🌟 Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster of Postnatal Life 🌟

Understanding Postnatal Emotions

This is what “baby blues” can look like.

While this photo was taken, I was on an emotional rollercoaster! Honestly, I’ve never felt so unstable and cried so much as in the weeks after giving birth.

Right at the beginning, I didn’t recognise myself – and still for a long time after I didn’t feel like myself. I felt the weight of self-doubt and fear that motherhood wasn’t for me after all. There were evenings when I thought I was alone in facing an insurmountable combination of physical pain from the birth, worry that I wasn’t good at the so-called “motherly” things, and frustration that my bubba wasn’t feeding or sleeping how I thought she should be. I was not prepared for how deep the mood could pull me down.

Amid these struggles, even small, loving gestures moved me to tears. I was overwhelmed with feelings of love and luck, but I grappled with guilt for not feeling blissful all the time, with sadness that I couldn’t always control my emotions, and with the pressure to maintain the image of a perfect mother.

Facing “Baby Blues”

I feel like the cutesy term “baby blues” plays down how hard the intense tsunami of negative emotions can hit! We need to start talking more frankly about postnatal depression and postpartum mental health, not downplaying to the intensity of the states of mind and depressive moods. After all, 10-15% of all new mothers suffer from this psychological disorder!

Sharing these personal experiences here is my way of connecting with others who might be going through similar challenges. It helps me to know that I am not alone in this journey. And I hope that my openness will encourage others to to share their stories, knowing that they are not alone, and to seek help when it’s needed.

Sharing my Postnatal Journey

Yes, family and friends are far more interested in seeing photos of the baby than the mother. And that allows us new mums to hide behind the positivity of baby photos and keep to ourselves how we’re feeling behind the camera. I know I’m guilty of trying to get good photos of my little one and her activities, and of only sharing the best pictures.

But I’m writing this to say: If you’re reading this, scrolling through social media pictures of happy young families; don’t let other people’s smiley baby photos trick you into thinking everything is perfect for them. I know what it’s like for us beyond the photos! And the more I talk to other mums, the more I’m starting to think that those mums who are worried about not being good enough are the ones who are already doing a great job!

So, when friends ask how you are, be as honest as you can. They want to help, and want you to feel as happy as the smiley photos show! Reaching out for help when you need it is not a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to your strength. Let’s support each other through this beautiful, challenging, and ever-evolving journey of motherhood. 💖👶😔

OVER TO YOU: Have you experienced postnatal emotions like these? How did you navigate them, and what advice would you offer to new mothers going through similar challenges?