Gold Coast Doulas asked Elisabeth to guest blog on the topic of mental health during the postpartum period. Elisabeth is a certified coach and expert in maternal mental e-health, and the founder of Elle’s Corner. Elle’s Corner, specializes in maternal mental health, providing transformative online courses specifically designed for new mothers.
Introduction
Becoming a mom is a beautiful journey, but it can also be overwhelming. From sleepless nights to the endless needs of a newborn, the postpartum period can be a rollercoaster. I’m Elisabeth, the founder of Elle’s Corner, and I’ve been there. After experiencing a debilitating postpartum depression (PPD) myself, I discovered how powerful positive psychology can be in improving mental health. Let’s explore some simple, yet effective, ways to make your postpartum experience more positive and fulfilling.
Understanding the Postpartum Experience
The postpartum period can be a mix of joy and challenges. Many new moms experience a range of emotions, and it’s not uncommon to feel down or anxious. In fact, about 1 in 7 women go through PPD. It’s important to know you’re not alone and there are ways to help manage these feelings.
What is Positive Psychology?
Positive psychology focuses on what makes life worth living. Instead of just treating mental health issues, it looks at ways to enhance well-being and happiness. For new moms, incorporating these principles can make a big difference.
Easy Ways to Incorporate Positive Psychology
1. Practicing Gratitude
Gratitude is about appreciating the little things. Even on tough days, finding moments to be thankful for can boost your mood. Personally, I think the way social media has been pushing this “toxic positivity” movement gives a poor light on what positive psychology can truly offer. Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean we have to be positive about everything and only look on the bright side. No, not at all. Without lows, there can’t be highs. Practicing gratitude is about making small daily efforts to be grateful for the things in your life, which can help rewire your brain to see more than just the difficulties of life and the postpartum period.
Try This: Keep a gratitude journal. Each night, write down three things you’re thankful for. It could be as simple as a warm cup of tea or a smile from your baby.
2. Building Social Connections
Having a strong support system is crucial. Whether it’s family, friends, or other new moms, sharing your experiences can provide immense support. This one hits close to home for me, as a Type A personality, perfectionism always lurks in the background. I felt I had to do everything myself because I chose to have a baby. This made things incredibly hard because I saw reaching out for help as a sign of failure. But I really want to stress to expectant, new, and experienced moms that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. You and your baby will benefit from it. How great is it to teach your child that it’s okay to ask for help and to always be willing to offer help to those who need it?
Try This: Schedule regular chats with friends or join a support group for new moms, either locally or online.
3. Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness is about staying present and appreciating the moment. Meditation can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. I tried meditation and mindfulness several times over the years, but it never stuck. I knew the benefits, but prioritizing it always took a back seat. That was until 8 weeks into the postpartum period when my PPD hit me hard. I didn’t want to live anymore, but I knew I wanted to fight those feelings. As a last resort, I re-downloaded the Headspace app and started a 30-day course on coping with anxiety. It was just 10 minutes of mindfulness and meditation a day, but it saved my life. Those 10 minutes a day finally felt like I was able to get some rest and mentally recharge.
Try This: Start with short, guided meditations. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be very helpful.
4. Setting Realistic Goals
Setting small, achievable goals can help you feel more in control and accomplished. This was taught to me by my psychologist who helped me through my PPD. Your mind can play nasty tricks, especially by setting goals that are too big and looking too far ahead. The reality with a newborn is that life moves slowly. That doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish anything, but it does mean you can’t achieve tasks as quickly as before. I always advise moms to set very small and doable goals. Another important thing is to celebrate attaining those goals. This way, you train yourself and your brain to experience frequent small moments of happiness.
Try This: Break down your tasks into smaller steps. Celebrate each small victory, whether it’s taking a shower or going for a short walk.
Personal Insights and Tips from Elisabeth
As a mom who has navigated the ups and downs of the postpartum period, I understand how overwhelming it can be. Here are some things that helped me:
- Routine: Establishing a daily routine helped me feel more grounded.
- Self-Care: Prioritize a few minutes of self-care each day, whether it’s a quick bath or reading a book.
- Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Therapy and counseling can be incredibly supportive.
Resources for Postpartum Support
Finding the right support can make a world of difference. Here are some great resources:
- Gold Coast Doula’s Services: Offering a range of postpartum support services.
- Postpartum Support International: postpartum.net
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- Elle’s Corner: elles-corner.com – Providing online (self-paced) classes and counseling for new moms.
Conclusion
The postpartum journey is unique for every mother. By incorporating positive psychology practices like gratitude, building social connections, mindfulness, and setting realistic goals, you can improve your mental health and enjoy this special time with your baby. Remember, support is always available, and you’re not alone.
Meet Elisabeth and Elle’s Corner
Hi there! I’m Elisabeth, a certified coach and expert in maternal mental e-health, and I’m the founder of Elle’s Corner. At Elle’s Corner, we specialize in maternal mental health, providing transformative online courses specifically designed for new mothers. Our mission is to support moms in navigating the mental and emotional challenges of motherhood with confidence and resilience.
Elle’s Corner offers a variety of courses that address the unique mental health needs of mothers. Our courses focus on essential topics such as coping strategies for postpartum anxiety, techniques for building confidence, and finding balance during the early stages of motherhood. We believe every mom deserves to be seen and heard, and our goal is to create a supportive and nurturing environment where moms can thrive.
