Today is 
World Maternal Mental Health Day! So basically that means that today I have an excuse to shout from the rooftops (or maybe just the internets) how important I think it is to spread awareness and dispel stigma surrounding this issue. After the birth of a child, 15 to 20% of women will experience significant symptoms of depression or anxiety. That might sound pretty grim, but the wonderful news is that these conditions are very treatable when people are given the right type of help. In addition, even moms who may not have depression or anxiety are up against some pretty damaging “myths of motherhood.” One of the biggest myths is that there are people out there who have this whole motherhood thing perfected. (Perfect mom, if you’re out there, let us know your secret. Pretty sure you don’t exist though.) To combat this myth and others, I’ve started making a list of “truths of motherhood.” So here we go. Comment and let me know what your truths are!
- We all make mistakes. We can learn from them and grow and practice self-compassion. Shame and perfectionism do not beget growth!
- It is healthy and normal to need and ask for help.
- There is no one “right way” to do some things. People have different ways of dressing, feeding, and teaching their children, and that’s ok. Fed is best. Dressed is best. Loved and cared for is best.
- Self-care for mommies and daddies is vital.
What are your truths? What do you remind yourself of when the going gets tough? (And I know it gets tough!)
-Kim
YES!! All of these things helped me get through that 4th trimester. It also helped to remember that ___________wouldn’t always be like that. For example the every two hour feedings, or the purple crying! Thank you for helping me to remember to take care of myself and slow down!