A Realistic View of PPD from a Mom Who Has Been There

From Chasing Supermom

by Glenni Lorick, IBCLC

Last Monday at our Huntsville Mommy Milk Meet-up gathering, we talked about Postpartum Depression. This subject is so important to me because several years ago I missed the signs in a mom I was helping with breastfeeding. Her PPD went into postpartum psychosis that ended up causing permanent damage to her family and her relationship with her children. I swore to myself then that I would never again let that happen to a mom on my watch. So I am very proactive when I see any signs at all of PPD to encourage both the mother and those around her to make sure she talks to her doctor and gets some help.

Anywhere from 11-20% of women suffer each year from PPD according to Postpartum Progress. Although some do feel like harming themselves or their child, many never have those feelings at all. Rather, like Sabrina in the video below, they find themselves either filled with anxiety or just melting into the couch and unable to do anything, perhaps feeling like they're going crazy!

All the moms in the meeting on Monday shared, but I specifically asked Sabrina Azemar to share her story because I had heard her speak on this topic previously. Sabrina brings warmth, humor and insight into what can be a very dark topic. We have dealt with PPD in our blog previously, but we are excited to offer you Sabrina's insights!