Dealing with the aftermath of pregnancy comes differently for all mothers, shaped by various factors, including preparation and support systems.
Sisters-in-law Iza Calzado and Bianca King, get to open up about their distinct approaches to coping with postpartum depression in a Magandang Buhay episode aired on January 23, 2024.
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BIRTH DEBRIEFING
"Yung postpartum period ko which is until now actually was very challenging in Australia, kasi hindi kami prepared," Bianca admits.
"Hindi namin plinano na meron dapat kaming continuous care and support.
"Postpartum depression for me because I was alone."
Feeling overwhelmed, she decided to take the step of seeking professional help.
She recalls, "Nung nararamdaman ko na na I can’t cope, I really sought the help of a perinatal psychotherapist na midwife rin.
"So, sa Australia uso yung mga birth debrief. To be able to share those stories helped me process."
A birth debriefing service offers new moms a chance to talk about their labor and birth, go through maternity notes, and ask questions needed to understand what had transpired since giving birth.
In parting, Bianca reminds, "Postpartum depression is very common. Akala lang natin baby blues, you’re just tired, you’re just sad.
"Pero yung ginagawa ng experience na iyon sa isang babae, nasisira talaga yung ulo.
"At normal siya. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you or you’re a bad mother."
EXTERNAL HELP
Like Bianca, Iza confesses to employing extra pair of hands in preparation for the birth of her firstborn.
"Nagkaroon ako ng option manganak sa England kaso baka hindi ko kayanin doon mentally, so sabi ko, dito ako sa Pilipinas.
"Pati postpartum nutrition ko, pinaghandaan ko. Hindi ako nahihiyang sabihin na meron akong night-nurse.
"Meron akong kasama sa bahay kasi wala ako ibang pamilyang matatakbuhan dito non."
A night-nurse is a specialist who aids parents in tasks, such as feeding and changing the baby's diapers, while the parents sleep at night.
Even with all the support around her, Iza recounts moments of aloneness.
"There’s also a feeling of isolation kahit na maraming tao sa paligid mo," she shares.
"Yung parang tinitignan ko noon si Ben, parang tuloy lang yung buhay niya, punta siya sa work.
"Nandito na ako, ha, may support na ako, pero naramdaman ko pa rin na parang mag-isa ako."
Iza and Ben Wintle's daughter Deia Amihan, and Bianca and Ralph Wintle's daughter Sadie Harlow are cousins born just three weeks apart.
Together, Deia and Sadie were welcomed into the Christian world on January 13, 2024.
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