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July 23, 2012

Becoming a Better Me- Update

Hi Everyone,
In case you missed my review of the great new Baby Orajel Naturals teething product, you can still read it here (though the giveaway has ended). I also wanted to let you know that if you are one of the lucky women attending the BlogHer conference in NYC on August 3-4, 2012, you can visit the Baby Orajel folks at Booth 1100 to learn more about taking care of your little one’s teeth and gums! They may even have some product samples to share with you so be sure to stop by.

Several months ago I finally opened up about my struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety and how debilitating it was. 

The support I received was amazing - comments, emails, tweets.  It was so nice to talk with other women who dealt with similar issues and to offer encouragement to those still struggling.

A few days after I clicked publish on that post, I started drafting part 2 - what I did to get back to "me" and get better.  I composed and deleted that post so many times since March. I wasn't concerned with opening up about what I have done to get better.  However, I was terrified of claiming to be "better" and past my PPD/PPA days when I was a short 5 weeks away from giving birth again.

I was so worried I would post about how wonderful I felt, how I knew what to look out for, what medications work and don't work, only to find myself right back in those dark places I slipped into after Kate's birth.

So, I waited. 

And waited. 

And waited some more.

Would talking about how I successfully overcame PPD/PPA "jinx" me into having major issues again?  What if things were worse the second time? What if what I found to work no longer worked?

Thankfully I was aware of my fears.  And? I honestly believe that blogging about my experiences made me even more aware than I thought I was which allowed me to openly discuss things with Alex and prepare for Will's birth with my medical team.

I am pleased to share that I am doing wonderfully and did not suffer from anything, not even the baby blues, after Will's birth. 

Maybe it's having my medication just right.  Maybe it's because I was more aware and prepared this time.  Maybe it was because I was open with my prior struggles and had a community praying for me.  Maybe having a baby that has been a great sleeper from the get-go made a difference.

Who knows!

All I know is that I feel amazing and I am thriving in my current role as mom of two kids under two!

And I know that I am finally ready to start drafting the final part of "becoming a better me".  I am ready to share what I did, and am still doing, to stay mentally healthy. 

Be on the look out for this post!  Hopefully it will be up within a week or so! 

And a huge thank you to everyone that took the time to check on me after Will's birth - who remembered my struggle and wanted to make sure I was doing ok.  I greatly appreciate the support that I have found through this wonderful blogging community!

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8 comments:

Turner Aycock said...

You go, Mama! I know how debilitating it can be, as well. I feel so sad for Moms who think what they are going through is "normal" and don't do anything to get help. I am glad you are feeling well!!! We have to take care of us first so that we can be the best Mamas possible!! xo

Tiffany said...

I love this post! I am do happy to hear that things have been better this time! I have wondered but was nervous o bring it up. Lol

Sarah said...

I'm glad you are feeling well! I started with anxiety issues shortly before becoming pregnant the 1st time. I also had PPD slightly w/my 1st. Going in to the 2nd I was better prepared, but his 10 day stint in the NICU brought on some heavy emotions & I suffered for a few months. It's always nice to feel good again, right? :) I always enjoy your open & honest writing.

Gina said...

I am always afraid if I say I am better, I'll jinx myself too. So glad things are going well for you. :)

Rachel said...

I'm so thankful you shared this. One of my biggest fears about having another baby is my fear of having post-partum depression again. It's the WORST thing I've ever been through. I also had a baby who refused to sleep...maybe number two will be a little easier on us in that arena?? Thanks again for sharing!

Sam said...

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I had awful PPD after my Will was born in 2010, and I've been a nervous about how things might go if/when we decide to have another baby.

I've found a medication that works for me, but I'm aprehensive about being on something throughout my pregnancy. Did you go off your meds when you were pregnant with Will? Or did you elect to stay on and stay sane?

Nicole said...

So glad that you're in such a good place right now. Your happiness radiates in your blog posts! I'm very interested I your next post about any signs to look for in friends/family members/and ourselves. I think it's something everyone needs to be aware of and also feel the need to speak of if they feel something isn't right.

Erin R. said...

So proud, proud, proud of you! Being able to recognize AND talk about your struggle is an amazing gift to yourself and to all of us. Very happy that you are feeling very happy. Love you friend!

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