Postpartum depression

  Try walking into a mall,church or anywhere perhaps. At random, point out 5-7 newborn moms. According to the American academy of pediatrics, at least one of these women suffer from postpartum depression A.K.A PPD.

These mothers are prepared for the sleepless nights,the diaper changes and the crazy feeding schedules. They're certainly not prepared to feel overwhelmed, anxious and sad just after experiencing what could have been the happiest moment of their lives. So let's talk about PPD,shall we?

What is postpartum depression?

Postpartum depression is simply depression that happens after birth. Most new moms experience postpartum "baby blues" a few days after birth. This usually begins about 2 to 3 days after birth and could last about two weeks. It usually includes;anxiety,crying spells and difficulty sleeping. This is not postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a more severe and longer lasting type of depression that could last up to a year after delivery. People with postpartum depression could have severe mood swings,difficulty caring for their babies,anxiety, fatigue and guilt. Some of these symptoms can be seen in Hope,a new mom;22 days postpartum. 

Hope: my postpartum depression story

I'm about to lose my mind.

I wanted this,so bad. My fertility journey drained me. But It was so worth it. After series of drugs,two failed IVF attempts combined with the most traumatic birth story known to mankind,I finally got LJ. And I've never been more happier. I just can't bring myself to show it,or hold her,or even hold myself. And I feel like the absolute worst.

It's been 22 days since I had layla-jade,and nothing still tops the moment I first held her in my arms. I've never understood, and would have never understood the feeling of a mother,even if I was told about it for a million years. It wasn't the sort of feeling you had to be told about,it was the sort of feeling that you had to actually feel. As I held her in my arms those first few minutes in the world,The surge of protectiveness i felt,overwhelmed me. it felt as if nothing else mattered, and in that moment,I felt like I would lay down my life for this child who had a lifetime of opportunities ahead of her.

Fast forward to 22 days later,and i feel like I don't deserve this beautiful child. She's so pure,so perfect and untainted. She's everything I'm not. And i think she hates me. 

I just want these feelings to go away.

I'm trying to drown myself in my own thoughts,when i spot my best friend maria,resting on the doorframe,holding a fussy LJ in her arms and watching me with the most pitiful expression I've seen in a while.

I heave a sigh. "Don't look at me like that,I'm good".

She takes a few steps rounds the corner,and sits on the bed.

"Hope,you've not stepped out of this room since you had LJ. you've barely slept, hardly eaten,and only held her to nurse her,you can't possibly be "good". She says all of this in one breath,that it takes a struggle to hear all she said.

I sigh,again. I don't need this right now.

"I'm fine Maria, I'm just tired. I just pushed a freaking baby out of me,didn't I?"

I didn't mean to sound so harsh, but I already said it,and I'm not sorry.

LJ starts crying, and ria places a kiss on her forehead,and hushes her back to sleep. I wince,my own child hates my voice. Ria speaks up again, this time, much more calm; "babe,I think we need to get you help".

These are some of the symptoms of postpartum depression. 

Symptoms 

🫧. Severe mood swings

🫧. Lack of interest in anything.

🫧. Feeling sad,worthless,guilty or inadequate. 

🫧. Crying excessively or for no reason. 

🫧. Lack of appetite. 

🫧. Difficulty bonding with your infant.

🫧. Fear that you're not a good enough mother.

🫧. Inability to sleep(insomnia) or sleeping too much.

🫧. Intense irritability.

  Prevalence and Statistics 

Here are a few statistics on postpartum depression (PPD):

1. 1 in 7 new mothers experience PPD: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), approximately 15% of new mothers suffer from PPD.

2. 500,000 new cases in the US each year: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that around 500,000 new cases of PPD emerge in the United States annually.

3. PPD affects 1 in 5 new mothers globally: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 20% of new mothers worldwide experience PPD.

4. 65% of new mothers experience the "baby blues": The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that around 65% of new mothers experience mild symptoms of depression, known as the "baby blues."

5. PPD can occur up to 1 year postpartum: While PPD is often associated with the early postpartum period, it can occur anytime within the first year after giving birth.

The unspoken truths

🫧. It is important to know that postpartum depression is not a character flaw. Sometimes, it could just be a birth complication.

🫧. The statistics above prove that PPD is actually way more common than you think. You'd be surprised at the amount of people going through the same if only you speak up.

🫧. PPD can strain relationships with partners,family and friends. If you notice any of these symptoms in your partner,friend or family member,be kind to them,be patient with them. Friends like Maria are a treasure in these times.

Seeking help and support

If you are feeling depressed or any of the symptoms above,you may be reluctant or even embarrassed to admit it. But it is important to note that PPD can even affect your bonding with your baby. You should schedule an appointment with your Gynecologist or Obstetrician if you experience any of these symptoms. Here are some coping strategies you could try:

🫧.Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's reading a book, taking a bath, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness or meditation.

🫧.Set Realistic Expectations: Don't pressure yourself to do everything perfectly. Set achievable goals for each day and celebrate small victories.

🫧.Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. Delegate tasks and share responsibilities to lighten your load.

🫧.Limit Stress: Identify stress triggers and try to minimize them. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation.

🫧Monitor Your Thoughts: Be mindful of negative thought patterns. Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive thoughts.

Books and resources 

🫧. "This isn't what I expected" by Karen R. Kleiman.

🫧. "Down came the rain" by Brooke shields.

🫧. Postpartum support International(PSI)

🫧. The blue dot project.

Conclusion 

Postpartum depression does not make you a bad mother. It could be caused by a myriad of factors which are out of your control. Seeking help and speaking up are two of the most important things you could do during this time. And if you're family to an individual experiencing PPD,be kind,be understanding. Especially now that you know better. Tell me in the comments, Before now,have you ever heard of PPD and how can we as a community, support people navigating postpartum depression?