What does that spell? POSTPARTUM!
Postpartum is something that I believe is not talked about nearly enough as it should be.
Whether you’re a soon to be mom, new mom, or a mom of multiple children, it’s important to know that everyone’s postpartum journey is different.
In fact, even for the same woman, each postpartum period can be drastically different physically, mentally and emotionally.
Sometimes, this journey can be filled with mostly highs, mostly lows, or a mix of both.
Postpartum Blues, also known as “The Baby Blues” affects about 80% of new moms.
Signs of Baby Blues are mild & temporary feelings of sadness. This usually occurs a few days after birth and goes away on its own.
Depression is the most common mental health complication when it comes to postpartum.
PPD can feel similar to the baby blues.
PPD Symptoms include feeling angry, irritable, sad, hopeless, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, and excessive crying.
The main difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues is that Postpartum Depression usually does not go away on its own and lasts longer than 2 weeks.
Anxiety is another common mental health complication for new mamas.
Symptoms of PPA include racing thoughts, constant worry, feelings of impending doom, and changes in sleep and appetite.
Similar to Postpartum Depression, PPA does not go away on its own and lasts longer than 2 weeks.
If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms above for more than 2 weeks, it is best to reach out to your OB GYN or Primary Care Physician.
Any symptoms that start to affect your everyday life such as sleeping, eating, attending events, leaving your house, etc., is a good indicator that talking to someone about your experience will be helpful.
Please remember that If you’re in the trenches of motherhood, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it WILL get better, even if it seems like it won’t. For more information regarding postpartum, please feel free to check out the following…
Lastly, I highly recommend joining a local mom group. Some hospitals have these and can be so helpful to create a support system and community to cry, laugh, and share this chapter of your life with.
I promise, you won’t regret it!
By Katie Eppley
MEd, CNSS, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
Ower & Founder Cuddlebug Sleep Consulting, LLC
Katie Eppley is the owner and founder of Cuddlebug Sleep Consulting.
She is a CNSS (Certified Newborn Sleep Specialist) and a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant.
Aside from being a business owner, Katie is also a mom, wife, and former elementary school teacher and nanny.
She played soccer and studied Elementary Education and Human Development at Merrimack College and has a master’s degree in Moderate Disabilities.
Aside from being passionate about pediatric sleep and helping others, Katie enjoys working out, eating Dairy Queen Blizzards, shopping at HomeGoods, and spending time with her daughter and husband.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/
Cover photo by: Jessica Lynn Perry
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