I always knew I loved babies.  I love everything about them.  The way they smell, the way they feel, the way they look at you and through you in the most intelligent yet unconcerned sort of way.  What I didn't realize for a long time is just how much I love seeing babies with their mommas.  Snuggled in tight, breastfeeding into the land of nod.  There is an amazing peacefulness surrounding this scene. 

 

For many though, this postpartum time is very challenging.  Those images of peace and newborn serenity are often replaced with sleep deprivation, engorged breasts and anxiety.  I know very well the feeling that comes when you do everything right to prepare for your new baby and it is not enough.  I took the prenatals, excercised, went religiously to the checkups with the midwife, ate right, and even visualized my postpartum bliss.  Yet still...something, somewhere went awry.  Maybe it was the hormone adjustment, lack of sleep, or the right support or maybe some combination of all of the above.  Whatever it was, it was certainly NOT postpartum bliss!  It was a torturous time and I swore that I didn't want anyone else to feel the way I had. 

 

So, some years later, and after a huge calling to figure out how I wanted to help other mommas, many lessons learned about the causes and cures, I know there are many measures you can take for reducing the duration and severity of postpartum depression, anxiety and mood disorders and many things that can be done to prevent it completely.  One important component to prevention is to have a support person, such as a Postpartum Doula, in place.   Often just three nights of uninterrupted sleep can reset your clock, and your moods, to get you back on the right track.  You want someone who will take care of the domestic tasks for a few days, run your errands, encourage you and quietly care for you, your baby and your home.  Additionally, in home breastfeeding support, adequate nutrition and someone with the resources to guide  you in the right direction is invaluable as you navigate your way through a rich and rewarding time with your new baby!