As a mother of twins myself, I get it. Caring for two or MORE babies it hard work. Sometimes the extra pressure of coping with more than one baby (and depending on what support you have from a partner and family) can lead to postnatal depression.
This doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get depressed after having your babies, but there are good reasons why mothers of multiple births can be more at risk. This week, we have a guest writer, Susy Richards from rocketparents.com who has prepared some more information on postpartum depression and some ways you can get support and help during this time.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Depression is a prevalent mental condition that affects more than three hundred and fifty million people globally. Many mothers deal with depression a few days or a few months after giving birth to their babies, in rare cases, a woman can also develop this illness after a stillbirth or a miscarriage. It all starts with anxiety during pregnancy. The depression that usually affects mothers is known as Postpartum Depression. It is a very real and very serious problem for many mothers and can happen to a first-time mommy or an expert mother.
There are many signs and symptoms associated with Postpartum Depression. Some of these signs and symptoms are listed below.
• Rapid mood swings
• Anxiety or Panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Thoughts of harming or killing your baby
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Excessive crying
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
If you are suffering from Postpartum Depression I want you to know that it is not your fault, you are not alone and you can get help. Please note that Postpartum Depression like any other illness needs medical intervention therefore, you must see your doctor so that it can be treated by a professional. However, there are many other things that you can do to help you to conquer this illness.
Always ask for help
Do not be afraid to ask for support from the persons around you. Your friends and families will be happy to lend a hand or even both hands. Tell them all about your illness, let them know exactly how you feel and what you need. I know that sometimes you will feel like you want to be alone but stay connected to the people who loves you as they will help to get you through this.
Join a support group
Remember I said earlier that you were not alone? Well, I was being very honest. There are many women out there like you who are specifically suffering from postpartum depression. And guess what? They can be a big help to you. The reality is that we are all social beings and speaking to other women who are dealing with this issue will help you to better deal with it. Find a group on the internet or join a group in your community, either way talking to these women will help you day by day.
Get enough sleep
I know that you need to care for your newborn/s and as a result, you may not get the amount of sleep that you would want to get. But, getting enough rest will definitely help you to get through the depression. Lean on your support team! When your spouse, families, and friends are around, get some rest while they take care of the babies.
Eating healthily will not only nourish your body, it will also make you feel better inside out. At times you may feel like you want to skip meals but it is very important to make your food a major concern.
Take a walk in the sun
They say that sunlight improves your mood and make you feel good inside. So take that walk in the sun one time per day! Please do not stay in the sun for a long time, though. Ten to fifteen minutes will be good enough.
All of these techniques seem so trivial when you read about them in a magazine, but most importantly – still force yourself to do something, even if you do not want. Depression is like a funnel: the more you are immersing deeply in it the more you become addictive.
It is great if the mother is more likely to think about the future of her baby and dream of who he can become writing the notes in her motherhood`s diary.
This will help to see the situation “in perspective” trying not to focus on the present moment.
To all the persons out there who suffer from postpartum depression, you are stronger than you can ever imagine. I know that you might feel as if you cannot survive this but I am telling you that you can and you will. Do not give up, do not give in and see that life with your baby is connected with the most charming moments in your life.