Jen’s Story: Overcoming Postpartum Anxiety

Hi Mama, 

As you know, it’s my mission to help moms feel less lonely and more confident as they embark on their journey through motherhood. I want to build a safe space and a community around this blog for all moms, new and seasoned. So I thought, what better way to do that then to actually feature moms and their stories here on the blog!

Everyday Moms is a weekly interview series where I will be sharing experiences from moms all around the world! I hope that this series will allow moms to express themselves and their feelings, and to also help you feel like you’re not alone as you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood.

If you wish to be featured on the blog, click here to submit responses to the Everyday Moms interview questions. I look forward to sharing your story with the world!

Today we will be hearing from Everyday Mom, Jen, who shares her struggle with postpartum anxiety as well as lots of awesome advice for first time moms!

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Everyday Moms: Jen’s Story

“My anxiety gave me high blood pressure and it made me feel like I wasn’t enough and oh how so many other girls could do it but not me. It’s still a struggle everyday. But I also know better now – EVERYONE STRUGGLES less or more, in one way or another.”

 

Tell us about your family

Hi, my name is Jen. I was born and raised in Sweden but currently live in USA (a lot of cultural differences). I have a precious baby boy, Julian and together with my boyfriend we are raising him in New Jersey, USA.

 

When did you become a mom?

January 4th 2020

 

What have been your favorite memories/moments from motherhood?

Both the smiles and the cries. Sounds crazy, right? But all the hard work you put down, from breast/bottle-feeding, rocking, singing lullabies to make-it-up-yourself songs and you get them to smile back at you. It’s a reward and oh so worth it. But also the cries, when they show you they need you, and how their tiny fingers holding onto your shirt, bra strap or even your hair. To know, that to them.. you’re the world.

 

What has been your biggest struggle as a mom?

PPA – Postpartum Anxiety. My labor was anything but pleasant and it gave me so much anxiety I think my body was shook afterwards. Having the baby taken away (NICU 1.5 hours away by himself) made that anxiety go through the roof. So much anxiety finally being released – all the what if’s to all the unknown. My anxiety gave me high blood pressure and it made me feel like I wasn’t enough and oh how so many other girls could do it but not me. It’s still a struggle everyday. But I also know better now – EVERYONE STRUGGLES less or more, in one way or another. Don’t beat yourself up comparing.

 

What advice do you have for other moms out there, such as something you wish you knew before you became a mom?

SLEEP WHEN BABY SLEEPS – You need your energy and sanity to be able to tackle everything else.

TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME – Take deep breaths and focus on surviving the day instead of the week.

DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHERS – This is so so important. Applies to both you and the baby. Your mental health and the weight bounce back, the baby milestones and development. Yes, there are goals but there is also reality.

TIME – This was probably the hardest pill to swallow but give it all time. Understanding your baby takes time. Knowing how to balance a newborn into life takes time. Things just takes time and you have to let it takes as long as it needs to.

 

Anything else you wish to share about your motherhood experience?

I’m 28, turning 29 this year and yet people think I’m too young to have a kid. Yup. I heard A LOT of that and I just want to tell you, don’t ever let anyone tell you when you’re ready or what age is appropriate. If I’m too young and you’re too old? Should I tell you to die? Exactly. Common sense folks.

The other thing I got asked a lot is when will I get married? With my pregnancy hormones I bitched out at people to leave me alone, because that is also none of their business. I burned a lot of bridges (relationships) because of this question. Like.. are you paying for it? Unless you are don’t ask anyone that question. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE MY BOYFRIEND. Eventually I do want to get married. But don’t let a pregnancy force you into a marriage, unless that’s what you want then great. For me, everything takes time. It’s my priority and nobody else. Having a kid before marriage isn’t wrong, so don’t let people tell you that either. Choose YOU every time. 💙

Motherhood is another life. I feel it to the core of my bones. It’s not about not having my own life or give up my life to be a mother and not my own person but to understand there’s more than just you now. I finally understood the words “Don’t have kids til you’re ready” – nobody is telling you to not have them, just be ready in all perspectives when the day comes. My tomorrow starts with you – my child.

 

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I want to thank Jen for sharing her experience with postpartum anxiety with us today. I hope that if you’re reading this and you have also struggled with PPA or PPD that Jen’s story gives you hope that even on the hardest days, everything will be okay.

I’ll be sharing more stories each week as I receive them so be sure to subscribe to the email list on the left-hand side of the page if you want to be notified of new posts. You can also follow me on Instagram where I share my motherhood journey every day. I absolutely love connecting with moms through IG so feel free to leave a comment here or send me a DM if you have questions or just want to chat and become friends!

Thanks for reading! xxx

Read Next: 

Everyday Moms: Helen’s Story

Why “Don’t Hold Your Baby Too Much” Is Bad Advice 

xo

Mother of Fawn