245: Postpartum in the Pandemic with Courtney Ginder

Our story comes from a postpartum depression survivor during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s normal for parents to have worry and anxiety when sickness is raging all around them, and these feelings are exacerbated by any sort of mental health condition. My guest shares her experience–and success story–of finding the help she needed in the middle of the pandemic. Many people will resonate with her story, so tell a friend—and join us now to learn more! Courtney Ginder is a mom, wife, and a postpartum depression survivor. She became a mom in February 2020, and three weeks later is when the world shut down due to COVID. Courtney and her husband were first-time parents who were cut off from their support network as they rode out colic and silent reflux with their newborn daughter. Courtney feels lucky that she was able to get help for postpartum depression during the pandemic, and she has become a passionate advocate for perinatal mental health, making sure that no parent feels alone. She is a part-time social media and graphics specialist for Postpartum Support International, the Social Media Chair for the Indiana Chapter of PSI, and a Climb Leader for Climb out of the Darkness in Indianapolis. She writes a blog about postpartum depression recovery, parenting, and mood disorders at Beyond Postpartum Depression.  Show Highlights: How Courtney and her husband enjoyed about three weeks of normal parenthood before the pandemic shutdown of March 2020 How colic and the “witching hours” set in for her baby Why Courtney tried to justify her early postpartum depression symptoms How Courtney felt like she was drowning with her daughter’s constant feeding schedule and demands How Courtney began thinking intrusive and irrational thoughts and blamed herself for her daughter’s difficulties with silent reflux, thrush, and colic How Courtney and her husband dealt with the baby’s constant crying How her husband insisted that she reach out for help  Why Courtney was devastated about not being able to have her six-week postpartum visit in person How Courtney admitted to her doctor that she had postpartum depression and needed help How things improved for Courtney’s mental health and her daughter’s physical issues The reality that someone can be suffering from postpartum depression while appearing perfectly normal to other people How Courtney became involved as an advocate who wanted to do more for struggling mothers How postpartum depression is misrepresented and misnamed in the media How Courtney’s advocacy work gives great meaning to the suffering she went through as a new mom Resources: Connect with Courtney and her resources: www.beyondpostpartumdepression.com, Instagram, Facebook, PSI Indiana Instagram, and Climb Out of the Darkness Instagram Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!