Postpartum Depression (PPD), I've Been There!
A must-read for new mothers looking to get back to their true selves.
I must admit, I've been through this tough stage which any new mom would experience. In my case having a baby was totally unexpected. I wasn't ready and I was only 20 yrs old when I got pregnant. But I accepted the consequences and prepared myself for everything that will come my way. I hold on to the saying that "Everything happens for a reason" and I know our baby is meant for us. When baby came, everyone were expecting to see me happy and elated, of course I was, I am! But then behind my smiles, are negative feelings I cannot explain. I was so anxious if I would be a good mother to our baby. (´_`。) I've never really been responsible with my life. I mean, I grew up dependent on my parents and I'm very maka mama. She takes care of everything I need, I believed that I've never been really responsible until baby Ayne came into my life. I was left at home to take care of him while hubby and everyone leaves for work. I was always afraid I might do something that would hurt him (break a bone maybe). I've always been worried about everything and found myself always crying. It also came to a point when I distant myself from hubby whom should be my shoulder to cry on. I became aloof. It lasted for about 2-3 weeks and I kept on writing down my feelings in my personal diary. It was like hell! Until one day I decided to talk to myself about this. Yes, kinausap ko sarili ko! hahaha funny and weird right? But I felt better after that, way much better. And now i'm glad I am through with it. Thankful that i didn't loose my sanity! ( ̄▽ ̄)
Here were the common symptoms:
♠ Crying a lot (≧∇≦)
♠ Eating too little or even too much
♠ Having no energy or motivation ( _ _ )..........o
♠ Feeling restless or irritable
♠ Feeling worthless and guilty
♠ Sleeping too little or too much (_ ̄■ ̄_)
♠ Withdrawal from friends and family (;-_-)
♠ Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed ○| ̄|_
♠ Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
♠ Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
♠ Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations or hyperventilation (* ̄_ ̄)
What i went through was Postpartum depression (PPD), yes it is real. The good news? It's treatable. Here are our tips for coping:
♦ Realize there is no such thing as a "perfect mother." Motherhood takes time to adjust to. It's a total learning curve. So find a postpartum support group where you can share your fears and feelings. Bonus: It will help you deal with the loneliness and isolation that often accompanies PPD.
♦ Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do as much as you can and leave the rest!
♦ Try to get as much rest as you can. Try to nap when the baby naps. (_ _).。o○
♦ Talk to your husband, partner, family, and friends about how you are feeling.
♦ Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house. Run an errand or take a short walk.
♦ Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings. Ask hubby to bring the baby to you so you can breastfeed. If you can, have a friend, family member, or professional support person help you in the home for part of the day.
♦ Spend time alone with your husband or partner. \(^∀^)メ(^∀^)ノ
♦ Talk with other mothers, so you can learn from their experiences.
I must admit, I've been through this tough stage which any new mom would experience. In my case having a baby was totally unexpected. I wasn't ready and I was only 20 yrs old when I got pregnant. But I accepted the consequences and prepared myself for everything that will come my way. I hold on to the saying that "Everything happens for a reason" and I know our baby is meant for us. When baby came, everyone were expecting to see me happy and elated, of course I was, I am! But then behind my smiles, are negative feelings I cannot explain. I was so anxious if I would be a good mother to our baby. (´_`。) I've never really been responsible with my life. I mean, I grew up dependent on my parents and I'm very maka mama. She takes care of everything I need, I believed that I've never been really responsible until baby Ayne came into my life. I was left at home to take care of him while hubby and everyone leaves for work. I was always afraid I might do something that would hurt him (break a bone maybe). I've always been worried about everything and found myself always crying. It also came to a point when I distant myself from hubby whom should be my shoulder to cry on. I became aloof. It lasted for about 2-3 weeks and I kept on writing down my feelings in my personal diary. It was like hell! Until one day I decided to talk to myself about this. Yes, kinausap ko sarili ko! hahaha funny and weird right? But I felt better after that, way much better. And now i'm glad I am through with it. Thankful that i didn't loose my sanity! ( ̄▽ ̄)
Here were the common symptoms:
♠ Crying a lot (≧∇≦)
♠ Eating too little or even too much
♠ Having no energy or motivation ( _ _ )..........o
♠ Feeling restless or irritable
♠ Feeling worthless and guilty
♠ Sleeping too little or too much (_ ̄■ ̄_)
♠ Withdrawal from friends and family (;-_-)
♠ Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed ○| ̄|_
♠ Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
♠ Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
♠ Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations or hyperventilation (* ̄_ ̄)
What i went through was Postpartum depression (PPD), yes it is real. The good news? It's treatable. Here are our tips for coping:
♦ Realize there is no such thing as a "perfect mother." Motherhood takes time to adjust to. It's a total learning curve. So find a postpartum support group where you can share your fears and feelings. Bonus: It will help you deal with the loneliness and isolation that often accompanies PPD.
♦ Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do as much as you can and leave the rest!
♦ Try to get as much rest as you can. Try to nap when the baby naps. (_ _).。o○
♦ Talk to your husband, partner, family, and friends about how you are feeling.
♦ Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house. Run an errand or take a short walk.
♦ Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings. Ask hubby to bring the baby to you so you can breastfeed. If you can, have a friend, family member, or professional support person help you in the home for part of the day.
♦ Spend time alone with your husband or partner. \(^∀^)メ(^∀^)ノ
♦ Talk with other mothers, so you can learn from their experiences.
0 Comments