Postpartum can be a beautiful and very difficult journey for every mother. Whether you are processing a difficult and traumatic birth, struggling with your new life with your newborn, going through the loss of your sweet baby, struggling with breastfeeding, navigating new struggles in your marriage during postpartum, or going through postpartum depression; it can feel very overwhelming, lonely, and dark at times. Mama, just know that you are not alone. It may feel like eternity, but it will only be a short chapter in your life.
With the challenges that come from postpartum, it is very important to take care yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically. When you don’t take time to take care of yourself, it can negatively impact your mental health, and lead to deeper postpartum depression.
Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:
- mood swings
- irritability
- sadness
- trouble making decisions
- changes in appetite
- feeling like you can’t cope
- crying
- feeling worried and anxious
- panic attacks
- hopelessness
- lack of joy
- don’t want to be alone with baby
- fear of harm coming to baby
- obsessive thoughts or actions
- self-harm thoughts
Remember, your ability to mother is NOT related to how you are feeling postpartum. Your body just went through the most amazing thing ever, and it will take a toll on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is why it is so important to take time to take care of yourself.
Here are some easy things you can do to help with postpartum depression and in taking care of yourself:
- Get outside for 20 min in the sun each day
- Move your body for 20 min each day (take a walk, do yoga, or stretch)
- Provide opportunities to be mindful or do a meditation
- Take your prenatals
- Drink plenty of water
- Stick to high-protein, well-balanced diet
- Do something special for yourself
- Prioritize rest and sleep
- Talk to an adult about how you feel for at least five minutes/day
- Ask for help
You may think, “This list is nice, but I am still struggling”. Take time to talk to a trusted adult, especially a mom, who can help you in postpartum journey. You can seek support from:
- a Postpartum Support Group or Therapist
- a Friend and Seek Out a Supportive Community
- a Postpartum Doula or Lactation Consultant
We hold events such as lactations groups from the TLC and Mothering the Mother, and other events to watch out for to help support you sweet mamas in your journey. Below are some resources and podcasts to further help you in your postpartum journey when taking care of you and your mental health.
As the The Utah Birth Place, our mission is not only to help you in your pregnancy, but in your postpartum journey. Reach out to us anytime you are in need of help! Your are loved and very precious.
Resources/Tools:
The Utah Birth Place Facebook Events
Postpartum Support International
- Call PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773
- Text “Help” to 800-944-4773
- https://www.postpartum.net/
Find a Mental Health Therapist Near You.
Podcasts from My Essential Birth on Navigating Postpartum