Foundation

The sadness and fear of uncertainty during PPD and PPA can make you tremble with the thought you are losing it and you’re going to fall. My confident, driven, independent, energetic, adventurous, free-spirited, joyful self was quickly vanishing. Like when a dog shakes after a bath. I felt as if my body and mind was shaking vigorously and all that I had known of myself was flying away. What is happening? Come back! What I’ve always known as “me” was gone in a shake and all that was left was my core. Fetal position. Rock bottom. Foundation.

Looking back now, I think wow – “What better place to be than at my foundation?” because God is our foundation; Jesus Christ is our rock. This is the truth for the each of us. In the moment of PPD and PPA though, it was very scary and challenging for me. I grew up in a Christian home and heard every Bible story known but here I was, stripped of my confidence in who I was and having to lean on complete faith, the One and Only firm foundation. Depression and anxiety takes you right to this spot. The rock bottom. Are you feeling this same way?

Sweet Momma, I see you crying because you’re sad, but I also see you crying because this is not what you want, and this is not you. So how do we steady ourselves? How do we become unshakeable in this fallen world? We claim Jesus as our One and Only firm foundation and we stand up building ourselves on His word and His truth, growing our faith. “When the earthquakes and people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps the foundation firm.” Psalm 75:3. Jesus teaches that with Him we can be unshakeable. “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.” Matthew 7:24.

Dive yourself into a Bible study, surround yourself with Christian support and guidance, find a Mom’s group, read scripture, continue to stand firm on your foundation of Jesus Christ and He will guide you through your postpartum phase. My interactive 14day Christian-based program is available as well. I created this with each struggle in mind as I experienced PPD, PPA and intrusive thoughts. This program offers one-on-one plus interaction with other Moms, but also private. If you are interested, you can click the button “PPD/PPA Program” in the upper right corner which leads you to my Etsy page where you can find additional details.

Above all…

Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers you shall not be swept away. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor will the flames kindle upon you.” You are not left alone, sweet Momma. Jesus Christ is with you. He will help you through the waves, He will help you through the flames. His power, His strength, His saving grace is ALWAYS with you.

From my momma heart to yours,

Shanna – Postpartum Depression Mama