Watch on YouTube:
Postpartum Healing After D-MER and Sleep Deprivation
Explore postpartum healing as Alicia shares her struggles with depression, D-MER, and sleep deprivation, and how she triumphed as a new parent.
Today’s guest shares her experience with postpartum depression and how she got through it to the other side. Sleep deprivation is common for new parents, and it can definitely get in the way and diminish the magic of the brand-new relationship with their baby. Along with depression and the unusual condition of D-MER, sleep deprivation can make parents feel disconnected to the point that they misinterpret who they are and how they are functioning as new parents. Join us to learn more from Alicia’s story!
About Alicia Delory
Alicia Delory is a freelance writer, editor, content strategist, and the mother of a four-year-old daughter. She is the author of the Amazon military family bestseller, Something is Better Than Nothing, and she’s currently hard at work on her second book. Alicia candidly shares her parenting story, including the reasoning behind sleep training with her daughter, which always spurs much debate among parents and experts. We discuss why parents should be free to follow their gut instincts in parenting decisions without the pressure of other people’s intrusion and the backlash that comes with those decisions.
Postpartum Healing, D-MER and Sleep Deprivation Show Highlights:
How Alicia’s pregnancy and birth did NOT turn out like she wanted and expected–and only heightened her health anxiety
How Alicia experienced D-MER (dysphoric milk ejection reflex) and tongue, lip, and buckle ties with her newborn
Why she had bonding issues with her baby as the massive snowball of anxiety, D-MER, and diastasis hit her
How things came to a head with feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and a life with no joy
How a PSI Climb Out Of the Darkness Walk helped Alicia to see the light at the end of the tunnel
Why Alicia decided to do sleep training with her daughter and found immediate relief and improvement
How switching to formula feeding helped relieve some of Alicia’s anxiety
How prioritizing herself and self-care made Alicia a better mom for her baby
How Alicia transitioned back into good sleep, productive work, and pelvic floor therapy—then the pandemic hit and turned everything upside down, making her terrified to leave her home
How anxiety medications and therapy helped Alicia realize that anxiety is not a character flaw
How she worked to be more comfortable in leaving her house and going out in public
Why Alicia did a TEDx talk about her experience to help other moms
Why there is undue pressure for the one who becomes the “default parent”
Resources:
Connect with Dr. Meltzer-Brody:
Website: https://www.med.unc.edu/psych/directory/samantha-meltzer-brody/
ONLINE COURSES FOR NEW MOMS: https://wellmindperinatal.com/courses/
Prioritize what is essential for your wellness, and feel strong and supported.
Gain clarity around what you need to prioritize
Feel rested, well nourished and supported.
Create the social support you need at this stage.
