Motherhoodis often described as a national duty, with mothers expected to give birth to future leaders, scientists, economists, doctors, and more
The birth of a first child marks a woman’s initiation into motherhood, a journey that demands emotional strength and resilience For 28-year-old Sekai Mhurudzwa (not real name), her first experience of childbirth was blissful and free of complications
One might assume that having gone through one childbirth, a mother is prepared for what comes next But each pregnancy and postpartum period presents its own set of challenges For Sekesai, the birth of her second child at age 24 brought a harrowing ordeal:postnatal depression (PND)
She found herself battling deep depression, anxiety, and overwhelming hopelessness I lost myself completely,”she shares.“It was as if I had fallen into a dark pit and didn’t know how to climb out I was constantly tired, crying without reason, and everything felt meaningless.” Anxiety became a constant companion
“At one point, I even developed high blood pressure and found myself resenting my baby I was so angry, not just at my situation, but at my first child too,” she recalls
She describes feeling ashamed and confused by her emotions “I hated myself for feeling that way I kept asking, ‘What kind of mother feels this?’ But I couldn’t snap out of it.” Initially, Kaponda didn’t realize she was experiencing PND
“Everyone tells you motherhood is hard, so I thought it was just part of the package,” she says “It wasn’t until I found myself shouting at my baby for crying that I realized something was really wrong.” Her partner, admits it was difficult to understand what was happening
“She became distant, withdrawn I thought maybe she didn’t love me anymore or regretted having another child,” he says “I didn’t know about postnatal depression at the time I just thought she needed rest But it went beyond that.”
He eventually attended a therapy session with her, which he says changed everything “The counselor explained what she was going through, and I felt guilty for not recognizing the signs sooner I realized that supporting her emotionally was just as important as helping with the baby,” he explains
He now urges other men to be part of the postpartum journey “Don’t wait for her to break down Be present Ask how she feels Go with her to appointments if you can Just be there.”
Source: Health Times
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