Mental Health and Motherhood

On the Couch with Dr Tracie Rogers

We're back 'On The Couch' with Dr Tracie Rogers and WWCS practitioner, Akilah Riley-Richardson, MSW. as they discuss -Postpartum Depression.

Postpartum Depression is extremely commonplace. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience this type of depression. Furthermore, WHO forwards that the statistics in developing countries for PPD is even higher - 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after childbirth. Research has shown us that this potentially severe mood disorder can be caused by hormonal changes and or contextual factors as social economic and cultural factors. In light of the above, it is critical that women learn to care for themselves as they care for their babies. It certainly isn't easy, as the tasks of new motherhood are pretty demanding. It is so easy to become invisible to yourself when your focus is on your little one. Caring for yourself during this time requires a deep recognition that you too exist and are worthy of some attention. It requires an honouring and unbridled respect for the self, even during a time when sacrifice is required. Here Tracie and Akilah discuss a few additional steps to cultivate respect for yourself when caring for your baby.