My Postpartum Story
I thought I was “fine”. I wasn’t.
I had a healthy baby—wasn’t that all that mattered?
😩 That’s what I kept repeating to myself after pre-eclampsia, multiple postpartum hemorrhages, and two D&Cs (to treat placenta accreta).
I’ve always been someone who feels deeply. But after the traumas, I was terrified that if I allowed myself to feel the fear and grief of what I’d been through…
It would swallow me whole.
I was worried I wouldn’t be able to show up as the mom I wanted to be.
🤦🏻♀️ So I pushed it down. I told myself I’d deal with it later.
But soon—it became necessary.
After returning to work as an eating disorder therapist, I began feeling “off.”
I didn’t resonate with the symptoms of postpartum depression, so I minimized what was happening to me.
😮💨 But my body was screaming.
I was having physical anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and trauma responses that made everyday moments feel unsafe.
It turns out I was experiencing postpartum OCD and postpartum PTSD.
As a therapist, I thought I could fix it alone. 🤦🏻♀️
Eventually, I took a mental health leave with the support of my husband and boss.
🙌🏻 I reached out to Postpartum Support International and got connected with perinatal specialists.
❤️🩹 I began working with a perinatal therapist and psychiatrist. The therapy and medication truly saved my life.
✨ Today, my life is more beautiful than I ever imagined.
I’ve gone on to have another child, and reclaimed my birth and postpartum experiences.
🌱 And now—it’s my greatest honor to help others in pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood heal from trauma, childhood wounds, and battles with food and body.
If you’re struggling, please know: you are not alone. Healing is possible.
🔵 Call or text Postpartum Support International HelpLine at 800-944-4773. You never need a diagnosis to ask for help.
🔵 Download the Connect by PSI App
🔵 Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262
🔵 Visit postpartum.net for additional programs and resources, including free support groups.
