The Importance Of Community Support Postpartum
To all of the mothers out there - we see you. We see you covered in spit up and surviving on less than 2 hours of sleep. We see you waking up all hours of the night to nourish your brand new baby while your own body is still trying to heal. We see you coordinating pickups and drop offs for your older kiddos and making homemade brownies for the classroom bakesale 5 days postpartum all while the baby is crying, dinner is on the stove burning, and your kids - well that toy you asked them to put away 15 times, just landed you on your very tired bum. And most importantly, we see the forced smile, the tears, the joy one moment and debilitating guilt the next, and we want you to know- you are not alone.
Maybe you are wondering if all of these feelings-the exhaustion, mood changes, and sense of loss are just the baby blues or if this is true postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum psychosis (PPP). Are you wondering how long it takes to heal from your C-section or what other women have gone through? Maybe you just want to understand what types of formula those who choose not to breastfeed use or what to use for the recurring mastitis. Or maybe you are feeling alone and isolated and are in need of someone who “gets it”.
Prior to delivery, we encourage our expecting mothers to sit down with their partner or loved ones to create an action plan in the event they develop postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis to ensure they receive the adequate care if they are unable to care for themselves. During this time we also have our expecting mothers create a postpartum recovery plan to help them identify the resources available to them and what type of support they would like during this time.
Some thoughts to consider when creating your emergency action plan include:
Designating 1-2 people to make a decision on your behalf in the event you develop PPD/PPP
Creating a list of signs for you and loved ones to look out for in a readily available place (e.g., severe mood swings, thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby)
Preparing a list of emergency contacts (e.g., crisis helpline, trusted friends or family to watch the baby in the even it is necessary, postpartum depression therapist)
If you start to notice symptoms, have your partner or trusted support system keep a record of your symptoms and behaviors associated with PPD or PPP. This documentation can be valuable for your healthcare team.
Family members and friends who provide support should also take care of their own mental and emotional well-being. Caring for someone with PPD or PPP can be emotionally draining so having a support in place for the individuals providing support to the mother is important.
Understand that PPP is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical assistance.
Some thoughts to consider when creating your postpartum plan:
Meal planning
Childcare duties
Postpartum supplies
Visitors and boundaries
In a society that knows “everything” and places too many expectations on new moms, we recognize the fear and apprehension many mom’s experience when they are struggling with postpartum concerns. Give some of the above strategies a try to see how they work for you and your family. If you are looking for a specific community that can be a safe haven for you to ask questions transparently, receive guidance, support, and empathy, and most importantly be a place for you to feel true connection to other women who are walking a similar path as you, click here to learn more about how to get involved in the Nourishing New Beginnings membership and community.
