Post Partum Depression

Becoming a mom can bring so much joy, and yet, so much anxiety and uncertainty. 

For some of us we spend months proceeding the birth of our child building excitement and anticipation. We create this picture in our heads of how it should be.  It becomes almost a standard that we must achieve.

My picture always took place in the wee hours of the night, house is quiet and still and there I was rocking my beautiful new baby while nursing, rubbing circles gently on their temples.  Just the two of us sharing this priceless moment.  It is a beautiful picture.  And when it does happen, you will carry it with you forever, as I have. 

When our expectation does not resemble our reality we are left thinking we are doing something wrong.  We become plagued by self-doubt, confusion, and mounting frustration by the conflicting parenting advice given by family, friends, and even experts. We are left baffled and often feel alone and sometimes embarrassed that we can't handle it.   Not to mention, our bodies & hormones are so confused and trying to adapt and normalize itself to not carrying a baby anymore.  

Postpartum blues, depression, and anxiety can be extremely upsetting for new mothers. For some women, this comes as a complete surprise — it’s the first time they’ve experienced debilitating depression or anxiety. They fight acknowledging their feelings because it may indicate they are weak, or lack maternal instinct.  They will not validate their emotions. Others may have had episodes of anxiety or depression in the past, but these feelings may come on so quicklly and intensely in a way they didn’t anticipate. It can feel like a sad, dark mood that won’t go away or a negative thought set on repeat.  This can leave a new mom feeling helpless, hopeless,  disappointed, inadequate, and defensive. 

While the exact causes of postpartum depression and anxiety are not clearly defined and can vary from one person to next, we do know there are several factors that contribute to depression and anxiety in the months following the birth of a new child. These include hormonal fluctuations, loss of identity, lack of sleep, conflict with a spouse, frustration and confusion over caring for a new infant, concern about physical changes in the body, lack of freedom, and feelings of isolation.

Hypnotherapy and mindfulness together can help identify the contributing causes of depression and anxiety, and allows an opprutunity to visualize the future as they set goals to help end the cycle of distressing thoughts and feelings that accompany postpartum depression.