Postpartum life can be rough. What do you wish you had known?

Life with a newborn can be intense, especially if you are experiencing postpartum depression. Learn more in our episode "Sarah Sawyer on postpartum depression and the intensity of early parenthood" wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode summary:

You’re sore, you’re sleep deprived and you’re responsible for a new life – what if you’re also struggling with your mood, depression or anxiety? In this episode, we’re talking to author Sarah Sawyer, who portrays the guilt, shame and exhaustion of postpartum depression in her novel “The Undercurrent.” Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Dr. Neeta Jain helps us understand what postpartum depression is and what you can do about it.

In this episode, Dr. Millstine and her guests discuss:

• Postpartum depression. What’s the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression? Dr. Jain talks us through the symptoms and risk factors for postpartum depression.
• Does everybody feel like this? The physical effects of labor, hormone changes and sleep deprivation can make the first months as the parent of a newborn very, very hard. Yet parents are often unprepared for these challenges or feel like they have to have it “all together.”
• You’re not alone. If you have experienced postpartum mood changes like depression, anxiety or obsessive or intrusive thoughts, you are not alone. Having good support can make a world of difference, including from your partner, friends, family, and healthcare team.

More resources:

• Learn more about postpartum depression, anxiety and mood changes.
• Learn how to cope with intrusive thoughts.

Questions for discussion:

Being the parent of newborn is no joke. If you have kids, what surprised you about this time? What do you wish you had known?

Share your thoughts, questions and opinions below!