How Having a Support System Can Help Mothers to Push Back Against Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD), commonly referred to as the “baby blues” in some milder cases, is something that up to 80% of new mothers experience—that’s a lot of us! The effects of PPD can range from negative feelings to very real concerns for you and your baby, which is why it is so important for us to take it seriously. Having a support system can help mothers to push back against postpartum depression, allowing mothers to navigate its unpleasant effects more easily. Let’s explore this further.

Postpartum Depression and Isolation

New mothers can go through a lot of physical and emotional strain after childbirth, and this can be very difficult to cope with. Social isolation can be very hard on mothers, making the effects of postpartum depression even worse for some people. When you think about it, it isn’t really all that surprising. New mothers, like everyone else, need support when they are struggling. In fact, research shows that women exhibit more PPD symptoms when they feel unsupported—so having that support is really important.

How We Change When We Have Support

If there is one thing that we know is true for all people, it is that we tend to do a lot better when we have adequate support. For a new mama taking on a long list of new challenges and running on barely any sleep, social support can be everything. In order for moms to be vessels for love and kindness, they should be treated to a steady supply of these things from others.

When asked, pregnant women from a variety of backgrounds have said that social support is essential for their emotional recovery—and their physical recovery too. Moms face big changes and end up dealing with a lot of new stresses, whether it is constant feeding or even biological changes, so having support is even more important for new moms than the average person.

Mothers Supporting Mothers

Every person who plays a support role for new mothers can bring value, but mothers really shine when they connect with other women who know what they are going through. This can be even more powerful when mamas partner together with other moms who are currently facing similar challenges.

This article on being wrong about not needing mom friends is very enlightening. It explains all of the benefits that come with making friends with fellow mothers. These relationships can offer everything from child-friendly social outings to insights on local pediatricians or daycares. More importantly, these bonds offer connection and a sense of understanding, which can take some of those confusing thoughts and help mothers to realize that it is normal, and it will pass.

The Takeaway

Human beings are social creatures by nature, and communities supporting children and new moms have been common since humanity first began. With so many women grappling with postpartum depression symptoms, it is so important to ensure that new mamas have the support that they need to deal with some of the challenges that can come when raising a little bundle of joy. When mothers unite, they feel loved and seen—and babies feel that love too!