Pregnancy is hard. The postpartum period is hard. Parenting in general is hard. But it is also one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. I am extremely thankful to have given birth to three beautiful babies. Two of my children are home with me, and one passed away two hours after she was born. Not surprisingly, I struggle with my mental health.
I got pregnant shortly after losing my daughter, Ava. After my son, Carson, was born 13 months after my loss, I was diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety which was under control for a while. Three months ago, I gave birth to my third child, Camden. And guess what came back with a vengeance?
I love being a mother. I love my children more than anything in the world. But some days are hard. Some days, I struggle. And not just in a “the baby won’t stop crying” way, although that does happen too.
Our journeys to motherhood all look different. Motherhood is not a one-size-fits-all situation. It can be beautiful, heartbreaking, a little bit of both, and everything in between.
Moms are superheroes, and you can’t convince me otherwise.
We don’t wear capes, and oftentimes, we haven’t washed our hair for a few days. There is nothing a mother can’t do. We take care of our kids, our homes, our partners, our animals, our careers, the groceries, and the laundry, but are we taking care of ourselves? Think about it, and answer honestly.
If you can answer yes, that you are truly taking care of yourself, you definitely are a step ahead of me. Actually, you are leaps and bounds ahead of me. I have days where I struggle. A lot. And I know that I have friends that do too. I know I am not alone, but it sometimes feels that way.
Struggling with your mental health can feel so lonely and isolating.
It doesn’t have to be. Have you heard of a reproductive psychiatrist? I definitely hadn’t, but I was so interested in learning more. According to Johns Hopkins, Reproductive Psychiatrists are experts in the diagnosis and management of mood and anxiety symptoms that occur around the menstrual cycle, across pregnancy, in the postpartum period, and during the perimenopausal years.
Dr. Nina Higgins is a native New Mexican, fellowship-trained, reproductive psychiatrist who is passionate about women’s and perinatal mental health.
She started her practice, Desert Lily Psychiatry, to provide hope to women and show them that excellent treatment does exist. Mental health disorders are very common in both pregnancy and the postpartum period. They can show up either as new symptoms or as an exacerbation of previously existing problems. Both patients and providers alike are not always aware of the treatment options that exist.
Did you know there is risk to both you and baby if your mental health is unstable in pregnancy or the postpartum period? Neither did I, although it makes total sense. Dr. Higgins can help to tailor a treatment plan to your needs and values. She offers longer appointments to ensure that there is time to discuss the major life changes that come with pregnancy and postpartum.
To discuss treatment options, you can visit her website, send a secure message through the Spruce Health App, or call her office at 505-591-1031. Telehealth is also available to New Mexico residents.
Your child deserves you at your best, and you deserve to be your best. We, as mothers, would do anything for our children. Mama, it’s time that includes taking care of you.
