What is postnatal Depletion?
This term was coined by an Australian doctor, Dr. Oscar Serralach after his research on postpartum women including observing his wife. He realized that fatigue and exhaustion are these common symptoms amongst the postpartum women coupled with baby brain, hypervigilance, anxiety and even depression. This comes from the demanding task of having a newborn and recovering from birth. The postpartum mom brain changes to increase the baby radar for baby’s protection. Sometimes in depletion this can look like a mom sacrificing her own health to protect her baby. He explains that this can occur even up to ten years post birth!
Other symptoms include: falling asleep unintentionally, guilt and shame, loss of self-esteem, sense of isolation, fear of social activities, not coping well, and being overwhelmed.
This can be caused by extra stress due to our modern society of always on the grind, keeping up with Instagram life, bouncing back/getting snatched/body image, finances, relationships and more. No support for maternal health in the US does not help at all. Also, sleep deprivation, returning to work early, socioeconomic factors, racism, foods lacking nutrients, and no physical support or help in the day-to-day activities.
This was and is me. I had no idea this was a thing. I just thought it was mom life and I suffered in silence. But I tried to figure out ways to help myself because doctors just wanted to put me on medication which although does help some (didn’t help me), it isn’t getting to the root of the issue. I changed my diet to a plant based one. (Highly recommend). Eventually created a better sleep routine (I’m talking years out from the early postpartum). Went to therapy. Journaled and figured out what self-care was for me. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Although I figured out some coping habits of change and was able to get a grasp on this depletion, I still have a ways to go. But If I can feel even a bit better and maybe I could help other women do the same. So, I did.
I am a postpartum doula, physical therapist and holistic plant-based healer. I share and give advice and encourage. Sometimes that’s all you need to get you going to find your own way and what strategies work for you. I have worked with many women during this time and I hope that this blog post helps and encourages someone out there too.