283: Postpartum Healing after D-MER and Sleep Deprivation

Today’s guest shares her experience with postpartum depression and how she got through it to the other side. Sleep deprivation is common for new parents, and it can definitely get in the way and diminish the magic of the brand-new relationship with their baby. Along with depression and the unusual condition of D-MER, sleep deprivation can make parents feel disconnected to the point that they misinterpret who they are and how they are functioning as new parents. Join us to learn more from Alicia’s story! Alicia Delory is a freelance writer, editor, content strategist, and the mother of a four-year-old daughter. She is the author of the Amazon military family bestseller, Something is Better Than Nothing, and she’s currently hard at work on her second book. Alicia candidly shares her parenting story, including the reasoning behind sleep training with her daughter, which always spurs much debate among parents and experts. We discuss why parents should be free to follow their gut instincts in parenting decisions without the pressure of other people’s intrusion and the backlash that comes with those decisions.  Show Highlights: How Alicia’s pregnancy and birth did NOT turn out like she wanted and expected–and only heightened her health anxiety How Alicia experienced D-MER (dysphoric milk ejection reflex) and tongue, lip, and buckle ties with her newborn Why she had bonding issues with her baby as the massive snowball of anxiety, D-MER, and diastasis hit her How things came to a head with feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and a life with no joy How a PSI Climb Out Of the Darkness Walk helped Alicia to see the light at the end of the tunnel Why Alicia decided to do sleep training with her daughter and found immediate relief and improvement How switching to formula feeding helped relieve some of Alicia’s anxiety How prioritizing herself and self-care made Alicia a better mom for her baby How Alicia transitioned back into good sleep, productive work, and pelvic floor therapy—then the pandemic hit and turned everything upside down, making her terrified to leave her home How anxiety medications and therapy helped Alicia realize that anxiety is not a character flaw How she worked to be more comfortable in leaving her house and going out in public Why Alicia did a TEDx talk about her experience to help other moms Why there is undue pressure for the one who becomes the “default parent” Resources: Connect with Alicia Delory: Website, Instagram, TikTok, and TEDx talk (Recognizing the Duality of Permission for New Moms) Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!  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!