When I discovered I was expecting, my first instinct was to share the news with my partner. The second thing I did was schedule a meeting with a therapist I had previously seen during my studies, as I knew I was at an elevated risk for postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety.
I had learned to accept that managing depression and anxiety would be a part of my life. There were times of relief and times of struggle, and I grew to embrace a more zen attitude about it. My approach during challenging periods included easing my workload and prioritizing self-care, reminding myself that relapses were not personal failures—just like flare-ups of chronic illnesses aren’t either. Practicing self-compassion was my anchor.
However, the prospect of experiencing PPD during my pregnancy felt different. Most of the resources I found focused on negative outcomes for both mother and baby, which heightened my fear. I worried about bonding with my little one and whether I could rise to the demands of parenthood.
Now that my baby is nine months old, I am indeed living with postpartum depression and anxiety, just as I anticipated. But it hasn’t been the overwhelming force I feared; it is manageable. I’ve learned to accept my PPD and give myself permission to navigate this journey.
1. Trust Your Baby
After my daughter’s challenging birth, I found myself anxiously rushing to the nursing station multiple times a day. An insightful nurse advised me, “Trust your baby. Observe her expressions and body language. If she seems fine, she is fine.” Babies are rarely stoic, so their cues can guide me.
2. Embrace the Bonding Process
Getting to know my infant took time. While we shared eight months in the womb, we needed to establish our connection as separate individuals. I learned that bonding is a gradual process, built through repetitive care—snuggling, feeding, and diaper changes.
3. Ditch the Midnight Googling
In the depths of night, my anxiety led me down a rabbit hole of online searches. I spiraled into worry over minor concerns like her leg rolls or a small bruise. I learned to put aside my phone and reach out to a healthcare professional instead. Once, I called a health line late at night about a concern and felt relieved to know I wasn’t alone in my worries.
4. Accept Support from Friends
My depression and anxiety often urged me to isolate myself, but I resisted. Friends stepped in to help with household chores during those overwhelming early weeks. Their support not only lightened my load but also ensured I had social interaction, which is vital for my well-being.
5. Keep Perspective
Fatigue and diminished appetite are common for me, and some days getting out of bed feels like a monumental task. However, I remind myself that my daughter enjoys her days filled with laughter and play. Although she won’t remember these early years, our love and connection will endure.
I’m grateful that my fears about PPD didn’t deter me from embracing motherhood. While this chapter may be challenging, with treatment and support, I know we’ll be okay. For further insights on navigating such experiences, please check out our resources on home insemination at Make a Mom and Healthline.
In summary, postpartum depression can feel daunting, but it is manageable with the right support and mindset. The love between parent and child can prevail through the challenges of mental health.