First time mom☺️

To be honest, it’s not something you can prevent. I have never suffered with any form of mental health problems, I was the last person who you would think would suffer, plus I have the biggest support and closest family around me, yet I suffered severe postpartum depression and anxiety and I still struggle 20 months on. So I don’t think you can necessarily prevent it, but if you start to struggle, please talk to someone, there is so much help and support you can get xx

Sleep! I have the best support system and amazing help and my lack of sleep was what almost ruined my marriage and made my husband genuinely concerned about me and us. We sleep trained using TakingCaraBabies.com and it’s made all the difference. We now have 2 great sleepers and our relationship is better than ever! Have a close friend or family member checking in on you and be honest with them. I remember after my first kiddo that I went to my mom’s house absolutely exhausted and she sent me to her room to sleep while she took care of my baby. I didn’t go over for that. I just went over so my grandmother could spend time with her great grandson but instead I had someone close enough to me to notice I was flailing and needed a boost.

Ask for help, accept help, know every hard time does not last forever. Take care of yourself. I found I struggled most during the witching hour at 3 months, I thought I was going to go crazy. Make sure you’re eating enough, resting enough. Know chores and cleaning can wait. And know times will get easier

I would say, listen to as many birth story related podcasts as you can. This is what I did, and I feel it really helped in terms of giving me realistic expectations of potential birth trauma. I compare my experiences to my friends in a local mother's group, and while they all struggled to come to terms with their traumatic births I did not as I adequately prepared myself for every possible scenario and felt well equipped to handle the fact that my birth plan perhaps might not always be possible. That and start seeing a psychologist NOW.

SLEEP SLEEP SLEEP!!!! It’s near impossible but a change in your sleep pattern and especially lack of sleep has a HUGE impact on mental health. For instance I’m bipolar, and once that sleep deprivation hits at 2-4 weeks pp it threw me into a rapid cycle. Every dr I talked to before during and after pregnancy urged me over and over that that’s the number one thing that can make or break your post partum. Having a support system and people you trust, meaning someone to watch your kid while you sleep or what have you. Getting a therapist if you don’t have one already is helpful so you’re already comfortable when the punches are swinging.

@Vanessa Do you happen to know of anywhere you can buy this or the name of this particular tea blend? Definitely interested 👀

Please trust me when I say this, but prioritise yourself & your relationship. Listen to & support each other, go on date nights, have time to yourself, practice self care, treat yourselves, etc It is ok for the baby to cry while you shower, change, pee, make yourself food, eat food, drink a hot coffee, enjoy a few minutes alone, etc Ask for help, & accept the help that is offered. Talk to a therapist, starting now, not when a problem arises. Do couples therapy. Hold your boundaries, be firm but kind about it. Do not let people make you feel guilty for having these boundaries. If you want to do something, eg I want get a manicure, you want maternity photos, newborn baby prints, a specific toy or blanket, to go to that musical, to have a night out, stay home & snuggle that gorgeous bubba, then do it with great joy and no guilt. Parenthood is an amazing journey, but the single hardest thing you will ever do, look after yourselves & each other. Your baby will be so spoilt, make sure you are too ❤️

One thing I will always say make you get out of the house everyday, even if it’s for. 10 minute walk to the shops or park. You can end up going stir crazy if you stay in everyday/all day with a baby x

I don’t think it’s preventable hun but just be aware of your mind and your feelings. Do not be scared to talk about it! Honestly, I suffered from PP depression and intrusive thoughts and anxiety… I thought I was going insane! But I got help because I was very self aware and it does pass. Help is always out there hun so don’t worry ☺️🌷 don’t feel bad if you get it and don’t stress.. everyone goes through it at different levels. We’re all here if you need us! X

@Hannah for real that is the facts!!! Baby can run us crazzy Woww you smart girl

@Hannah i imbox you, you are smart love your text