Postpartum Issues

There are a few types of emotional and mental issues, the most common being:

Baby Blues –

• affects 50% of 85% of mothers
• symptoms last up to two weeks
• symptoms could include – mood swings, anxiety, sadness, irritability, crying, feeling overwhelmed, reduced concentration, appetite problems, trouble sleeping

Postpartum Depression – 

• affects 13% of mothers
• symptoms can begin immediately and up to a year postpartum
• symptoms could include – depressed mood, sever mood swings, excessive crying, intense irritability & anger, sever anxiety, difficulty bonding with baby, insomnia or sleeping too much, reduced interest in activities you used to enjoy, feelings of guilt or inadequacy, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• symptoms, especially untreated, can last for many months if not longer

(note that postpartum depression is much more severe than the baby blues)

Postpartum Psychosis – 

• affects 0.1% to 0.2% of mothers
• symptoms begin in the first three months postpartum
• symptoms could include – depressed mood, confusion, disorientation, obsessive thoughts about your baby, hallucinations, delusions, sleep disturbances, paranoia, attempts to harm yourself or your baby
• signs and symptoms are more severe and require immediate treatment

(note that postpartum psychosis is the most severe from the three)

Now, these are the definite facts. Let’s move onto personal experience. My experience with emotional and mental issues would fall under the ‘Baby Blues’. I was really fortunate that my case was very mild. I already have anxiety and it can be triggered from something superficial and insignificant. So you can imagine I was pretty surprised that I was doing well for the most part. I did have an expectation while I was pregnant that after I deliver the baby, emotionally I would be a wreck. I believe that it’s important to talk about this because a lot of women don’t. Some believe that they will appear to be weak, some think that others will believe they are not a fit mother, and some even think that they will appear to not be able to handle the responsibilities of being a mother. Let me start by saying, who cares what other people think? 

You need to remember that you definitely have a responsibility to take care of yourself so that you can take care of your baby. It’s OKAY to ask for help when you feel like you need it. Don’t wait until you feel like you’re drowning. I pray that you all have a support system that you can ask help from. And if you don’t, there are professionals that can help you as well. If you don’t reach out and instead hide from the world, nobody will know that you are in need of help.

I think one of the biggest part of this is that most are afraid to ask for the help because they are afraid of appearing like they aren’t able to handle motherhood. That’s not the case at all. This has a lot to do with hormonal issues that you have no control over so you can stop blaming yourself. What I can say, is that if you can comprehend that you need help and you’re choosing not to ask for it, you’re definitely making it worse. Don’t be afraid and ASK. Even if you’re asking to step outside for 20 minutes for a breath of fresh air. That makes a huge difference. Being a mother is like having at least 3 full time jobs if not more. Right?

None of this is your fault, you should not ignore it as it will not go away on its own, you are not a bad mother, and it is very common. Don’t take the blame for something that is for the most part out of your control, but you definitely have the ability to help yourself if you ask for it.

You’re not alone and there are millions of mothers that are going through the same thing you are, some are milder and some are much worse. At the end of it all, you will get through this and come out stronger than ever. You are an amazing mother and we all know it. Do you?

Give yourself credit for all that you have done and are still doing for your baby and family. Afterall, only a supermom can BE a mom.

I hope that you have a blessed Tuesday wherever you are in the world.

With lots of love,

Mariam