The arrival of a newborn is a beautiful occasion, but it often brings about a complex and sometimes challenging emotional landscape for new mothers. Postpartum depression (PPD), a prevalent yet often overlooked reality, shadows the journey of many women after childbirth.
In this blog, we dive straight into the heart of PPD—what it is, what fuels it, and the raw experiences of mothers who've confronted it head-on.
PPD is a mood disorder and can impact approximately 1 in 5 women after giving birth, making it a relatively common mental health concern. Symptoms of PPD are generally more severe and last longer than ‘baby blues’. Characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion, PPD can significantly impact a new mother's ability to care for herself and her baby.
Justine, Mother of three and Lowanna Birth & Postpartum Doula
Justine's journey through traumatic C-Section experiences became a gateway to PPD. Looking back, she carried the weight of feeling like a failure for not being able to give birth 'naturally,' compounded by a challenging recovery. Over time, Justine transformed into a shell of herself. As she looks back on photos of herself now, she sees a vacant stare, a reminder of the difficulty she faced in bonding with her children. Tears were frequent, and the struggle to be a good mother became overwhelming, eventually leading to dark thoughts of self-harm.
Isolated and alone without the right support network, Justine finally found the help she needed after a tough conversation with a trusted friend. Determined not to relive the same experience with her third child, she discovered her power and voice. Rallying her village for support, she engaged someone to cook meals, requested friends to clean up after themselves, and set essential boundaries. With a laugh, she advises, "don't worry about bringing a fluffy toy – help me cook and clean."
Inspired by her journey, Justine became a Birth and Postpartum doula, partnering with Lowanna to spare other women from a similar ordeal. Her advice to new moms? “Rest, recover, and bond with baby”.
Elain, Lowanna Mother of two
Elaine, a mother within the Lowanna community (name changed for privacy), graciously shares her parallel journey of isolation and self-doubt. The arrival of her second baby, Leo, coincided with a significant move from Sydney to Canada alongside her partner, uprooting her from the presence of family and friends. 'I found myself cut off, with no one to lean on,' she reflects.
Elaine grappled with feelings of failure and anxiety, not only due to the challenges of bonding with Leo in an environment of sleepless nights and breastfeeding difficulties but also her loss of personhood and sense of identity. As Elaine recounts, ‘in the span of a week, I went from being a full-time worker to a full-time stay-at-home mom’, constantly ruminating about the uncertainty ahead. Elaine began isolating herself, finding no joy in her surroundings and seeking refuge in mindless activities or sleep.
The turning point for Elaine emerged during a visit to her local GP, who referred her to a psychologist. Embracing self-care became paramount in steering her journey towards positive change. 'I cherished those moments to myself; taking baths became a sanctuary for relaxation and reflection'.
Postpartum depression (PPD) manifests through a range of emotional, physical, and behavioural symptoms that can significantly impact a new mother's well-being.
Emotional symptoms can include: persistent feelings of sadness, overwhelming anxiety, irritability, detachment from the baby
Physical symptoms can include: changes in appetite, disruptions in sleep pattern, persistent fatigue
Behavioural symptoms can include: trouble bonding with baby, withdrawal from loved ones, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, persistent thoughts of guilt and worthlessness and in severe cases, harming oneself or the baby
It's important to note that PPD symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, and seeking timely support from healthcare professionals is crucial for proper diagnosis and effective management.
Seeking support from healthcare professionals, therapists, or support groups is vital for the effective management and the promotion of a healthy, nurturing postpartum experience. Treatment options can include:
Trauma and behavioural therapy: Providing a safe space for mothers to explore and understand their feelings while developing coping strategies
Support groups: Unfortunately, the shame surrounding PPD is very prevalent, and many women worry about the judgment from speaking up about their mental health. Establishing a strong support system and getting professional help is critical to the journey toward recovery
Antidepressant medication: Under the guidance of a healthcare professional
Contrary to a common myth, PPD is not rare.
Onset Timing: Symptoms can emerge at any time within the first year, with many occurrences in the first few weeks.
Birth Trauma Impact: 1 in 3 women in Australia experience birth trauma, significantly impacting postpartum journeys and triggering PPD.
Lowanna supports mothers during one of the most challenging yet empowering periods in motherhood: the months after birth. Our services include compassionate doulas offering emotional, physical and practical support; expert infant care; guidance on breastfeeding and sleep, as well as assistance with housekeeping and home-cooked meals.
At Lowanna, we are dedicated to walking alongside mothers, providing support throughout the transformative fourth trimester journey.
Book an obligation free chat today to learn more.
