You see her eyes laced with exhaustion
Her chest clutched onto a torn tapestry
The mouth she feeds bleeds in her arms
Disappearing sand through her fingertips
Their touch burns fissures in her flesh
With muted eyes and a deaf scream
Who is she?
Shhhhhh, the footsteps are fading
Who is she, again?
She buries her feet in the caves of existence
Once, a youthful bride hanging on the whim of a filigree
A bloated belly bleated a blot on her being
A wailing woebegone wallowing calligraphy
Fresh fractals frame their faces from afar
Caressing her coffee-coloured carcass case
She grimaced, a phantom’s smile
Weighing heavy on the Edinburgh scale
A facetious fallacy destined to fail
Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood can be a significantly challenging time for families. Many women feel a strong sense of shame for speaking up about any issues they have during these times due to the pressures and expectations of society, including their own beliefs.
Asking non-judgmental questions about how they are doing? Do they feel supported? Do they need help and what should that help look like? Can they talk to someone? Do they feel lonely?
The way we see children and families from afar, cherubs with laughter and smiles all around them, is often just an illusion. They are hard work and often feel like unpaid and invisible labour for many without a nurturing and supportive network around them.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with any of these issues during these challenging times, please reach out to a trusted provider.
Resources:
- Mumsmatters provide Medicare rebatable counselling sessions on a mental health care plan.
- COPE(Centre of Perinatal Excellence) as a resource for expectant parents, new parents and those who might be interested/struggling
- PANDA also has resources and helpful tips for you.
- Beyond Blue has resources to help.
