What is post-natal depletion?

While trying to figure out what was going on with my mental health after the birth of my first child, I always felt like I didn't quite fit a diagnosis of postnatal depression or anxiety and that something else was at play. And I think a lot of mothers can relate to this and falling into this gap. Upon doing some research I come across a book by Dr Oscar Serrallach called The Postnatal Depletion Cure: A Complete Guide to Rebuilding Your Health and Reclaiming Your Energy for Mothers of Newborns, Toddlers and Young Children.

What is postnatal depletion?

Postnatal depletion is a physical and mental decline that is caused by modern parenthood. This may include issues of deep fatigue, hypervigilance and feelings of overwhelm.

What was eye-opening to me is that this depletion can lead to poor immune function and poor gut health many years after we have given birth.  

Dr. Serrallach believes that over 50 per cent of mothers suffer from some degree of postnatal depletion, which can last up to 10 years after birth. Not surprisingly, mothers of more than one child are at a higher risk for postnatal depletion.

Symptoms to be mindful of:
The symptoms of postnatal depletion may sound pretty familiar and that's because the condition can manifest in a collection of symptoms that many women will simply brush off as a normal part of early motherhood.

·      fatigue

·      baby brain or brain fog,

·      hypervigilance,

·      self-doubt,

·      low energy levels,

·      hair loss  

·      a sense of frustration, overwhelm and anxiety in the months after giving birth. 

Differences with postnatal depression:

Postpartum depression or postnatal depression is a serious mental illness that causes intense feelings of anxiety, sadness and despair.

Mothers may struggle to connect with their new baby and experience intrusive thoughts about harming themselves or their child.

The two conditions do have some overlapping symptoms, including anxiety, mood swings and overwhelm, which can make it a little tricky to figure out which one you might be actually dealing with.

Usually, postpartum depression tends to be much more severe and debilitating than postnatal depletion but if you’re unsure about which condition you might be experiencing then it’s best to seek professional medical advice from a health practitioner.

Serrallach goes on to explain that what needs to change for mothers is societal expectations and the systems around mothers and their children. Think about it, for the first year of the child's life, sometimes even less, mothers take time off from their job to look after their baby and as a society it is supported but as soon as that period is over, we expect women to get on with things and return back to work as if they don't have a child.

But of course, it is during this time that things start to get harder for mums as they are trying to juggle their work and home life mixed in with lack of sleep, stress, trying to perform at work and prove that they can do it all.

Children are then sent off to day care (or with extended family if you are extremely lucky), which costs at least half of the wage you earn when you return to work part-time.  They are then exposed to day care germs where they are adjusting and getting sick nearly every second week, which puts them back into your care and you aren't able to work because you are either looking after them or trying to recover yourself. At this point you can forget work and household routine because it is pure survival that first year back when you return to work.

How do you recover from postpartum depletion?

Physically: Replenish your key nutrients, eating a healthy balanced diet, reduce caffeine intake, supplement with vitamins where needed, daily movement.

Emotionally: take time for yourself where you can, rest and ensure you are getting as much sleep as you can, ensure you are socially connecting with others, and discovering your next best self as a mother.

This is where our signature program, Reconnect To You, can be helpful to maximise your potential as a mum. If you feel like you need more support, you are more than welcome to book in a free consult, and we can see what more we can do to support you.

You are not alone on this journey, please do not feel any shame or guilt for asking for more help if you need it because we are here to help!