The Whole Mama Blog
Mom Truths: The Postpartum Period
As a new mom, you may have felt this way at some point. Maybe you're feeling it right now. The sleepless nights, the constant feeding, the emotional rollercoaster, the physical recovery... it can all feel like too much sometimes. It can feel much different than you expected. But I'm here to tell you that you're not alone, and it won't last forever.
You're experiencing a period of adjustment, a significant adjustment that is truly hard to explain until your in the thick of it. Your life has changed dramatically, and it's going to take some time to adapt to your new normal. You may feel like you're not doing a good job or that you're failing in some way, but it's important to remember that you're doing the best you can.
It does get better.
With time, support, and self-care, you'll find your footing and start to enjoy motherhood more and more. Your baby will grow and develop, and you'll discover new joys and challenges along the way. You'll also find that there are many resources available to help you cope and thrive.
The sleepless nights will eventually end, and your baby will start sleeping through the night. The constant feeding will become less frequent as your baby grows and starts eating solid food. The emotional rollercoaster will even out as your hormones return to normal, and you become more confident in your new role as a mom. And while the physical recovery may take some time, your body will eventually heal.
As your body heals and your baby grows, you'll find that your confidence and energy levels start to increase. You'll begin to establish a routine that works for you and your baby, and you'll start to feel more comfortable in your new role as a mother. There may be times when you feel like you're not doing a good job or that you're not bonding with your baby as quickly as you'd like, but it's important to remember that everyone's journey is different.
Give yourself time, be kind to yourself, and remember you don't have to go through this alone.
There is help.
There's no shame in asking for help, and it's often the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby. One of the most valuable resources for new moms is professional counseling, especially specialized counseling for postpartum distress. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or just the overwhelming transition to motherhood, Whole Counseling and Wellness (@whole.counseling), can provide you with tools, strategies, and validation to help you through it. Dr. Ellen Chance has extensive experience in evidence-based, integrative therapies and has advanced training in perinatal mental health, including the treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (e.g. perinatal depression, anxiety, and OCD). If you are struggling, please know that support is available. A free 15-minute consultation is available to you!
Another impactful avenue for support for postpartum mothers is through joining peer support groups. It can be incredibly helpful to connect with others who have shared experiences. Postpartum Support International offers free virtual peer-to-peer support groups for postpartum mothers and their partners. Tapping into this resource can let you know, you are most certainly not alone.
Finally, remember, you are doing your best!
You are doing your best in navigating a new, demanding, and often exhausting period of life. No matter how hard it feels right now, know that you're strong, capable, and worthy of support. Reach out to loved ones, join a new mom group, or seek professional help if you need it. If you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure of yourself, depleted, or isolated, please know that you're not alone, and it won't last forever. The challenges of being a new mom will eventually fade, and you'll come out on the other side stronger and more confident than ever before.
Sending love and support to all the new moms out there. Share this with a new mama to remind her she is doing an amazing job!
-Dr. Ellen Chance
#motherhood #perinatalmentalhealth #womensmentalhealth #postpartumsupport #postpartumjourney #postpartum #postpartumanxiety #postpartumtherapist #motherhoodjourney #perinatal #postpartumdepression #momstruggles #mentalhealthmatters #momlife #mentalwellness #mentalhealthawareness #mindfulmama #mindfulmamas #mindful #maternalhealth #mentalhealth #maternalmentalhealth #mama #selflove