But Don't Forget the Dry Shampoo

"But trust me on the [dry shampoo.]"
Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo

Who remembers the post by columnist Mary Schmich, turned song by Baz Luhrmann that started as follows:
"If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…I will dispense this advice now...."
Replace "sunscreen" with "dry shampoo," but know that the words that follow are just as stated above: my experience that I hope in all of its simplicity may speak to those who want or need to hear:

Health has many different meanings, and frequently mental health, especially for new moms, takes a back seat to the physical health of our children.  How many times have you listened to the airlines lecture on putting your mask on before helping a child?  Moms need to remember that the same logic applies on the ground.
Before I had mommy-brain, I understood and acted on that sound principal, which is what I would encourage all moms to do, as anyone can develop postpartum depression (PPD).  Below are some things that I did through my pregnancy and early-mommy days to encourage my mental health, but each person must take steps to seek what will work for her: 

1.  Be open with your doctor.  Early in your pregnancy talk to your doctor about how he/she helps patients cope with PPD.  If your doctor brushes your question off, find a doctor who will listen. 
2.  Some doctors work with a counselor or psychologist, who may require a meeting with you, so get on the calendar early.  Use this time to talk about various ways that you can get help with your PPD and create a plan with which you are comfortable.  I would even go so far as to try to find a mental health professional with whom you are comfortable, as there will be times in the next eighteen years when a listening ear could be beneficial. 
3.  Talk with your significant other about the signs and symptoms of depression, as those around you may spot a problem before you.
4.  Stay in good shape throughout your pregnancy.  There are very few pregnancy symptoms that exercise cannot improve.  It helps you sleep better, improves circulation, helps control weight gain, improves your self-image, and can help with your recovery from child birth.  Pregnancy is not the time to set new fitness goals, but most women can walk, swim, bike or take yoga classes.  Also, make sure that you are getting the nutrition that your body needs, as a good diet can give you more energy and help you simply feel better.
5.  Prepare to incorporate baby into your life.  If you did not sit at home all day before you were a mom, do not force it to become your reality after, as it will probably not be a happy one.  Make purchases before baby arrives that will make baby and six tons of paraphernalia portable.  Get a carrier (see post on finding the right carrier) for easy trips to the grocery store, out for coffee to connect with a friend, lunch at your favorite cafe, or a hike.  Buy a stroller made for walking (see post on jogging strollers), as exercise causes your body to release endorphins, which trigger positive feelings in the body.  Whatever you enjoyed before becoming mom, make provisions for it to be possible after. 
5.  Once baby arrives, be patient with yourself.  You will be tired and not everything will go as planned....you can plan on it.  Be ready to accept help and change every conviction that you ever had.  If this is a hard pill to swallow, remember that sleepless nights are not permanent and with every day, you are growing into your new role.
6.  Get out of the house both with and without baby.  Use your carrier and stroller and get out into the world.  Yes, there are germs, cold, heat, and people, but most people will not bother a child in a carrier or notice one in a moving stroller, also, there are blankets and sun hats, thus no more excuses for a new mom to stay prisoner in her home.  You also have to learn to trust your child to other people, so let a grandparent or dad watch while you go to the gym, read a book, get a massage, or whatever you do to truly care for yourself.
7.  Get dressed everyday.  Your version of "dressed" may vary, but change from your pajamas into something in which you could go in public.  When a shower is not possible, use dry shampoo so that when you look in the mirror, you look together and like the person that you have always known, as there is something comforting about that familiar image. 

If you start to feel routinely over-whelmed, isolated, down, or just not as you think you should, do not assume that it is a part of your new role; err on the side of happiness and make strides to get help, as the longer you wait, the longer the journey back.  This is not the time to be super-woman; it is the time to prove that you have the knowledge and self-assuredness to be able to say "I need help," and the strength to follow-through.

But trust me on the dry shampoo......