Episode 11 features Amanda Diekman
Alexa and Hannah interview new mom, Amanda Diekman. Amanda gave birth to her first child, daughter Palmer, about three and a half months ago.
Shortly after bringing Baby Palmer home, Amanda realized she was experiencing symptoms and became concerned that she might have Postpartum Depression. She asked for help, received treatment, and soon started to feel better. She then opened up about her experience on social media and has continued to share her story. She embraces vulnerability and authentically shows up, and many other moms have found strength and hope in her example.
Amanda shares her raw story with Alexa and Hannah. She talks about having a difficult pregnancy, a traumatic birth experience, recovering from a c-section and experiencing depression and anxiety after delivery. She opens up about how she knew something was wrong, when she asked for help, about her diagnosis with Postpartum Depression, the treatment she sought, and her recovery. She also talks about her decision to share about all of this publicly.
Amanda also talks about the general challenges of becoming a mom, mourning her old life, finding a community of other moms, receiving criticism about feeding her baby formula, and experiencing mom shame.
Alexa, Hannah and Amanda all discuss the competition and judgment that is common between moms about many issues and how that leads to feelings of shame and guilt. They share their hope that moms will find compassion and empathy for each other rather than judging and tearing each other down.
Broken is so grateful to Amanda Diekman for your honesty, your vulnerability, and your courage. Thank you!
Resources:
While 80% of new moms experience Baby Blues in the first two weeks after giving birth, about 15% of moms are diagnosed with Postpartum Depression in the year after delivery. Men can also experience the disorder. Typically, the disorder presents about a month after childbirth, but this varies. Depression during pregnancy (Peripartum Depression) can also happen.
If you are struggling with symptoms of depression or anxiety, please reach out for help. Talk to your healthcare provider, your Ob/Gyn, your midwife, your nurse, your pediatrician, or a therapist. You are not alone. Help is available.
https://www.postpartumdepression.org
Find Amanda Diekman on Instagram @amdiekman
Also, please check out her clothing boutique, Madida Clothing: https://madidaclothing.com
Find Hannah Mirmiran and Alexa Theisen at https://omahapsychotherapy.com
hmirmiran@omahapsychotherapy.com
(402) 715-9710
