When a little one enters the world, there is a balance that needs to be struck between taking care of baby and taking care of mom. I know each time we added a new little one to our family, I had to figure out that balance all over again.
Whether you are a new mom or a soon-to-be grandma, this episode’s conversation will address all things moms, babies, and how to take care of both. Helping me dive into this topic is Rachael Elmore. She is a licensed therapist and a Christian counselor, as well as the author of A Mom Is Born: Biblical Wisdom and Practical Advice for Taking Care of Yourself and Your New Baby.
11 years ago, Rachael overcame postpartum depression in her own life after she became a new mom. Today, she has a passion for helping other moms do the same through her thriving Christian counseling practice, her book, and social media.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
- Who is affected by this adjustment period
- How to spot the difference between “baby blues” and postpartum depression
- The best way to support new moms
- And much more!
I know everyone can benefit from this conversation about supporting new moms!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- [BOOK] A Mom Is Born: Biblical Wisdom and Practical Advice for Taking Care of Yourself and Your New Baby
- [BOOK] Professionalizing Motherhood: Encouraging, Educating, and Equipping Mothers At Home
- Connect with Rachael on her Facebook, Instagram, or website
- As a thank you for listening, get your 3 free eBooks.
My Key Takeaways:
1) Postpartum depression is more common than we realize. Every mom will experience “baby blues” when adjusting to a new baby. But postpartum depression is far more common than we may realize. Over 1 of every 7 moms will experience postpartum depression. If you experience symptoms for more than two weeks that prevent you from taking care of yourself or your baby, you are likely experiencing postpartum depression and should consider seeking professional help from a knowledgeable counselor, therapist, or doctor.
2) Anyone can support a mother that is struggling. New mamas don’t need grand gestures to be encouraged, sometimes just bringing a meal or holding a baby long enough for her to shower can make all the difference in the world. But the most encouraging thing you can do is to remind them that they are doing a great job and that they are a great mom! (And if you think of it, bring them snacks.)
3) You are a good mom. We can tend to forget this as moms, but the truth is that you are a good mom and God has not forgotten you. Instead of being hard on yourself, you should only have three goals: to feed yourself, to feed your baby, and to pray for your little one. That’s it! It’s alright if you haven’t brushed your teeth in weeks and your hair is starting to smell. Just focus on those three things. And remember, bonding with your baby doesn’t happen in a narrow window of time; it happens over millions of interactions with them across years, not days. You are doing just fine, mama. You are a good mom!
About Rachael Elmore:
Rachael Elmore is a licensed therapist, Christian counselor, author, speaker, and a self-proclaimed “hot mess mama.” She is passionate about helping all mothers gain the tools to be emotionally healthy. In her latest book, A Mom Is Born, Rachael offers practical tools and biblical wisdom to mothers in order to take care of themselves, their babies, and become the emotionally healthy mothers God designed them to be. Rachael lives in Charlotte, North Carolina where she has a thriving Christian counseling practice and is mom to two boys.
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