Expecting a baby is one of the most exciting seasons of a woman’s life, especially
when the baby was planned for. From buying their cute little clothes, to wondering
how the baby will look like, who they will take after, what their hobbies will be, what
career paths they will take, the nine months of pregnancy are filled with a sense of
waiting and expectation like none other.
Then the long-awaited day comes, and the first cry of the baby rips the air of the
delivery room. And all the pain of the labour is forgotten as the mother holds the
baby in her arms and marvels at the wonder of creation.
This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the mother’s life, and the lives
of those around her. Be it her spouse, their other children, or their family members
and friends. The birth of a new baby disrupts the status quo.
For a few mothers, the motherhood journey is smooth. The baby feeds well, the baby
sleeps well, all is well at home, and the new mother is in high spirits. And she
quickly adapts to her new normal.
For most mothers, however, motherhood comes with a few high and many lows. The
baby is colicky and therefore does not feed well, the baby cries almost non-stop, the
baby hardly sleeps so the mother is sleep-deprived, the recovery process is painful
and longer than anticipated, breastmilk supply dwindles, … the list is endless.
The new mother feels like a walking zombie. Her life comes to a standstill, literally!
There is hardly enough time for a long warm bath, no time for her daily walks or an
hour at the local gym, she becomes grumpy, she snaps at her other children and
spouse at the smallest reason, she cries even harder than her baby (when no one is
watching), she loses interest in the things that once gave her joy.
For many mothers, the motherhood journey is a rollercoaster of emotions. And when
these emotions are left unchecked, they can turn into mental health issues like post-
partum depression, and post-partum rage.
Unfortunately, many new mothers do not know how to voice their new mixed
emotions, and even if they did, most are afraid of how the people around them will
take it. Even more unfortunately, the society does not know how to help new mothers
deal with their emotional and mental health challenges. It is almost like a taboo. It is
a topic that has not received the attention it deserves.
At Tujali Mama, we are hoping to change this narrative and raise the voices of new
mothers suffering from emotional and mental health challenges. By raising the
awareness of the importance of addressing these issues, and creating a support
community for new mothers, it is our hope that new mothers will no longer be afraid
of communicating their real feelings – both good and bad – with those around them,
and in turn they will receive the psychosocial support they so badly need as they
nurture their newborns into healthy beings.
Are you a new mom and struggling with emotions? How are you feeling today?
Comment down below and let’s support you in your journey.
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