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'Babies Are The Worst': Nocatee mother, author shares her experience with postpartum depression

"Babies are the Worst." The book's title alone is enough to make you do a double take, and author Meagan Gordon Scheuerman wants it that way. Scheuerman, a mother of two in Nocatee, Florida, is sharing her experience with postpartum depression after the birth of her first child, in her first book, “Babies are the Worst.”

Scheuerman sat down with Action News Jax Anchor Letisha Bereola on Action News Jax Sunday to talk about the book. Scheuerman said that the memoir is not just for women with PPD but for every person left wondering, “Am I crazy for thinking this -- having a baby -- is sometimes the worst?” Her message: You’re not alone.

How did you come up with the title “Babies are the Worst?”  

“When I became a mom that kept going through my head -- 'babies are the worst.' And I thought, 'Where is this coming from?' And I think that it’s something more people think than they admit. And it’s a little tongue and cheek.”

Describe how you felt after you had your baby.

“I thought life was no good anymore. I had everything wrong. This fantasy of motherhood was that -- just a fantasy. It took me about nine months before I realized no, something deeper is going on here and I sought help.

“For me it felt like it didn’t matter if I was here or not. Which is shocking to think now that I’m well. Of course it matters. But to me, it didn’t make a difference. We are just floating on this rock. What really matters? Nothing really matters. That sort of apathy was a big red light."

When did you notice your experience was different than your mothers in your circle?  

“They were posting on social media about … it was just the most wonderful thing and isn’t life grand now that I’m a mom, best thing that ever happened to me. And I thought, 'You are a liar.' I was so angry. I think that was a wake-up call for me, that anger. Because I thought, 'What if they’re not lying? And if they’re happy, why aren’t you?’"

What was really hard for you to share with the world?

“The thing that has been very difficult for me is, 'What’s my son going to think?' He’s 5 now. He’s heard the title and he’s like 'Mommy, babies are the worst!' I’m like, 'Well, they cry a lot.' He has a baby sister and he knows. Sometimes they cry a lot, sometimes you’re tired and cranky, whatever it is. That’s been the most difficult. Talking about those emotions I didn’t have when he was first born.”

What’s been the reaction from other mothers?

“One of the things that’s been surprising is people who are like, 'Oh, I didn’t have postpartum depression but I related to your story.'

"Or I found myself crying because I forgot about how difficult it was. I’ve had someone reach out on social media who said her son is over 2 years old and she can feel the scabs falling away from her heart because she didn’t realize what was happening until she read my book."

To learn more about "Babies are the Worst," click here.