The second excerpt from my novel The Wilted Rose, in support of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week.
Part Two of The Wilted Rose tells the story of a young mother struggling to cope with Postnatal Depression in the late 1950s/early 1960s, when understanding of mental health issues was poor. The excerpt explores a young mother’s challenges at home with her first baby.
Two weeks after Paul’s birth Sarah was released from hospital. Jack was glad to have them finally home, so they could get on with their new life as a family. The kookaburra’s laugh erupted from the bush land next door, abruptly calling to attention sleepy and sluggish souls in the early hours of the morning. The call was cheeky, and Sarah thought that it sounded as if the bird was laughing at the silly humans.
She paced the main bedroom, cooing to Paul as he cried and cried. She patted his back, bouncing him gently in her arms. His howling dragged on, and she tried to feed him, but to no avail.
“I am a trained nurse,” she thought to herself. “I should be able to handle this situation!”
Guilt quickly joined in on her escalating panic. Why couldn’t she satisfy her child’s needs, she wondered, and understand what he was trying to tell her?
Sarah found herself begging her baby to stop. Tears blurred her vision, and she leaned against the side of the crib, sliding down to the floor. Squeezing her eyes closed, she sobbed aloud, cradling her child in her arms.
For more information about Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week, visit www.panda.org.au
The Wilted Rose is available in paperback and Kindle ebook on Amazon HERE
Kate Kelsen 
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