeeding, taking care of the baby, cooking yummy and healthy food. She insisted that I pump and bottle feed so that I can get some rest. For me, the feeling of prioritizing new mom along with the baby helped me get over it quickly. This couldn’t have been possible without supportive family members.– New Mom 1 Take care of yourself As a new mother, it’s essential to prioritize self-care during the postpartum period. The stress of caring for a newborn can quickly take a toll on your mental and physical health. But it’s crucial to remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary. It’s a way to refill your cup, so you can be the best version of yourself for your baby. Whether it’s a simple cup of coffee, a trip to the nail salon, or a night out with friends, these small moments of self-care can have a big impact on your overall well-being. I made an effort to schedule in some “ME time,” even if it meant coordinating with family or friends to help with the baby. Remember, you’re not just a mom, you’re also a person with your own needs and desires. Your family and loved ones want you to be happy and healthy, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Taking care of yourself will ultimately benefit everyone around you. I started going out for day trips and vacations to overcome it. – New Mom 2 Lean on your village The pressure of caring for a newborn, coupled with physical limitations during postpartum, can take a heavy toll on a mother’s mental health. I found myself in this situation, as I wanted to help my mother who was tirelessly doing all the work, but I was struggling with my own limitations and physical changes. The self-inflicted pressure to keep up with my pre-baby pace added to my stress and eventually led to postpartum depression. However, I soon realized that I was healing, and my body was not letting me down, but rather it was trying to recover from childbirth. This is when my baby sister stepped in to help. Her presence was a true blessing and an all-hands-on-deck situation. The added support was nothing short of a miracle and showcased the importance of having family by your side during this challenging time. At 2 months, my father even flew from India because I wanted him by my side. This emotional support helped me so much during this difficult time. If you’re going through postpartum depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to your family for help and support. They can be an invaluable source of comfort and strength during this time, and having them by your side can make all the difference in your journey towards recovery. I was never shamed by my family for not being able to breastfeed. My husband was a constant support.– New Mom 3 Seek help The cry of a 2-week-old baby, echoing through the night for hours on end, is a distress that no new parent should have to bear. For many months, my family and I struggled with the unrelenting colic of our own baby. We sought answers from our pediatrician, tried countless remedies, and were determined to ease our little one’s discomfort. Despite our