Fortunately, it becomes easier when you have your family by your side to help you with everything. Alas, there are people who have no one to turn to, people who have lost their mothers and people who are not on good terms with their families.

“I wish I had my mom by my side at that time. There were so many things I did not know that I couldn’t ask anyone else,” said Rosalie, a mother of four whom I talked to.

“There are many controversies when it comes to taking care of children, some tell you this, others tell you that at the end you just end up confused,” she continued

She emphasized that a woman goes through different phases of motherhood and that it would help a lot if you have a trusted person by your side to help you along the way.

“Looking for someone to confide in is crucial, young mothers need someone who will hold their hands because the journey will not be easy, feeling comfortable and asking him or her everything. You can also read books on the subject but I think it’s best to have someone,” she said

One of the many challenges first time moms deal with that is not occasionally addressed is postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is depression suffered by a mother following childbirth, typically arising from the combination of hormonal changes, psychological adjustment to motherhood and fatigue.

As an issue that is not really highlighted in our society or cringed upon. It is important that first time moms get to know that this exists and that it does not make you a bad mother or person.

The symptoms might include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability and difficulty bonding with the baby. It does not last for long but it surely exists and should be talked about.

Ingabire, a mother of two encountered the seriousness of this sort of depression. She said it may come because of new adjustments to motherhood that sometimes overwhelms the mother.

“Staying up all night and all day is very tiring. You also have to perform other duties and responsibilities, taking care of a baby is hard work and sometimes it lasts for months. That’s when the depression sinks in,” she said

She says that sometimes the stress can be too much and too overwhelming that feeling guilty is often what most mothers do.

“Being a mother is not a fun activity, yes it has its perks but there are a lot of responsibilities that you have to be prepared for and you have to carry these responsibilities for a long time,” she said

She continued “Naturally being depressed is not a forbidden thing, it is something that happens and most mothers feel guilty because they feel they are failing their children.”

She pointed out that finding yourself again can be key to healing from the guilt and postpartum depression.

“I think finding yourself helps a lot, when someone becomes a mother they are utterly consumed by their babies that they sometimes forget to take care of themselves,” she said

“Be you, allow yourself to do the things that you love, give yourself some time to relax and be calm. Above carrying out your responsibilities, do not forget that you are human after all,” she added.

It is advised that women who suffer from PPD, seek a counselor, therapist, a trusted friend or find refuge and help from their partners, Postpartum depression exists and young mothers should not be shamed because of it.