After completing a life-altering journey of nine months and that surreal experience of having given birth to a new life, you come home with your baby in your arms and a loving family by your side.
It looks like you should be elated with all that’s happening, but instead, you seem anxious and overwhelmed with unexpected emotions. We get you and you are not alone in such a situation. In a pool of numerous emotions, you find yourself lost and can’t even recognize the reason.
Perhaps, what you are experiencing is postpartum depression. Let us know more about postpartum depression, why it happens and what measures new mothers can take to cope with this condition.
What is postpartum depression (PPD)?
Postpartum depression is a medical condition many women experience after giving birth to a child. New mothers can notice having strong sadness, anxiety, and being tired almost all the time; leading to ignoring both the baby’s and their own well-being.
This condition typically starts between weeks 1 to 3 after having a baby and can persist if not tended to. A kind of perinatal depression, PPD may occur during pregnancy or in the first year of giving birth.
It is said nowadays that parenthood is a shared responsibility but can anybody deny the fact that mothers generally take up the heavier load? Right from the gradual changes in your body to sudden mood swings, there are uncountable things a woman has to put up with. All this while trying their best to take care of the baby.
What could be a huge relief in such a situation?
It’s not much that they ask for. A genuine sense of sharing duties from a partner; a strong & supportive family they can rely on for love and care; and a rekindled self-love and acceptance of who they are becoming.
Some well-known faces emphasizing the importance of love & support while dealing with PPD
We understand that it must be easier for celebrities to undergo the unpleasant experiences of the initial motherhood days than for a regular mom dealing with the everyday struggles of life. Of course, celebrities have it easy with all the help they can avail at any given point, but some internal human experiences evade no one. Let’s have a look at some known faces talking openly about PPD times.
Sameera Reddy
After becoming a mother in 2015, Sameera has been quite open about admitting the horrific experiences she had. Be it about her excessive weight gain which touched 102kgs, or about feeling totally disconnected with her newborn. It is natural to look down upon oneself and be apathetic towards the baby for the time being but what matters here the most is a support system that stands by you like a pillar and teaches you to walk on the path of self-love once again.
Mandira Bedi
“I did not fall in love with my baby the moment I saw him,” said Mandira Bedi while recalling her post-partum depression days. When a new member enters your life asking for all your time & attention, your freedom can feel threatened. It takes time for the mother to come to terms with this new life and slowly love the baby with all they have. In these times, Mandira says, one needs the full cooperation of those close to them. We cannot emphasize enough the impact of emotional empathy.
Why it happens
While we don't know exactly what causes postpartum depression (PPD), researchers have some ideas about factors that might contribute to it. PPD can affect any woman after giving birth, and scientists think it may be due to a combination of things, such as:
- Hormonal changes
- Physical exhaustion from childbirth and caring for a newborn
- Emotional stress of becoming a parent
- Lack of sleep
- Changes in daily routine and responsibilities
- Possible genetic factors
- Previous history of depression or anxiety
It's important to remember that PPD is not the mother's fault, and it doesn't mean she's a bad parent. It's a medical condition that can be treated with proper support and care.
How it shows up
Here are some common changes a new mother might experience if she is developing postpartum depression.
Notice how you feel
- Staying depressed most of the day every day
- Feeling shame, guilt or like a failure
- Getting panicked or scared a lot of the time
- Having severe mood swings
What does your typical day look like
- Having little to no interest in things you normally like to do
- Feeling tired almost all the time
- Eating a lot more or a lot less than you normally do
- Gaining or losing weight unconsciously
- Having difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Having trouble focusing or making decisions
How you look at yourself and your baby
- Bonding with your baby seems tough
- Thinking of hurting the baby in some way
- Having self-destructive thoughts
Coping with postpartum depression
If you see any of the signs resonating clearly with your situation, call your healthcare provider for instant assistance. Involve your immediate family and go for a thorough check-up with a mental health expert as this is completely treatable. Tending to your mental and emotional health becomes a critical step in your motherhood journey as it can greatly impact your child’s development and your own happiness.
As a new mom, this journey should be a pleasant one in every form and you deserve to have a beautiful and fulfilling experience, especially at the beginning of this journey.
The gist of it
In the end, it's important to remember that postpartum depression is a common experience for many new mothers, and it's okay to ask for help. Even though the early days of motherhood can feel overwhelming and confusing, it's essential to take care of yourself and recognize that you're not alone. There are supportive resources and treatments available that can help you navigate these challenging emotions and find joy in your new journey.
Lean on your loved ones, reach out for professional support, and remember that it's okay to feel what you're feeling. With the right help, you can find your way through this difficult time and enjoy the beautiful moments of motherhood. You're stronger than you think, and brighter days are ahead. You deserve to feel happy and fulfilled as you embark on this incredible journey with your little one.
