Having multiples is, no doubt, a very stressful reality. It does not at all surprise me that recent studies show a higher rate of depression among moms of multiples. There were some obvious contributing factors with my own experience with postpartum depression.
- Extra babies bring extra hormones. And those extra hormones have to level themselves out once the babies are born.
- Months of bedrest (including nearly 2 months in the hospital) left me PLENTY of time to worry about all the risks of my pregnancy and all the anticipated complications of caring for 3 babies at once.
- This pregnancy came on the heels of years of repeated pregnancy loss and infertility…also incredibly stressful situations.
- Though I was overjoyed to finally become a mother, I was also faced with the realization that motherhood was not going to be like I had always dreamed/imagined/envisioned. Not for me. Not with triplets.
- Finances. Yeah. Multiples are expensive.
- Most multiples are born prematurely. Many of these babies require NICU time. Seeing your brand new babies hooked up to tons of medical equipment is something for which you're never really prepared. And it took a huge toll on me. Bringing home my babies at different times made me feel like my heart was in pieces here, there and yon.
- The first few months with multiples are so overwhelming! Aside from the sleep deprivation, there was precious little time to take care of myself. With all the medical appointments for the babies, I didn't even think of going to a doctor myself to discuss the emotional roller coaster I found myself riding.
The April 1st issue of Pediatrics included the findings of a postpartum depression study recently conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The results were fascinating and confirm that I was not at all alone in my struggles.
READ MORE HERE at MedicineNet.com.
(photo by skaletto)
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