This is a guest-blog post from Domenica Orlando Orofino, one of my Strong Mom & Strollerfit mamas. In this blog post she openly shares her story of postpartum depression with us.
The journey of motherhood begins when you get pregnant, you’re ecstatic you’ve never wanted anything more in life than this tiny human growing inside you. You eat the right foods, get plenty of rest, you exercise, you take pictures of #thebump, “you’re glowing” people tell you. You’re on cloud 9. Well at least I was. I absolutely LOVED being pregnant. Time of my life.
2 weeks before our expected due date my water broke and later that day we have our beautiful baby girl Scarlett. So….now what?
We arrived earlier that day as a couple, just the two of us. The following day we were a family of 3. So, like I asked a minute ago…NOW WHAT?! Umm I, well we weren’t ready for this, but really who is? I was re-born into a new life. Just as I gave birth to this new innocent baby, I am now born into her new life as her parent.
I immediately became depressed.
Postpartum depression hit me HARD.
I felt as though this baby would be better off with someone else.
I cried myself to sleep for months.
I was spiraling downward fast.
I took the initiative and called my psychiatrist the first week Scarlett was born. I go to her once a week and she honestly has been my saving grace. I also have another saving grace, and that is exercise. Without it I don’t think I’d be where I am today.
One night I was on Facebook and I came across a “Strong Mom” class starting the very next day, so I immediately signed up for the class. I was now accountable.
I paid for the classes upfront, no excuses. I was determined to heal my mind of this sickness I had succumbed to. I was excited. I knew I needed this to better myself. Healthy body, healthy mind.
I began attending the Strong Mom and stroller fit classes weekly for the next couple of months. The depression had taken a back seat on this new journey of mine. Because I was lost. I missed the old me. I was sad that “she” had left so suddenly. Now I had to create a NEW me. Even on the cloudy days I saw the sun. Being with other moms I felt a sense of safety and acceptance. They just get it. I am forever grateful for that night and that ad I saw on Facebook. Denise’s classes have done wonders for me both physically and more importantly mentally. I would not have been where I am today if it was not for her and her fitness classes which helped me heal physically, mentally and emotionally.
If you’re suffering, get help. Please do not suffer silently.
1. Talk about it with your loved ones. There is no need to be proud at this point. Push your ego aside and never at any time feel ashamed.
2. Next, get moving. Get active. Start small by beginning a routine for yourself. Remember, happy mommy means happy family. When you suffer everyone suffers.
Domenica is a 30 something year old dreamer, wanderer, lover and believer that all things happen for a reason. She’s currently on maternity leave entertaining her 6 month old baby girl. Domenica loves to blog about #momlife and all the truths about motherhood. Check out her blog for everyday blunders for a good laugh: www.sizzlinandlivin.wordpress.com