A Postpartum Mum is Brought to Tears Over A ‘Disconnected’ Photo of Herself and her Baby, But Shares a Simple Message to New Mums
Disconnection is not an emotion new mums expect to feel after they have given birth. It’s not often talked about and if a new mum does feel this emotion, she keeps it to herself because ‘shouldn’t she be happy that she brought a human being into the world’?
Lacey Barratt, a photographer from Melbourne, shared a picture of herself postpartum with her newborn in her arms. Her expression is one that many mums recognise in those first few days after birth, but not many talk about.
The mum of five shared two photographs. One, where she was standing side on with her eyes closed, and another where she was front on with a detached expression on her face.
Barratt shared the image on Facebook on 6th January and explained she saw her ‘soul’ in the picture and cried.
A mother never wants to admit she feels detached from her baby, yet no mum can predict how she will feel after she gives birth. It’s something that needs to be discussed more so new mums can get the support they need to be the mum they want to be.
Barratt explained in her post, “Now, after some soul searching, placenta encapsulating, sharing with other women, and naked snuggling with all of my kids, I am ready to say it,” she wrote.
“Feeling disconnected after a birth, whether it be positive, supported and empowering or traumatic, disempowered, or poorly supported, is normal.
“Our emotions are everywhere. The stories I have received is a strong reminder that I am not alone, and I am very normal.
“So for my mamas out there, don’t be discouraged. You are not alone and you are doing fucking fabulous.”
The image and message has resonated with mums both in Australia and around the world. The post was originally shared on Instagram where it had over 46k views. On Facebook, the post has had over 1.2k reactions and been shared over 280 times,
Some of the comments shared support and love for Barratt.
“Thank you for encouraging others. We need more people like you in this world.”
And another,
“Your an amazing and beautiful woman Lacey, and so brave for sharing something so personal, thank you, because you are Brave enough to share that vulnerability, there is no doubt you will be helping other beautiful mama’s that feel the same way but aren’t strong enough or are too scared to voice it.”
What to do if you do feel disconnected to your baby
Please speak to your doctor if the disconnected feeling lingers. While it can be a normal emotion as part of a range of emotions after giving birth, it’s important to recognise triggers that may lead to a diagnosis of post-natal depression. Your doctor or midwife should be the first point of contact and PANDA and Beyond Blue can offer assistance to help.
