Postpartum Depression is not a random thing...

Here is what really irks me right now… that we have been enculturated to believe that Postpartum Depression (PPD) and PMAD’s (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) are something that just randomly happen to some women. Since suffering from postpartum illness (which is what I call it since I no longer believe in my diagnosis…more on that later), I have dived deep into learning what causes women to experience these “disorders” in the postpartum. In my own personal studies and research, there are tangible reasons that women suffer postpartum.

This is what we know:

• When a mother feels prepared, supported, and knowledgeable about the postpartum she decreases her risk of postpartum depression

• Increasing a partner's knowledge of motherhood significantly reduces postnatal distress and depression in first-time mothers. ⁠

• Phone support by healthcare providers and routine check-ins during the postpartum period appears to reduce depression scores, and improve breastfeeding outcomes⁠

• International policy suggests that social support is necessary for maternal and infant well-being ⁠

• That the mental health of a mother deeply affects the well-being of her baby in those early years

This is what I have learnt:

• That sleep deprivation, exhaustion, low blood sugar, dehydration (not drinking enough water), gut dysbiosis (an imbalanced gut biome), nutrient depletion, isolation, loneliness, boredom, lack of social support and connection, and stress all have very similar symptoms to anxiety and depression

If you look at that last line, in my experience pretty much every new mother experiences those things.

But here is the catch, every woman is different, her nervous system is different, her overall ability to be resilient is different, her physiology is different, her baby is different, her living situation is different, her overall health is different, and her experience of being a new mom with a baby is different.

Yet almost every mother I have talked to has experienced “postpartum depression and/or anxiety” to some degree. For many it wasn’t severe enough to reach out for help, for others shame caused them to just deal with it on their own, and many didn’t even realize what they were going through until they looked back at it because they were just doing their best to make it through.

Why are mother’s suffering postpartum? Because they don’t have the preparation, knowledge, care and support that they need. AND because we have been enculturated to believe that if you have a baby (by choice or otherwise) you just need to deal, and that suffering is just a part of motherhood.

Here are some more statistics:

• In the UK, 750,000 women give birth every year. Yet only 4% sat down with their care providers in setting up a postnatal care plan. It costs the U.K $ 11 billion every year for untreated PPD. (Studies showed that if they implemented postpartum care planning it would cost the government $3 million every year!) ⁠

• In the United States, 4 million women give birth every year. Yet most women independently navigate the postpartum transition alone. It costs the U.S $14 Billion every year for untreated PPD. ⁠

• In Canada, 370,000 women give birth every year. Yet suicide is the leading cause of maternal death. It costs Canada $11 Billion every year for untreated PPD. ⁠

So if we know what lowers mothers risk of “Postpartum Depression”, then why aren’t governments investing more in helping mothers with preventative care and planning?

We can’t wait for our governments to act or to change policy… (although I will be advocating for that.)

EMPOWER YOURSELF!

This is why I am offering Postpartum Education and Planning sessions. Because I deeply believe that a lot of the suffering new moms experience can be avoided or diminished.

When you and your support team learn what is actually needed for you to feel healthy, happy, and to thrive postpartum you lower your risk of becoming one of these statistics.

It’s actually not that complicated, it really is very simple and I want to show you how.

Here is what some of my clients have to say:

“I've already learned SO MUCH in our first session. I can't wait for our next call! I'm feeling really prepared and supported. SO very thankful for these offerings Hope. “

“Just had a wonderful postpartum planning session with Hope Corbin. She does zoom sessions, you don't need to be in Edmonton to take advantage of the knowledge she has to offer. …it's clear she is amazing at supporting new mothers and fathers through the process and initiation that are parenthood, birthing, and postpartum. I am feeling nourished, held, and more prepared by Hope's resourcefulness, presence, and personal and professional wisdom.”

Didn’t budget for Postpartum planning or Postpartum Care?

Instead of baby gifts which you probably don’t need, add a Postpartum Planning session and/or Postpartum Care to your baby registry or ask for it as a gift at your Baby Shower or Mother Blessing. People love gifting pregnant families gifts, and preparing for your postpartum is a priceless gift that will support your and your babies health on all levels, both in the short term and into the future.

Have a friend who is pregnant? My postpartum planning package is seriously the best gift you could give them. Reduce their risks of experiencing PND and help them feel prepared, supported and loved in this immense transition.

I love setting mothers and families up for success in the early postpartum and beyond. My prayer for you is that the postpartum experience is deeply nurturing, nourishing and healing, and you will have the best experience possible bonding your new little one.

Because our babies are the next generation, and we need them happy, healthy, and whole.

Contact me if you have any questions. I am here for you and would be honoured to support you through this tender and transitional time.