Postpartum & mental health is something that is near and dear to me. As someone who has struggled with depression since I was a teenager. Being an advocate for mental health to help raise awareness is important to me especially when it comes to the black community and women in general.
Postpartum means After Birth.
Postpartum is also known as the 4th trimester.
I recently saw a post on twitter by @HoodHealer that really pissed me off. The tweet was
“I don’t necessarily believe in postpartum! Especially because moms energy is transferable and felt by baby! I believe that most mothers are under prepared for parenthood and have difficulty acclimating to the responsibility.”
Postpartum depression isn’t something you can prepare for no matter who you are. Postpartum depression can affect anyone even the most prepared person. That’s why it is important we educate ourselves and each other on the importance of mental health and providing proper support for moms after childbirth.
As a postpartum doula and former childcare worker, helping moms after birth is something I’m very passionate about because as oftentimes, moms are lost in the mix of things after having a baby.
There’s so much moms struggle with after birth aka postpartum.
From the healing process
Breastfeeding
Having a baby that is born with a disability
Jungling being a parent of multiples
Being a wife/partner
Work
Household Work
etc.. the list goes on.
Some people may be unprepared for motherhood because they do not have the necessary essentials, guide or support to help them. But postpartum depression does not discriminate. Whether you are living in poverty or you’re wealthy postpartum depression can affect anyone.
My biggest goal is to reach women and help educate and provide support to them during their pregnancy and postpartum.
That’s why hosting this community baby shower with these amazing black doulas is so important.
There’s so much misinformation out there surrounding postpartum especially within the black community and I feel that moms, especially black moms, more than ever need help regarding postpartum and mental health.
This is more than just giving out free items.
It’s about connecting with those in our community.
It’s about providing education and support to them.
Postpartum depression is real. So, if someone you know had a baby please check on your friends. Check on your partner and help them as much as possible. If things are starting to become too overwhelming, reach out to someone, talk to a therapist, your doula.. don’t suffer in silence because you are not alone.
And don’t let anyone tell you postpartum depression is your fault because you weren’t prepared for the responsibilities of motherhood.
