"When you are walking through the dark days in life, know that the sunny ones aren't too far behind. Keep going. It's going to be okay." - Heather Stillufsen
This is the face of postpartum anxiety.
Ten years ago when I became a mother, I had no idea how this precious baby would change me.
Preston is my greatest joy and even though I seem happy in this photo, I was a mess.
A few months after having my son, I developed postpartum anxiety, more specifically postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder. I constantly worried about my son. Is he breathing? Is he eating enough? Will supplementing with formula ruin him? I checked on things in the house over and over again. I cleaned a lot. I barely slept. I definitely didn't eat properly or care for myself like I should have. And to top it off, I had major separation anxiety when my husband would leave for work each day.
There is no doubt in my mind that some of my thoughts had to do with me becoming a parent while I had not yet addressed my own childhood issues & feelings. Part of me felt like I would fail him because I felt damaged. Through all the tears and sleepless nights, my son gave me the gift of healing. His smile is why I smiled. His laugh instantly made me laugh. His birth set in motion a series of events that would allow me to love wholeheartedly, heal and walk in my purpose as a doula so I can help others on their parenting journey.
For more information and resources on maternal mental health, please visit Postpartum Support International.
Ten years ago when I became a mother, I had no idea how this precious baby would change me.
Preston is my greatest joy and even though I seem happy in this photo, I was a mess.
A few months after having my son, I developed postpartum anxiety, more specifically postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder. I constantly worried about my son. Is he breathing? Is he eating enough? Will supplementing with formula ruin him? I checked on things in the house over and over again. I cleaned a lot. I barely slept. I definitely didn't eat properly or care for myself like I should have. And to top it off, I had major separation anxiety when my husband would leave for work each day.
There is no doubt in my mind that some of my thoughts had to do with me becoming a parent while I had not yet addressed my own childhood issues & feelings. Part of me felt like I would fail him because I felt damaged. Through all the tears and sleepless nights, my son gave me the gift of healing. His smile is why I smiled. His laugh instantly made me laugh. His birth set in motion a series of events that would allow me to love wholeheartedly, heal and walk in my purpose as a doula so I can help others on their parenting journey.
For more information and resources on maternal mental health, please visit Postpartum Support International.
The Climb Out of the Darkness the world's largest event raising funds and awareness for the mental health of new families operated by Postpartum Support International. The Climb is a community walk and international fundraiser for survivors, providers, and members of the community to come together.
Raising awareness for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, The Climb brings communities together to shine a light on a darkness we often don't speak about. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth.
We share stories of hope and celebrate recovery as we gather together to raise money, raise awareness and give a voice to those who no longer have one and walk together to symbolize our 'Climb' Out of the Darkness.
Click here to view my "Why I Climb" video and learn more about why I believe Postpartum Support International is so essential to new parents. Please consider giving the gift of support to another new mother and make a donation to such a worthy cause.
Raising awareness for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, The Climb brings communities together to shine a light on a darkness we often don't speak about. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth.
We share stories of hope and celebrate recovery as we gather together to raise money, raise awareness and give a voice to those who no longer have one and walk together to symbolize our 'Climb' Out of the Darkness.
Click here to view my "Why I Climb" video and learn more about why I believe Postpartum Support International is so essential to new parents. Please consider giving the gift of support to another new mother and make a donation to such a worthy cause.
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