Motherhood, Villages, and the Baby Blues
Pregnancy can come with quite a few surprises, and new mothers often find themselves thinking that once they have their baby, everything will go back to normal. If only that were true! New mothers often learn that once they give birth to their babies, their world changes all over again, just in new ways. In this article, we are going to discuss some of those changes—the good, the bad, and the ways to make motherhood better.
What Changes When You Enter Motherhood
Your path to motherhood starts with a unique 9-month journey, but what about after you have your baby by your side? You might notice that, as a mother, your lifestyle changes in a few ways. You’ll sleep less, feel like you almost never have a free moment, and you will find yourself missing out on all of those parties and events that you used to love to go to. Fortunately, you also get a full pass to wear comfortable clothes, hang out at home, and spend time with someone that you love. It’s good to have balance, after all.
Motherhood also brings quite a few biological changes too. For example, did you know that motherhood causes physical changes in the brain to help enhance empathy and increase a desire for social interaction? New mothers can feel more protective and find themselves almost entirely focused on the wellness of their babies. This can be a huge shift from the times before your bundle of joy arrived, and these aren’t the only changes that come with having children.
The Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
The Baby Blues is a term that is commonly used to define a less severe version of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression (PPD) impacts roughly 1 in 7 women, and some believe that those numbers might even be higher. The Baby Blues are often temporary, whereas PPD tends to last longer. This can go on until it is treated. Both can lead you to experience mood swings, sadness, changes in appetite, and even trouble connecting with your baby. Going through a journey like this alone can be very difficult, which is why all new mothers need a sense of community.
Finding a Village: Your Key to Pushing Back Against the Baby Blues
When you think about all of the changes that the body goes through during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods, it is easy to see how it can have such a big impact. For many, the best way to push back against PPD and the Baby Blues is through a strong and supportive community.
One study found that mothers who received support from peers during the end of their pregnancy and those first few months after birth were less likely to experience depression-related symptoms. New mamas that have support feel better and more prepared to cope with parenthood—even the strange, goofy, and unexpected changes that come with it. When life shakes things up, it helps to have people by your side.
The Takeaway
Pregnancy and childbirth are often called a miracle, and when you really consider just how much our bodies and lives change with children, it is easy to see why. Whether you’re a first-time mom or you are about to have your fourth or fifth child, you still need support to see you through these changes. When everything starts to feel different, community can give a sense of familiarity. At Raising Mamas, we are committed to helping mothers to learn more about motherhood and find their villages so they have all the support they need!