One mom’s struggle with depression: ‘Meeting other moms was key’
When participant Kat and her family moved to St. Croix Falls, her husband Eric has just started a new job and their son Liam was 4 months old. A native of the United Kingdom, Kat had struggled with mental health prior to Liam’s birth, and complications during pregnancy and birth intensified her depression. Post-delivery, she felt isolated and unable to bond with her baby. “I didn’t love him,” said Kat. “I didn’t understand how a person couldn’t love her child.” She began counseling and medication and was referred to Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley for support with parenting and child development. During her first home visit, parent educator Robbyn began playing with Liam, and even though Kat resisted at first, Robbyn drew her in. “I warmed up,” she said. “Robbyn showed me how to begin bonding with him.”
After several home visits, Eric and Kat brought Liam to Baby & Me. Kat recounted meeting mom Dani and her daughter Sara; they began talking and realized their babies had the same birthday. “I realized later that it was the first time I had felt excited talking about him,” said Kat. At first, she didn’t want to share with other parents, but as she started to open up, Kat realized she had lost herself. “Participating in the group helped me to think positively,” said Kat. “I started wanting to do more things. Meeting other moms was key.”
When Liam and Sara turned a year, it was time to move on to Play & Learn. Kat was nervous about making the transition to a new group but having Dani there for support made all the difference. She said it also helps that the kids get along so well. “They’ve known each other since 5 months old, [so] they don’t know a time without each other.”
“I can safely say that I love him now,” Kat stated. “We’ve grown by leaps and bounds together.”
Mental illnesses are common in the United States, with tens of millions of people affected each year. Parents experiencing postpartum depression can feel extreme sadness, anxiety and exhaustion, which can make it difficult to care for an infant or care for themselves. If you feel you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, contact your health care provider.