By now you’ve likely heard the story of Jessica Porten, a new mom from Sacramento, California who became both humiliated and horrified when she was notified that the police had been called after telling a nurse practitioner from her OB’s about the “postpartum depression that is manifesting in fits of anger...” Porten continued by saying, “I have a very strong support system at home, so although I would never hurt myself or my baby, I’m having violent thoughts and I need medication and therapy to ...read more
What Postpartum Depression Can Feel Like
It’s a few days after you’ve given birth, the celebratory phone calls are still coming in all you feel is sadness all the way down to your gut. Although the emotions are unexpected and less than welcome, postpartum depression can be common among new mothers. Up to one in seven women experience PPD after their first child even though it might be the first episode of depression they’ve experienced in their life.It’s important to remember how much the body changes during pregnancy and immediately ...read more
Do New Moms Struggle with Low Self-Esteem?
Having a child is one of life’s most incredible experiences. It is also one of the most challenging situations that come with mood swings and psychological changes.If you’re a new mother who has been experiencing low self-esteem, you’re not alone. A group of researchers recently took a look at why new mothers experience low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with their romantic relationships.Analyzing data from over 80,000 Norwegian mothers, the researchers uncovered some significant patterns that ...read more
What Does Postpartum Depression Feel Like?
Most new mothers are handed their swaddled baby along with a brochure about postpartum depression (PPD) when they are discharged from the hospital. And while it’s great that awareness of PPD is growing, each woman’s experience of it can vary greatly and include everything from obsessive anxiety, OCD, to a sense of disconnect to unremitting rageA tiny brochure simply can’t cover the reality of postpartum depression, and, without the complete picture of what PPD can look and feel like, many women ...read more