<I’m gonna hand the mic over to Megan here for this topic as I have no personal experience with this one. I just want to tell all y’all that have experienced it that you are fierce warrior chicks and I can’t even fathom the strength required to power through depression on top of fluctuating hormones and sleep deprivation. You’re literally wonder woman and you rock. So here is Megan’s experience and what worked for her. You need to try any and all things to find what works for you and not apologize for it, not listen to anyone else, and not feel guilty for taking help in whatever form you need it.>
Okay lets talk about Postpartum depression…….
Its an ugly monster of a topic. And it effects 1 in 7 new mothers out there. Postpartum depression is more than just “feeling down” or having the “baby blues”. The stress and sadness you experience can paralyze you emotionally and leave you feeling hopeless. It’s something I never knew too much about, until it happened to me.
My first pregnancy was like any other. She was a “happy accident” and the entire pregnancy was easy peasy. After having my first, I experienced nothing but happy yet completely exhausted bliss. Fast forward six years later and we became blessed with another pregnancy, after trying for a very long time. Everything was perfect. And in a matter of minutes, it wasn’t. Two months into my pregnancy, I had a miscarriage. My entire body was in pain and the emotional anguish wasn’t any better. I wasn’t wanting to give up on my dream of giving my daughter a sibling, so I continued to try for that dream. Three months later, we became pregnant again. This pregnancy was filled with anxiety and fear for the entire nine months and into the delivery room. All I wanted was to see those perfect little eyes looking at me, happy and healthy. Our prayers were answered and now I was a mother of two perfect little people.
My postpartum started to sneak up on me slowly. At the beginning, I thought it was just sleep deprivation mixed with my inability to adjust to this new life of having absolutely no time to myself. Factor in the lack of showering, constant breastfeeding, and limited social interaction, its easy to lose your identity during this time. At some point I thought I would get my “groove back”. I thought that I would one day get that feeling like I could actually take on the day with success, but I noticed each day was getting harder and harder. The things I loved and enjoyed no longer brought a smile to my face. I was an emotional mess. I cried all the time, and in times that it certaintly didn’t call for it. I started to resent my beautiful babies and not really want to spend any time with them. Something inside wasn’t right, and it was robbing me of life’s most beautiful moments.
After realizing my symptoms were reminiscent of postpartum depression, I called my doctor right away. I explained how I was feeling, and the doctor proceeded to talk to me about medication. I knew I didn’t want to use medication, even the breastfeeding friendly kind, because it just wasn’t my jam. I wanted to handle my issues free of medicine. It was the more difficult choice to make, but it was my choice. In order to tackle PPD minus medication, it was going to require some serious mental strength. I did find a way to make it on the other side of PPD with a few homeopathic methods. These are the ones I recommend:
1. TALK IT OUT
You are NOT alone on this. This is not your fault. The more you talk to your doctor, counselor, therapist, or friend about your feelings, the less likely they will manifest into something bigger or harmful. If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self harm , call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
2. PRENATAL YOGA
I know that sounds weird, because prenatal yoga is meant for when the baby is still in the tummy. But the methods used in prenatal yoga are meant to find a sense of calm and inner happiness. It causes you to relax and unwind, while stretching your body out and bringing blood to the brain, releasing those happy feelings and causing you to think and function at a much healthier rate. I practiced it every morning and it drastically changed my mood for the day.
3. RE CONNECT WITH YOUR HOBBY
Find something you enjoy and dive into it. Focus your energy on something that creates rather than destroys. I know it seems silly to develop a hobby while your world is nothing but dirty diapers and throw up, but even an hour away to do yoga, attend a painting class, or learn to skateboard can make you feel more like an actual person again.
4. WORK OUT LIKE A BOSS
Exercise can help lift your spirits. Once you’ve recovered from giving the gift of life, try to get some workouts in a few times a week. They don’t even have to be strenuous, but getting that heart rate up will help those blues feel less terrible. It’s not about getting that perfect bod back, its about getting that smile back, one day at a time.
Whatever your postpartum journey is, know youre not alone. I relied on friends and family to get me through, but there are many websites that cater to helping women experiencing postpartum depression. You’re a kick ass human being that just created life from your body. It’s a freaking miracle what you have done. Allow yourself time to heal and don’t be ashamed to ask for help from those around you. Be open with your depression and know in time it will subside. You got this babe.
