What I Did to Heal After Postpartum Depression
5 Things You Need to Heal After Postpartum Depression
Utilizing Resources — During my first pregnancy, I connected with Jewish Family Service LA’s New Parents Connect program and joined a Pregnancy Support Group. Once I had had my baby, after my cousin’s call, I reached out again and joined a postpartum support group. That group became something I looked forward to each week. This experience led me to find a supportive community on social media, where I now have a great group of friends. We all share one common goal: to support each other as we raise our children. This group has become my village.
Accepting Help and Support — I had to learn that accepting help didn’t make me a bad mother. I wanted to prove that I could handle everything — taking care of the baby, the house, and myself — but in reality, I was struggling. I couldn’t manage the laundry, cooking, cleaning, and newborn care all on my own.
Meal Train — The second time around, a friend organized a meal train for me, and it was a lifesaver. Having friends bring over meals, especially pasta, each week was incredibly helpful and spared us from the stress of cooking and cleaning.
Taking Time Off Work — As a business owner, I didn’t give myself enough time off after having my first child. Six weeks was far too short to return to work full-time, especially as a new mom. If I could do it again, I’d plan for more time off to adjust and heal.
Taking Time for Yourself — It’s crucial to take breaks without the baby, even if it’s just getting your nails done every couple of weeks or enjoying a quiet walk. Taking 30 minutes once a week to sit by the pool or go for a walk made a world of difference for me.
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