A Mother's Mental Health

Among life's many transitions, an important one is stepping into the role of a parent. The moment we bring a child into the world, a new role begins for us. We forget that at that time it is not only the child who is born — a father and a mother are born anew as well.

As soon as a baby arrives, everyone rushes to care for the baby. If you notice, when people visit a newborn at the hospital, they first think of a gift for the baby. But we forget to check on the person who, after managing so much, brought this new life into the world. We assume, "She's a mother, everything is possible for her" — as if being a mother means she is no longer a human being, but stands above everything.

It is important to remember that she is first a human being, and then a mother. Motherhood is one of her roles, perhaps one with a little more responsibility. Like any ordinary person, she will fall ill, feel sleepy at night, and may one day forget to add salt to the food. During this time she deserves even more care and should be given the chance to rest fully.

If the mother is well, the child will be well too.