Here’s my advice, for what its worth. It’s not worth a lot, so here’s a coupon. ⬇
How do you cope with postpartum depression? Get help as soon as you realize something is off. I cannot underscore this enough. Talk to your doctor. See a counselor. Take medication. Exercise. Knit. Whatever. Do something that helps you get grounded. Talk about it. There is no shame in PPD, and it can happen to anyone. In fact, 1 in 9 mamas in the U.S. experience postpartum depression.
Call the Postpartum Support International helpline 1-800-944-4773. You can also text 1-503-894-9453.
The National Suicide Prevention hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.
What do you do when motherhood is too much? Walk away. Sometimes this journey is utterly overwhelming. You have to know your breaking point, and you have to figure out how to walk away before you get there. Have your partner or a sitter take the baby for an hour, and leave the house, even if you just go outside. This is so important. Don’t overlook the power of giving yourself a break!
What do you do with a teething toddler? This may not be popular, but we always give our daughter Motrin when she is particularly fussy due to teething. The anti-inflammatory seems to work better than Tylenol for teething. Milk popsicles have also been our life support during this time. When she was smaller, I made them with breast milk. Now, I use whole milk. She loves them, and they seem to give her a little relief.
What do you do with a fussy baby? Who the hell knows! Be patient. Our girl was always fussy due to gas, so gripe water and gas drops were the only thing that helped. We also used something called a Windi when the gas got particularly bad.
How do you quit doubting yourself? This one is tough. You have to believe in yourself. We have more instincts than we realize. Take a step back. Try to get some outside perspective. I promise, you’re not doing it all wrong. Do the best you can. Love your baby. The rest is trivial.
What do you do when your child won’t sleep? Some families co-sleep. Some sleep train. Some use swings. Whatever. Do what is best for your family. We used the Babywise method, and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I cried way more than my daughter ever did. Whatever you decide to do, stick with it. Routine is crucial for sleep.
How do you decide between breastmilk and formula? Fed is best. Period. Your baby will be fine no matter what feeding route you take. Neither is easy. None of this is easy. Make sure your baby eats.
I’m not claiming to be an expert in any way. This is merely a few things that I have learned over the past 16 months of my daughters life.
This comes from nothing resembling a high horse. High horses want nothing to do with me.
Also, I am not a healthcare provider. Please contact your HCP before utilizing any of this advice, particularly concerning medications and feeding. Hang in there, mama. You got this!
