Christy Douglas: Born Into Motherhood | 8th Annual Mother's Day Rally for Mental Health -postpartumprogress.com

postpartum depression, mother's day rally, maternal mental healthDear New Mamas,

We are so happy you have been born into motherhood. We are also sorry we may not have prepped you properly for the challenge, but we are here now. We promise. We have been through some of it ourselves and will listen to all of it. 

This is the first wave of many and just being here for the ride is an amazing triumph. It’s ok to cry, to fear, to retreat – but don’t stay there too long. Ask for help because there is a balance. For some of us it’s a cup of herbal tea and some homeopathic remedy. For others it’s Prozac. And there is no damn difference if it helps us get back to our center. There is no judgment in this place. 

Put down the parenting books and tune out those who are telling you what to do. Listen to your heart. Really. Lay down on the floor and stretch out your body, place your hand over your heart and feel the power in there. That heart built a human. And even though that baby has a heart of its own, your heart is taking care of humans (plural!). 

Secure your own mask mama. Carve time out for yourself. Delegate like a boss. There is no other you; perhaps your baby has taught you that you are irreplaceable. It is the truth.

There is a long list of challenges that arise in this new position. It is messy and hard; that is the reality. But there is also a long list of solutions. They are available and attainable.  

Use them. Use us. Women were not born to do this alone. And you are not alone. I promise. 

Christy Douglas

The Annual Mother’s Day Rally for Moms’ Mental Health is presented by Postpartum Progress, a national nonprofit that raises awareness & provides peer support for women who have postpartum depression and all other mental illnesses related to pregnancy and childbirth. To see some of the ways we provide moms support, visit http://postpartumprogress.org/community/.