I was doing a lot of browsing yesterday on over 40 pregnancy and over 40 mums. I must say, if I wasn’t a glass half full person, I would be mightily depressed and unhappy right now! Postpartum Depression, exhaustion from lack of sleep, not being able to bond with baby, not knowing what to do etc etc.
Fortunately I also found quite a bit of good stuff!! In particular from a series of books by Elizabeth Pantley. I highly recommend going to look at this site and downloading some excerpts. She has some great, stress-free, calming ideas!
It was the postpartum depression material that has kept me thinking over the last 24 hours. Depression is in my family genes and I’ve had more than my share! And it seems that PPD is more prevalent in over 40 mums.
I read excerpts from Brooke Shields book Down Came The Rain.
I read about the changes in biochemicals that occurs both during and after pregnancy.
And I read about how over 40 women have become so established in their lifestyles and careers that the life altering changes and loss of independence that come with a baby, have the potential to bring on PPD.
Flower Power Moms blog post about postpartum depression was most interesting.
“McCabe goes on to point out that the likelihood of increased anxiety for older mothers during pregnancy is exacerbated by the medical establishment—a process that augurs an uncomfortable ride after birth and a lack of postnatal bliss.
“This group is also put through a lot more medical intervention—many more tests may be performed and there are often suggestions of abnormality in the baby or danger for the mother.””
Fortunately, even though a part of is concerned that I will be susceptible to it, I find myself optimistically not in the least bit worried!
Firstly, if it does occur, I have wonderful support in both Queen Naturo and King Acupunct who will quickly help to rebalance my biochemcials. I spoke to King Acupunct today at my appointment and he went “no worries!”
He said that the two biggest causes of postpartum depression were the dramatic changes in biochemcials and also the approach of the new mother to the change in lifestyle. He said “you are a ‘glass half full’ woman and much less susceptible to it even taking into consideration the depression gene.” I choose to completely agree with him! :)
In regards to the change in lifestyle, I am welcoming it. I have done all that I want to do with my career. I have travelled, I have soul searched, I have loved and lost and now wonderfully, have loved and won!! I want this change of lifestyle. I want to be at home being a full-time mum and taking care of things around here. I’ve been ready for this change for the last few years!
What I do completely acknowledge though, is the loss of independence. That one could really affect me! As well as the complete exhaustion, that will no doubt occur, coming along and taking away my rational thinking that is writing this post right now! :)
But with the support of natural medicine,
with complete awareness of what could happen,
with the acceptance and welcoming of the lifestyle changes that will occur,
with no expectations,
with my half-full glass,
with willingness to accept help,
and with the ability to be able to live in the moment and take things as they come,
I am thinking positive and believe that I will be okay even if the symptoms do come and take over for a while.
