I have been so incredibly fortunate to not have suffered Post or Antenatal Depression, but it breaks my heart that people struggle with it. Having a baby is such an emotional, momentous occasion and to suffer with something so debilitating on top of it all is just cruel.
I attended a picnic recently to help raise awareness of PANDA (the Post and Antenatal Depression Association)’s initiative on educating the community on the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after birth. PANDA provides ongoing support to families to assist in their recovery, and have been doing so for 28 years.
Proudly supported by Queensland Cricket, the picnic was a ton of fun for a bunch of bloggers and their families. Picnic baskets on picnic blankets in the shade, and the littlies (and some brave parents!) learning cricket-related cricket things at the IN2CRICKET clinic. Had I not brought Pepper with me, I totally would have been out there – it’s a new shorter version of the game that I could totally handle… standing out in the hot sun for five days just ain’t my style. Don’t they say a quick game’s a good game?!
Abby was straight into the packed-to-the-brim picnic basket very kindly supplied to us – muffins, sandwiches, popcorn, muesli bars, cheese and crackers, fresh fruit… I had to hide some things so I could get a bite! I ravaged it on the drive home while she slept, haha. I also ate almost all the gluten free cinnamon and coconut Baked By Mum cookies when I got home with the world’s largest cup of tea. I must say too, that cheese was utterly divine. And there was even a coffee guy! Such a well-run, fun day.
Pepper slept like an absolute trooper. Squealed for a bit at first, then was content.
Even when we had to take her out of her swaddle suit for a newspaper photo. She was such a little doll.
One of the highlights for me was the specially-made Mummabubba teething jewellery PANDA collection – we each got a bracelet which I know will be put to good use! You can buy yours for $10 at panda.org.au – they even have necklaces! I have a bunch of these, I think they’re great.
Picnics and tea. Match made in heaven, yes?
Even Pepper got some snacks.
Crickick!
Next week is Postnatal depression awareness week (18-24) and there is a flurry of social media stuff to join in with during that time. From blog posts to instagram love, facebook and twitter, there’s something for everyone to show their support. Brand Meets Blog has a post about all the options here.
Their goal is to ensure any parents who are struggling know that they are not alone and that help is available.
You can join your blog post at the linky here. Otherwise, I’ll see you on Instagram! (seriously, where else am I these days).
If you need help, the number to call at PANDA is 1300 726 306, there will be someone there Monday-Friday 9am to 7pm.
I too have been lucky enough not to have post natal depression and I hope it’s fourth time lucky come february….I remember I had the ‘third day baby blues’ with my first son and it was torture….sitting on my hospital bed looking at my newborn and crying for no reason….a lovely nurse came in and sat with me (I was only 16yrs old at the time) and explained I was feeling emotional because of the hormonal upset my body had been through and I would feel better the next day after a good nights rest…..thankfully she was right and the next day I was back to my normal self, however I would’ve been devasted to continue that way as I really felt I had no control over how I was feeling….I feel for any mum who suffers post natal depression becuase we look forward to our babies for nine months and then hormones playa cruel joke on them……I will head over to panda and buy either a necklace or bracelet, or both, to show my support because as mums and as women we need to back each other up…..Adorable pic of you and Pepper by the way and Abbey looked like she was having a ball…..xo
Oh that is so lovely that you would go and buy a necklace or bracelet to show your support! Very generous. And oh you poor thing at 16 feeling that way – lucky the nurse could explain it to you. I had horrible baby blues with Abby for a few days, and to a lesser extent with Pepper, plus crazy hormones while pregnant and I had a new appreciation for people who suffer this day in day out with no end in sight – not even a good night’s rest or a few hours baby-free to get yourself back to normal would be enough. So sad. Especially because people suffer in silence and they don’t need to. Stupid hormones!
Great cause! I have not experienced it but have known others that have and the support available is fantastic and should be supported. On a side note, Abby looks super cute in that checked dress, and Pepper, well, she’s a doll xx
Ha that checked dress is totally my favourite! I love it. And yes, I think anything we can do to help the helpers x
Love, love, love all of those photos. You’re such a stylish mama 🙂
Ha only when I have to go somewhere 😉 xx
All those gorgeous piccies Stacey!!!! Pretty sure my ovaries just wiggled a bit….
What a fantastic day to be a part of – and all in aid of such an important cause. That bracelet looks amazing – might have to duck over and take a peek.
Please do, they’re just fabulous! And what a great initiative. Sorry about the ovary wiggling haha xx
Stacey thanks so much for helping PANDA spread the word that help is available for postnatal depression. People recover every day and early support leads to a faster recovery. Was lovely to spend and afternoon with you and your truly divine girls at the b&w picnic.
You’re very welcome! We had a great time and it is a great cause.