HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) : Over the last nine months, WHSV has explored many aspects of pregnancy and motherhood, emphasizing both the excitement and the challenges. Welcoming a newborn into the world can be incredibly joyful, but it can also take a tremendous toll on mental health.
After months of attempting to have a baby of their own, Rana Shank and her husband were overjoyed to learn she was pregnant.
"We tried for 13 months, I believe. I remember we were ready to call the doctor to see if anything was wrong, and then it occurred, and it was the best moment of my life," Shank recalled.
She didn't know how difficult pregnancy would be for her physically and mentally.
"Society puts you in this pregnancy bubble, so you have to glow, look lovely, enjoy it, and shop for the best clothing. And you're swollen, you look like a blowfish, and you despise the nausea, everything, and you start questioning the pregnancy, like, why did I do that? "I could have adopted a dog," Shank explained.
The strain of pregnancy made it difficult for Shank to bond with her baby until after his birth.
“Not everyone feels that immediate love with the first kick. For me, I didn’t love my child until I saw him. Then it hit me—he is my flesh and blood, he is mine,” she explained.
Dr. Cathy Slusher from Sentara acknowledges that each pregnancy journey is unique. Her team offers comprehensive support.
“We can provide counseling, safe medication options, and social work support if financial or personal assistance is needed,” Dr. Slusher noted.
While Shank was thrilled to welcome a healthy baby boy and embark on this new life chapter, her struggles continued postpartum.
“People say you’ll know what to do once the baby comes, but I didn’t. I loved my baby, but I was lost,” Shank admitted. The overwhelming experience led to postpartum depression, exacerbated by her inability to breastfeed.
“Everything I read emphasized breastfeeding’s importance, making me feel that it’s a mother’s duty, unlike anything else,” she said.
Postpartum depression manifests differently for everyone. It can emerge immediately or weeks after birth.
“Individuals may become consumed with the baby, neglecting their own needs, or they might withdraw entirely, feeling overwhelmed,” Dr. Slusher explained.
When feelings of depression arise, it’s crucial to inform a spouse or loved ones to ensure safety for both mother and baby.
“Family members and partners are made aware before leaving the hospital that postpartum depression is real. They might need to seek help on behalf of the mother,” Dr. Slusher emphasized.
Shank only recognized her postpartum depression during a routine check-up, prompted by a survey about her feelings. Her providers quickly intervened.
“Be visible and honest with your healthcare providers. We want to listen and help,” Dr. Slusher encouraged.
The support from her providers and family was instrumental in helping Shank navigate her challenges and prepare for her second child.
“They accepted me as I am, addressing every concern. They made me understand that these feelings are normal,” she said. Although more confident, Shank still feels some anxiety about her second pregnancy.
“What you gain from it far outweighs the nausea and waddling like a duck,” she remarked.
Her advice for other overwhelmed mothers: “Kids are resilient. They can survive new parents. This realization is a breath of fresh air—it reassures you that they’re not as fragile as they seem.”
She also emphasized that it’s perfectly fine not to enjoy pregnancy or feel beautiful, and not everyone can breastfeed.
“You’re still fulfilling many other roles beyond breastfeeding. It’s normal, so don’t worry about it,” she concluded.
