05/05/2025
It’s Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week, and this photo—taken almost ten years ago—brings back a flood of emotions. At the time, I had just gone through a traumatic birth experience. I didn’t feel heard or supported by my then OB-GYN during pregnancy, and I had no idea the level of anxiety that was about to unfold.
Back then, postpartum anxiety (PPA) was rarely talked about, and postpartum depression (PPD) was still heavily stigmatized. I remember being constantly overwhelmed with worry about my newborn. Leaving him at daycare felt like torture—even though I genuinely wanted to return to work. I cried after every drop-off. And when we were home, I was so preoccupied with how long he would nap—or whether he’d wake up crying—that I couldn’t relax or accomplish anything during those rare quiet moments.
I was terrified he might cry in public (which sounds irrational, but felt very real), so I avoided taking him places alone for nearly a year. Breastfeeding was a struggle from the beginning and filled with barriers, and his recurring ear infections only added to my anxiety.
And yet, through all of it, I bonded deeply with him—which I’m still so grateful for. Looking back, I just want to wrap that version of myself in a big, compassionate hug. It was an incredibly hard season.
With the help of therapy and medication, I made it through. Resources do exist, and they can make all the difference. My own experience is what inspired me to pursue my PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification)—because no one should have to go through this alone. Helping other mommas through these tender, difficult, and transformative times will always be a deep passion of mine.
I also want to say: my second birth experience was completely different—in the best way. The postpartum challenges were still there, but I was able to enjoy the little moments so much more.
You can have two completely different journeys—and healing is absolutely possible. 🤍
