What is postpartum depression? Any new mother might have an answer to this from their own experience. While for some it was mild, for many others it was severe, and a few even succumbed to it. A condition that “one in eight” new mothers suffer from, has had its origins long back when its horrific effects weren’t fully known. As The New York Times covers an article on the debilitating effects of the condition on new mothers for years, how it has been ignored for many, and why it’s important to learn about it, Bill Gates’s equestrian daughter Jennifer Gates offers her support.
Jennifer Gates has often been the flag bearer for promoting social causes via her Instagram and other social media handles. Recently, she shared the NYT article about postpartum depression in new mothers, while also narrating a bit about her own experience.
There was pain in the words of Jennifer Gates
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A new mother, it has been nearly 4 months since she gave birth to a daughter. It certainly changed her outlook toward life, family, and priorities, to the extent that she even took to her Instagram once and shared ways to change the world for mothers, making it a better place for them to live.
Now, she took to her Instagram stories and wrote, “While I haven’t suffered from PPD, the baby blues were terrifyingly dark. Even with resources and help, I have no idea how I’d care for myself and my daughters had my symptoms lingered. This is such an important topic that deserves more recognition and support”.
As a new mother herself, Jennifer Gates could feel the ache of all those mothers who suffered from it, despite never going through it herself. Gates was also keenly aware of where she stood in life and her privileges of being born in a Bill and Melinda Gates household. She realizes it’s not the same for everyone, and shared her concern about it.
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How childbirth can be rewarding and yet so challenging for mothers
Jennifer Gates was fortunate and privileged to avail every nursing help she could ask for during her childbirth. There wasn’t any lack of amenities or facilities on her part, but such could not be said about the majority of mothers out there. She wrote in another story, “I wish there was more support for moms when they go home. Everyone’s story is different and moms are so resilient and amazing”. There is no denying that giving birth is also probably one of the most special moments in a mother’s life despite all the hardships, and Gates expressed the same as well.
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She wrote, “Adjusting to breastfeeding. All the hormonal changes. Your own recovery. Trying to care for a new life. What a ride”. In the end, Jennifer Gates politely sent out a message to all those mothers who’ve been through this depression, to eventually rely on their family, friends, and near and dear ones, as their love and support might help heal any scar faster.
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