Postnatal Depression, why is it so common and How to manage and support it

Apparently, in the last few months, post-partum depression searches have gone up by 500%

This is a problem, because more and more new mothers are finding themselves isolated in the early post-partum.

The Hormonal drop after having a baby is the biggest hormonal change that a woman will ever feel in her life, all of the hormones dip right into baseline. We know the hormones drastically affect the mind and body and if that isnt enough, there also the lack of sleep and all of the body changes that happen along with it.

Having a baby is BIG BUSINESS for the body. Not only did you grow the baby for nearly a year, you then had to crack open to birth and let the body do its thing, while trying to regain some kind of control and sense of self.

The biggest theme that i see, from working with women after they've had a baby, is the lack of support and ability to ask for help.

"I should be able to do this"

"My mum did it on her own with no help"

"If i ask for help, ill seem like im not coping"

Even just 20 years ago, there wasn't such a big social media influence. We didnt compare ourselves online as much as we used to.

We weren't bombarded with influencers and the clean aesthetics that depict a scripted and staged version of motherhood, which isn't infarct real life.

So many women hide, they put on the mask and get on with it.

Ive seen it for years, working as a nanny and seeing fresh mamas go out into the world, like nothing happened.

This isnt real life.

The 4th trimester is messy, raw, intense and has you questioning every fibre of your being, if you are doing it right.

This is where postnatal support can change the experience

Growing a baby, birthing a baby , feeding a baby and relearning who you are as a person and mother is honestly the biggest threshold women move through.

That's why i feel so passionate about supporting women in this phase.

I can physically see how my support and guidance directly impacts the new and fragile mothers, to feel empowered and confident that they are doing OK.

How do you get the help that you need? And how do you plan to get the right support?

Ask for help : I know its hard but people do want to help you! Ask a close friend, or someone who gets its and gets you!

Making a rule that visitors are to be productive : Anyone that visits post-partum needs to bring something to the table. Load the dishwasher, put a wash on, do the dishes, make some food etc. Holding the baby IS NOT IMPORTANT, holding the mother is.

Nourishing food : Load up the freezer and ask that anyone who is visiting, that they bring food.

Its one less thing to worry about.

Booking a post-partum Doula : Even if you are already in the post-partum period, reach out to local doulas, as they may have some updated availability.

Organise regular bodywork : Reflexology, massage, postnatal massage, Reiki, Facial massage are all going to release endorphins and help the body come back into alignment

Seek out professional help : A therapist, mental health nurse etc. Asking for help does not mean that your failing, it means that you are growing.

To add here at the end, the type of support that I offer in post-partum focuses on all of these things.

Think of me as the Granny you never had.

I have a huge emphasis on bodywork (every visit, normally in your bed!)

Nourishment through food, herbal support and also making food that is loaded with all of the things your body needs to recover and support breast milk supply and hormonal health. Not just pizza and coffee!!

I am also always there to listen. To really hear you without any judgement. To listen to what youre moving through in the most compassionate way. I also offer great tips and ideas to help things run smoothly, as Ive been working with postnatal mothers for over 10 years.

Now more than ever, Postnatal doulas are needed so greatly.

The way you look after yourself in post-partum, will be reflected in your menopause.

Talitha x

Apply here for postnatal support from me