Postnatal Depression: How to Overcome From a Muslim Mother’s Perspective

A mother’s role cannot be explained; it can only be experienced.

We often neglect the condition of new mothers; after going through the near-death experience of labor pains, the challenges increase with sleepless nights and morning duties, and if you are a working woman, the challenge becomes double. Breastfeeding is another challenge where you remain occupied and your home chores are left incomplete. Every single day you give to your child, you get no time to eat, sleep, or relax. In other words, you lose yourself after getting the title of mother, and you stay busy with that duty. 

Words cannot adequately express a mother’s responsibility but this quotation illustrates what mothers are to some extent:

“I struggle so deeply
to understand
how someone can 
pour their entire soul
blood and energy 
into someone 
without wanting 
anything in 
return”

Rupi Kaur

What Exactly is Postpartum Depression?

Let’s talk about postnatal depression. Postnatal depression or Postpartum depression is a common problem occurring in 1 out of 10 women. It should not be neglected. No doubt motherhood brings new dimensions to your life but the unstoppable responsibilities of a newborn also make you extremely tired.

The symptoms of postpartum depression are: 

1. Mood swings
2. Crying
3. Irritability and anger 
4. Hopelessness
5. Recurring thoughts for being not a good mother 
6. Drained Energy 
7. Panic attacks 
8. Loss of interest in communicating with friends and family
9. Restlessness
10. Being unable to create a bond with a child
11. Feeling confused and lost

If you see such symptoms in a new mom at your home, please communicate with them. If these behaviors are consistent, be sure to speak to a therapist or health professional. 

A Blessing with Time

Becoming a mother is the sweetest and most beautiful experience for a female.

After leaving my house and getting married the one thing that comes to my mind always is best described in this quote: “Like flowers ache for spring, My heart craves my mother more than anything” (Rupi Kaur).

I never ask God for blessing me with a daughter because I will not be strong enough like my mother and like all mothers out there; to give away my child to others. A mother never asks anything from you, she just gives you all that she has. Her life roams around her children restlessly as she strives to fulfill their needs. I was once told by my mother that you will understand the intensity of my love for you when you become a mother – and she was correct. 

Despite these blessings, however, many new mothers must first overcome the intensity of postnatal depression.

How to Overcome Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression should be treated on time. We often are unaware of this kind of depression, but it should be given due attention as all other mental and physical health issues.

Many new mothers may think that they are simply feeling exhausted due to overwhelming responsibilities, but this is not the case all the time. Postnatal depression is a mental condition that should be considered for treatment.

Here are a few ways to overcome PND: 

1. Self-care

Eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep if you are having sleepless nights is essential – especially right after giving birth. Staying physically active will improve your mood swings and energy level too. Take out time for enjoyment – watch a movie or read a book or go for an outing to divert your mind for a while. 

2. Social support

Having a helping hand is a blessing – connect to family and friends and try not to isolate yourself. Postnatal depression can be most damaging when you are isolated and feeling alone.

3. Seek help

Speak to a mental health professional if you are unable to get over such feelings. If you feel dizzy and tired, take a rest and leave the rest. Sleep when your baby sleeps, and also ask for help from your partner and family members. You shouldn’t try to do everything alone and by yourself – this will only exhaust you more and make you less able to care for your baby to the fullest. 

4. Body image concerns

A lot of new mothers worry about their postpartum bodies. It’s crucial to keep in mind that your body has just undergone an incredible transformation and that it could need some time to recuperate. Focus on taking care of yourself through a nutritious diet, exercise, and self-care to overcome body image issues. Keep in mind that every woman has a different body, and it’s crucial to value your particular path.

5. Last but most importantly…

Connecting to Allah (SWT) is the best therapy. Ask God to ease your pain and protect you and your newborn from the evil eye. Meditations, Zikr, and namaz will relax you more than anything else. Don’t forget to listen to Surah Rehman daily and let your newborn listen to the recitation of the Quran too. Don’t forget that God has blessed you with a child and has given you an opportunity to understand His love for you. 

In conclusion, a mother’s love and care are unrivaled since they are unconditional and come first for her child. She is sacrificing herself for the benefit of another life. She has been given the chance to give birth, raise the child, and raise them in any way she sees fit because God has chosen her for this task.

In the end, I pray for a fruitful journey for both the child and the mother. It’s a huge responsibility for a mother to nurture a child that is not hurtful to anyone in any way. 

I will end up my article with this beautiful quotation on how to nurture a child:  

“A child is closer to life than you are. When a child comes into your life, it is time to relearn life, not teach them your ways” (Sadhguru)

There is no such thing as being a perfect mother – just be you. Enjoy the journey of life with your newborn; once they are adults you are going to miss them a lot.