by Tashinga Mhenyu
You know how they say the first time you see your baby it’s like love at first sight or how some say motherhood comes 'naturally', well this is not always the case for everyone. Most women experience some form of the baby blues as they adjust to motherhood. Other women experience what is called Postpartum Depression (PPD). While the baby blues are more common and associated with occasional feelings of sadness, PPD is much more serious and prolonged.
PPD is a type of depression that affects some women after giving birth. It does not mean that a mother does not love her baby but is actually a psychological disorder that can easily be treated by a medical professional once identified. It can be treated through counselling, support groups, hormone therapy or medication.
Common Feelings Associated with PPD
Lack of interest in new baby
Frequent irritability
Feeling rejected or detached when struggling with baby especially if baby cries a lot or struggles to breastfeed
Feeling trapped
Feeling guilty
Loss of appetite and libido
Panic attacks
Insomnia
Thoughts of harming yourself or new baby
PPD is often triggered by a number of factors for instance hormonal imbalances, complicated or difficult labour and birth, lack of family support or even a history of mental health challenges. It is important that maternal mental health is demystified and that new mothers are supported.
Ways we can support new mothers
Being a mom is hard and support structures are essential. Family can play a key role.
In Zimbabwean traditional culture practices there is a process known as “kusungirwa”. This is when a pregnant woman goes to live with her maternal family just before giving birth until an agreed upon period, usually when the new born is around six weeks old. This is done to support the new mom, allow her to rest and recover and help her cope with the extended responsibility of motherhood. This reduces the likelihood of the new mum feeling overwhelmed.
Similarly having friends and family around to help with some chores and baby care allows new mums to get some much needed rest to be able to better take care of the baby. Mothers also benefit from conversation and emotional support to prevent them from slipping into depression alone.
Patience and kindness are also essential form of support for new mothers. When we surround mothers with support they thrive and are also able to practice self-kindness allowing them to best care for their babies without worrying about perfection.
To all the new mothers out there our message is this- It is ok not to be ok and It’s ok to be scared. Look around you to identify your support structures and allow them to help you. Make use of online resources and talk to your doctor if you have any of the common symptoms associated with postpartum depression so that you can get help.
Take care of yourself, your mental health is important. Remember you just brought a baby into the world- You are a warrior and a queen we celebrate you.
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