Post Natal Depression

DISCLAIMER** I am not a medically trained professional, but only offer my opinions based upon personal experience, in my endeavor to help others.

I would like to discuss something close to my heart- it is close to my heart because it is an issue I have dealt with in the past after having my own children, and it is an issue that does and continues to affect women and men around me; I would like to clarify that both Dads and Mums can go through this experience, but I would like to focus on women for the time being.

Being a Newborn Photographer, I believe it is part of my duty of care to not only handle babies and children with the utmost care, but to also treat new mothers with the utmost respect. We can say, surely shouldn't this be a part of everyday life, in being respectful to one another- yes, completely!! However, I believe there is an additional amount of respect and care that should be awarded to the human body, which has just grown another human, and then, whether via vaginal delivery, or via c-section, has then 'lost' a part of her self. No matter the terminology relating to the experience of birth- that she has 'lost', 'expelled', 'removed' or 'delivered', the raw fact is that a part within a woman's body has drastically changed and been altered. If a person were to loose a leg, we would give them time to adjust, come to terms with the change, give them emotional and mental space to evaluate their new situation.... why is a woman expected to deliver a baby, and then 'bounce back' to a mental, emotional and physical state without a proper recovery time. If we consider the past, when generations of families lived together, or within close proximity of each other, this was more than just a financial benefit... having a Grandmother, several Aunties and cousins on hand to help with the arrival of a new baby, and the arrival of a new mum, had so many benefits. Whether is was the benefit of having Grandma cook a meal, allowing Mum one more chance to sleep, while Dad was still working, or having multiple older children so they assisted each other in playing, entertaining and jobs. Modern day life sees Mothers (first time Mothers and Mothers of multiple children) further away from the natural assistance of help that came with family....the burden of being able to 'do it all' has never been greater in society. Standars of living are higher (which I am grateful for) but also places a lot of expectations upon ourselves and each other.... The point I would like to make in regards to this post- is that we all deserve to love ourselves, ESPECIALLY with the arrival of a new baby. Placing expectations upon ourselves to have a tidy house, nutritious food cooked, a settled baby, a neat garden, are all too much. These pressures can bring us down further than is necessary- that is the 'three day blues' of new parent hood should not turn into a state of mind. Yes, you will feel tired, yes, you most definitely be worn out and behind in your chores around the house... you are most welcome to be! But if these feelings of being overwhelmed, not being good enough, sadness, and importantly no connection with your baby are developing into a new way of life, then it is time to talk to someone. Do not think of talking to someone about this state of mind as a failure... please think of it as an achievement- that you have been brave enough to let out your feelings and thoughts, so that you can begin a new journey to acceptance and loving yourself. I know- it can be so scary to actually admit to someone that you may not be coping as well as you imaged you would. Post Natal Depression does not mean that you will be depressed for the rest of your life; it is a time in your life when your mind, body and family have gone through a huge change, and you simply may need some help until it settles more. Help can come in many different forms; introducing new (gentle) exercise regimes that will help stimulate natural happy endorphines, guidance in eating a little better (food and depression are linked and can have a huge impact on well being), ensuring that you are receiving social time for you, as an adult. Medications can come as natural plant based forms, or your GP can prescribe medicated forms; each have their own pro's and con's and everybody responds differently to each form, so please do not write them off before you have given your body a chance. This has been a very long post, I apologise; there are so many avenues to discuss regarding PND. I will not be ashamed to say I have had PND, and only find that having had it means that I am better able to relate to others going through the same, and help give them tips. If you think you are suffering PND, please contact your GP and have the discussion. You might just start the new path to loving yourself and your baby. For further information and reading: http://www.panda.org.au/practical-information/about-postnatal-depression/28-postnatal-depression http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/depression/inpregnancypostnatal/postnataldepressionpnd.cfm http://www.womhealth.org.au/sites/default/files/public/Antenatal%20and%20Postnatal%20Depression_low%20res.pdf http://www.kidspot.com.au/living-through-postnatal-depression-one-mothers-story/