Support System for Postpartum Depression

Having a baby is always a reason to be happy, but about 1 in 7 new mothers may find that hard to believe. Postpartum depression or perinatal depression can sometimes sink even during or before the pregnancy stage, and can afflict even moms who've had kids before.

The Feeling of Postpartum Depression

The 'baby blues' can manifest itself in many ways, and it's mainly caused by the upheaval of hormones in your body. You may feel hopeless or sad, feel like you're not a good mother, or experience frequent panic attacks. Others get the feeling that they're living inside another person.

It's common for mood changes to occur a few weeks after birth, but if it lingers or drags a month or two then it's a possible sign of perinatal anxiety and depression.

Admitting the Problem is the First Step

You can't get help if you're in denial about how you feel. Once you recognize that you're experiencing severe depression after postpartum care then it's time to accept things for what they are and seek out help.

Thankfully, there are a lot of channels of support both offline and online. Aside from close friends and family members, you can reach out to your partner, mother, or even someone who's recently given childbirth.

Also, you can join a support group or call a hotline. They will listen to you without judgment and can be the catalyst you need to change for the good.

Finding a Postpartum Support Group

Your friends should be the first line of support. However, they may not be available or have the experience you've had.

Experts recommend speaking with people with the same experience. You'll feel more comfortable and connected, and they'll naturally understand what you're going through since they've been in the same boat.

You can join The KeaCommunity Facebook group for help with postpartum concerns. You can learn from how others coped, from self-care strategies to handling the difficulties of adjusting to the new role, as well as the challenges that lie ahead. Stories are freely given and exchanged in a caring circle.

Don't be shy about opening up. It's a mutual circle and everyone can benefit from stories, feedback and sharing. Motherhood has its own joys and pains, and the more you hear about it the more normal it seems.

Using Technology to Connect

Technology can be very useful in bridging the communication gap. You can join established social media support groups such as ours, or seek out friends and family and invite them for a video chat.

A video call or conference may be better than just a phone call since you're virtually face-to-face with a person. It's like having coffee or tea, only that you're on a digital cafe.

To supplement the connection of a video call or joining a support group, you can opt to just read about articles on postpartum depression online. Read mom posts in groups or forums to try and see what others did to get through the hump.

Consider a Therapist Session

Going through postpartum recovery can be physically and emotionally draining, and it becomes even more exhausting if you have to deal with depression.

A therapist can help you recover from postpartum depression. They're trained to recognize signs and map a path to healing and recovery.

In some instances speaking about the pains of motherhood to a friend who hasn't given birth before, to your partner or a family member may be awkward or embarrassing. If this is the case, a medical professional can help. You can contact your primary care provider, midwife or the pediatrician of your baby and schedule an appointment with them.

Technology can make it so that you can meet via video call. This is a bonus since most are either in pain, sore or just don't feel like going outside.

The explanation for postpartum depression is more or less the changes you undergo after and during pregnancy. It's perfectly normal for new moms to feel this way a week or two after they give birth. However, as mentioned you should seek help if the blues drag on for more than that. Remember, you can get much-needed support for postpartum depression as soon as you recognize and accept it.

Meet Our KeaMommy Contributor: Avery K. When she isn’t looking after the many needs of her 2 kids, Avery enjoys taking walks in the park, enjoying nature, and getting her daily fix of caffeine.