Dear Mothers: Your burdens will feel especially heavy until you believe yourself worthy of a lighter load.
-Beth Berry
If you’re currently pregnant, you’ve probably heard about the various mental health issues that can come up during postpartum, from postpartum depression to postpartum anxiety to postpartum psychosis and many others. According to Postpartum Support International (PSI), 75% of women experience the baby blues during the first two weeks postpartum, and 1 in 5 women experience a mental health issue at some point during postpartum in the first year of their baby’s life. Read on for more information on the baby blues, and the fun and not so fun parts of postpartum.
Common symptoms of baby blues during the first two weeks postpartum:
- Sadness
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Crying more than normal
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Frustration
- Anger
What else would you add here?
Some of the fun parts of postpartum in the first year of your baby’s life:
- Getting to know your baby’s personality
- Baby peacefully sleeping
- Your baby learning new skills like moving across the room
- Sweet baby sounds
- Introducing first foods
- Watch baby interact with their toys
What else would you add to this list?
Some of the not so fun parts of postpartum in the first year of your baby’s life:
- Sleepless nights
- Never ending diaper changes
- Not loving your postpartum body
- Not feeling like your best self
- Incessant crying
- So much laundry
- Formula or breastfeeding decisions
- A medical issue for you or baby
What else would you add to the above list?
Postpartum is often filled with so many ups and downs. You may be struggling one day and feeling centered and grounded the next. If you are struggling during postpartum, please reach out to a therapist or doctor in your area. I’m sending lots of compassion your ways as you navigate the ever-changing days of postpartum.
