Why is Postpartum Period Still So Misunderstood?

I am past the time in my life when postpartum will affect me, but I couldn't help but be touched when I read this piece on Skirt! about how women are helped and not helped after childbirth.

I remember how alone I felt after I gave birth to Little Boy. I was a SAHM with no plans of returning to work. I was at home every day by myself with Little Baby Boy from about 7 am until 5:15 pm. I was tired. I was lonely. And I was trying to learn this baby.

It was hard.

I have only really been able to admit that in the last few years. Why is it so hard to admit? What is it about our culture that seems to allow emotions to be shown in about two ways: either over-the-top hysterical outbursts or controlled I-never-get-upset tight lippedness.

What's that all about?

Anyhow.

I just really appreciated what the author said here about what new moms really need and about how alienating our cultural structure has become. I know I felt that alienation at two of the biggest and hardest changes in my life: my entry into new motherhood and my exit from marriage into divorce. I looked around and saw very few people at both times.

Again. Why is that?

Anyhow. Read the article. And really think about your role when your friend/sister/niece/daughter/etc brings home a new baby. Don't listen when she says she's fine. We may not all go all Brooke Shields, but some of us can still use a big ole hug.

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