07 | Lisa - postpartum depression, talk therapy

As a public health researcher and implementation scientist who thought highly of her “ability to get shit done” Lisa assumed motherhood would be easy - especially compared to her prior achievements with study, work, and life.

To her surprise though, Lisa struggled with the transition to motherhood. From a gestational diabetes diagnosis, birthing a small baby, a NICU admission, and breastfeeding pain, to having a colic baby who had to be constantly held and who would not stop crying, Lisa was consumed by a feeling of failure.

At five months postpartum, she was diagnosed with depression and was forced to confront the reality that she had past experiences to unpack and behaviours to unlearn - the biggest being her reluctance to ask for help.

Through therapy, postpartum planning (with Kathryn from episode 04), a strong support-system, and a ‘good enough mothering’ attitude, Lisa approached her second pregnancy in a completely different way.

She is now finally enjoying motherhood, without mental ill health or the unrelenting pressure to be a perfect mother.

Find Lisa on Instagram @drlisa.researcher where she disseminates research-backed information to dispel perfect parenting myths and to promote parental wellbeing.

 

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MADE WITH LOVE by Rebecca (host, founder, storyteller) x