My postpartum recovery has been a journey I was not prepared for, and for the longest time I told myself this would be a solo trip. I convinced myself that I was strong enough to do it all on my own. For a while I was fine-eating well, exercising, spending time with friends, and getting my life back in order. I made time for myself and the things that made me happy. I was under the impression that…
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Postpartum Depression
My postpartum depression – 2 years later.
May 24, 2017It’s been a while since I’ve written an update on my postpartum depression recovery, but with a big change approaching I figure now is as good a time as any. Two years ago today A was 22 days old, and I had just spent my first few weeks with her. I remember not feeling the PPD symptoms as strong the first month, honestly because I was exhausted, but as time went on things slowly got worse. And now here…
To the women who came before me.
March 23, 2017
When I first told my grandmother I was diagnosed with postpartum depression I could hear in her voice that she already knew. She then proceeded to tell me of her experience. She talked about what she felt after having every child, and the pain she was told to hide. My grandmother had my mother at the age of 16, and had 3 more children in the years proceeding. Her last child, my uncle, was diagnosed with epilepsy and spent the…
Sweet Elly
September 12, 2016Before the birth of Elly I couldn’t have believed the dramatic struggle and difficulties I would face becoming a new mom. Elly Henrik made her arrival two weeks early on November 11, 2015. A day that could not have come soon enough for me. I was eager to meet our beautiful baby girl and excited to start dressing her in all of her new pink outfits! I felt I had prepared myself and was in perfect condition to take on…
My postpartum depression
June 14, 2016A was unplanned. She screamed almost everyday for the first 6 months of her life. She has been to more doctors in her first year of life than I have in the past 6 years. She is stubborn. I cried for the first 5 months of A’s life. I was unable to breastfeed. I had to hire a mothers helper because I couldn’t deal with being alone with my child. I keep asking myself why? Why me? I see my…
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month – Kathryn
April 19, 2016My story might be a bit different. Like a handful of mothers I did not seek counseling or get treated. I battled this in silence, not knowing what was going on. Throughout my pregnancy I was like every other mom. I loved my unborn baby and did everything to give her the best start. I ate great, stayed away from everything pregnant people are “supposed” to, and tried my best for her. My husband deployed when I was 6 months…
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month – Katie
April 12, 2016Post-Partum Depression/Anxiety – it’s such a touchy subject. But it shouldn’t be! I’ve struggled with Depression since I was 16 years old, those fun teenage years really got me, plus the full on “Daddy Issues” really were a struggle for me. But I never thought I would have it even worse after having a child. I honestly never knew what PPD/PPA was until I was pregnant. I realized I had PPD a few days after I gave birth to my…
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month – Vianey
April 4, 2016Like most expectant mothers, my pregnancy was filled with people exclaiming “Having a baby will change your life!”, “It’s the best thing you will ever experience!” and “This is the happiest you will ever be.” I had very high expectations to be a glowing new mom with a happy baby and a feeling of absolute joy. Through the months of discomfort, morning sickness and preparation, I imagined a movie-like experience of motherhood. However, my dreams and expectations quickly came…
