They become aware that they are not alone and other mothers are experiencing the same things. Support from other people, time to rest and good communication between spouses are elements that postpartum experts uniformly identify as crucial to healthy adjustment. During that 15-year span when Kay Willis had 10 babies, she eventually discovered what she considers to be the secret of surviving the postpartum months. She learned how to take care of herself first. My basic message is that mothers have to learn to take care of themselves so they can better take care of their children.
Many new moms fail to communicate to their partners about the strain they are under, experts say.
And if communication has been a difficult issue in the past for the couple, it will come to light in the crisis of the birth of the baby. While problems with fatigue and marital communication are common and are usually resolved within the first few months of childbirth, some women are at risk for more serious psychological disorders in the postpartum period. However, if such feelings interfere with her ability to enjoy her baby, function in the family or at work, she may be suffering from a treatable depression disorder and should consider an evaluation from a psychiatrist. Women, however, are very reluctant to seek help, says Cheryl Beck, a University of Connecticut nursing professor and expert on postpartum panic disorder. Our society doesn't condone motherhood as a reason for depression.