I felt very lucky I never had the post partum depression. however its odd because I have a history of major depression and anxiety disorder..but not during or after having a baby. I have known women who were depressed the entire pregnancy and thought how sad that was. when she had that baby it lifted...it was the opposite of what usually might happen. I have also known women who had babies and went through really bad postpartum. I also knew of a woman who continued for several years having post partum and she was treated and got well. we are all different. having a baby changes lives ..it also changes the marriage situation. I think that how we feel depends on many factors....environment, hereditary, and just the body making changes can do that which is normal. I didn't know that women were ever asked about if they felt depressed. it must be a new thing because when I had my babies no one actually cared about it. im glad that its recognized now and help is available.
Sue MAugust 2, 2019
What a great article! Having been through this six times, from my perspective, you described the 4th trimester quite accurately. I knlow it is different for each person, but this author really expressed a candid view of the many feelings that can arise during this wobbly time. Bless you for sharing those feelings with us. This may even help some daddy's get the picture! If ever you need their support, it is now.
Ana BlakeAugust 2, 2019
About twenty four years ago I had my first baby and so much of what you say in this article fits with how I felt then! It is SUCH a learning and growing and humbling experience to be a mother! After our first, I went on to have ten more wonderful children who have given me great joy and tremendous stretching experiences. My youngest is three now and sometimes I stop and wonder where all the time went? It goes slow and fast. You said “I’m starting to think motherhood might just always be an ongoing identity crisis where you’re constantly contending with how to do it all and what to let go of and who you are in the midst of it.” Yep. You nailed it.
Susan RoylanceAugust 2, 2019
Thank you for sharing your tender feelings.
Haze Kompelien, RNAugust 2, 2019
Thank you so much for sharing this message. As a Labor & Delivery nurse I've often heard patient's express fear of being strong enough to go through labor. I always think "Sister, wait until you see how strong you are going to have to be to be a mother!" The fourth trimester with all of its challenges and changes is so often overlooked.
Michael Shea, MDAugust 2, 2019
What a fabulous reality check, told with love and humor and pathos mixed just right. As you go through more turning points in your life, keep a journal, write a book, tell the others what’s to be expected. Thanks for the article. And that’s a good baby you have there. Congratulations!
Linda WAugust 2, 2019
It's good to be reminded of how it "really is" for a new mother -- how it is the best of times and the worst of times. It is also good to be reminded that we can all step up and do some little thing for someone else that will help ease their load and brighten their day. And don't we all need that! Congratulations, new momma! You're getting it right!
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vickieAugust 2, 2019
I felt very lucky I never had the post partum depression. however its odd because I have a history of major depression and anxiety disorder..but not during or after having a baby. I have known women who were depressed the entire pregnancy and thought how sad that was. when she had that baby it lifted...it was the opposite of what usually might happen. I have also known women who had babies and went through really bad postpartum. I also knew of a woman who continued for several years having post partum and she was treated and got well. we are all different. having a baby changes lives ..it also changes the marriage situation. I think that how we feel depends on many factors....environment, hereditary, and just the body making changes can do that which is normal. I didn't know that women were ever asked about if they felt depressed. it must be a new thing because when I had my babies no one actually cared about it. im glad that its recognized now and help is available.
Sue MAugust 2, 2019
What a great article! Having been through this six times, from my perspective, you described the 4th trimester quite accurately. I knlow it is different for each person, but this author really expressed a candid view of the many feelings that can arise during this wobbly time. Bless you for sharing those feelings with us. This may even help some daddy's get the picture! If ever you need their support, it is now.
Ana BlakeAugust 2, 2019
About twenty four years ago I had my first baby and so much of what you say in this article fits with how I felt then! It is SUCH a learning and growing and humbling experience to be a mother! After our first, I went on to have ten more wonderful children who have given me great joy and tremendous stretching experiences. My youngest is three now and sometimes I stop and wonder where all the time went? It goes slow and fast. You said “I’m starting to think motherhood might just always be an ongoing identity crisis where you’re constantly contending with how to do it all and what to let go of and who you are in the midst of it.” Yep. You nailed it.
Susan RoylanceAugust 2, 2019
Thank you for sharing your tender feelings.
Haze Kompelien, RNAugust 2, 2019
Thank you so much for sharing this message. As a Labor & Delivery nurse I've often heard patient's express fear of being strong enough to go through labor. I always think "Sister, wait until you see how strong you are going to have to be to be a mother!" The fourth trimester with all of its challenges and changes is so often overlooked.
Michael Shea, MDAugust 2, 2019
What a fabulous reality check, told with love and humor and pathos mixed just right. As you go through more turning points in your life, keep a journal, write a book, tell the others what’s to be expected. Thanks for the article. And that’s a good baby you have there. Congratulations!
Linda WAugust 2, 2019
It's good to be reminded of how it "really is" for a new mother -- how it is the best of times and the worst of times. It is also good to be reminded that we can all step up and do some little thing for someone else that will help ease their load and brighten their day. And don't we all need that! Congratulations, new momma! You're getting it right!
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