I am very excited to share this post with you written by my parents! PPD and other maternal mental health disorders affect more than just the Mom. It is so important to have a support system of people you can rely on to help. Those suffering need encouragement to get help and need to know it is not their fault. Recovery is possible! I pray this post is an encouragement to family members who have a loved one suffering from a maternal mental health disorder and gives you some tools for prayer!
Parenthood, the most difficult and rewarding job in the world. You can’t get a degree in it. You’re just thrust into it. You rejoice in successes and cry in defeats.
As parents we want to fight our children’s battles. We want to solve their problems. We don’t like to see them hurt or in pain, whether it is physical or emotional. And so it was with our daughter, Brittany.
When Brittany called and told us she was pregnant, we were very happy. Another grandchild. Yay!!! I must admit, however that it wasn’t until I saw the sonogram of baby Ewan that I cried. We were now expecting our fourth grandchild. But nothing could have prepared us for what was coming.
After Ewan was born we entered the hospital room with anticipation. The first thing my husband and I noticed was the look on Brittany’s face. She was not happy. She wasn’t smiling. There was a look of shock on her face. Brittany kept staring at the baby, which was in the bassinet in her room. There was no joy, no excitement. Richard and I looked at each other. This was not good. The room was very silent. It was not a room filled with laughter and smiles as you would expect at the birth of a baby.
We got to carry baby Ewan for a while, prayed with Brittany and left. Richard and I looked at each other as we walked down the hospital halls. We were extremely worried. What was wrong with Brittany? Why wasn’t she happy? After talking to Britt, we decided that I would stay with her for a couple of weeks to help out with Ewan. Richard stayed in close contact with Beau via text.
About a week after Ewan was born, Britt found out she was suffering from Postpartum Depression. We prayed for Brittany daily. I did not experience PPD with Britt or her brother, Matt, so it was somewhat hard for me to fully understand what she was going through. However, I did my best to be there for her and helped and much as I could. The bible says in Matthew 18: 19-20, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Richard and I became Brittany’s prayer warriors. We also asked friends to pray and believe with us for Brittany’s healing. Standing on that verse and on Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to day, and forever.” If Jesus healed during His time on earth, then he heals today as well.
James 5:16 says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” “We can have confidence that when we pray, He hears us and we have the petitions we desire of Him.” And so, with much fervent prayer along with sessions with her therapist, Brittany came out not only a stronger person, but a stronger Child of God. As her parents, our faith was renewed. We continue and will always be there for Brittany Beau, and Ewan, as we will for our son and his family. God will be there for you as well. I Peters 5:7 says, “Casting all your cares upon Him, (God), for He cares for you.” Claim it. Declare it.
To parents reading this blog, if your daughter or daughter–in-law doesn’t look or seem right, talk to them about seeking help. There is no shame in being depressed. It could take weeks or even months. They might need medication, but the health and welfare of your loved one is more important.
I promise, your child will come out a stronger person.
More verses to proclaim daily for anyone going through PPD or any other struggles.
“Through Jesus I am 100% loved and worthy to receive all of God’s blessings. Galatians 3:1-5
“God is on my side, therefore I cannot be defeated.” Romans 8:37
Psalms 91
“I declare that I cannot be defeated, discouraged, depressed, or disappointed.” Phillipians 4:13
Nehemiah 8:10, Psalms 103:1-3, 2 Timothy 1:6-7 “I choose life today. I will not be in lack today. I will not be confused today.” Deuteronomy 30:19
“So Jesus answered and said to them, have faith in God. For assuredly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, ad you will have them.” Mark 11:22-24
My Beloved 