When I started blogging, I never intended to take my readers into the trenches of my life as a not-so-Supermom. Yet in my last post, that’s clearly what I did.
My oldest son just turned four, and he warms my heart and breaks it every single day. I can’t come to terms with how fast everything is happening. I try to live in the moment, to slow down time. But it never stops.
They never really tell you how unsettling it feels to be a parent, while simultaneously trying to figure out how to be a parent.
That’s one of the reasons I felt compelled to accept the position of Race Coordinator for the 2010 Moms’ Run, a 5k run/walk to benefit the Ruth Rhoden Craven Foundation for Postpartum Depression Awareness. I have not experienced PPD and do not claim to know what that feels like. What I do know is that many new moms, including myself, have suffered from fluctuating hormones, sleep deprivation and physical, mental and emotional fatigue. We’re told it’s just the baby blues, but we wonder if it’s something more.
New moms need support. They need to be educated about the warning signs of postpartum depression and their families do, too. Doctors should check for signs of PPD, as frequently and as thoroughly as they test for complications like gestational diabetes. And pediatricians should know what to look for, because moms spend more time taking their babies to well-checks than seeing their own physicians.
On Saturday, May 8, it’s all about Mom and those who love her. I hope you’ll join me in tearing down the walls of taboo surrounding postpartum depression. If you would like more information on the 2010 Moms’ Run click here.
If this cause has personal meaning for you, leave a comment. I’d love to hear your stories.
angiemizzell 
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What a great opportunity for you! If I weren’t stuck on bed rest I would use the Moms Run as an excuse to travel to Charleston and hang out with one of my favorite bloggers! I’ll definitely follow the blog and spread the word to my fb friends.
How wonderfully supportive of you to be involved in this. PPD seems to often go unnoticed, or excused, as you said, as the baby blues. Drawing more attention to it can only help those who suffer with it. Much success with the 5k!
As someone who went through severe PPD, I always feel really warm and cared for when other people raise awareness and offer help and understanding. It’s a lonely experience, even if only because you tend to isolate yourself inside your mind. If anyone is looking for help or information, http://postpartumprogress.typepad.com/weblog/, Postpartum Progress is a wonderful website full of explanations, support and information to get help. Thanks for doing this!!
Angie, You know I support this cause! Loved the post!!!!
I will totally promote the walk/run on my blog, but unfortunately won’t be able to be there – it’s such a great cause though – I’ve already invited a bunch of my fb friends! Btw – if you get a chance, stop by acting balanced – I’ve left another award there for you!
What a great picture of you & your boy! I definitely had the baby blues after having both my kids, and I was intrigued enough by PPD to read Brooke Shields’ book, “Down Came the Rain” and Heather Armstrong’s (Dooce) book. They’re vastly different in terms of content and style, but give an in-depth and personal look at what it’s like to suffer from PPD. Even though I didn’t have it, I could definitely relate to their struggles.
[...] while ago, I came across an insight by blogger Angie Mizzell that has stayed with [...]