Navigating Postpartum: My Story and What I Wish I Knew
There’s no manual for having a baby.
No class or crash course truly prepares you. It’s more like: “Here’s your baby—now go home and figure it out.”
Of course, I wasn’t alone when I had my son. I had my husband. But still, I felt alone.
After giving birth in May 2024, I entered the hardest mental health battle of my life. I cried every day for two weeks straight. I broke down at every doctor’s appointment. Thoughts like:
“I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“My husband will never fully understand.”
“How am I supposed to get through this?”
…kept spiraling in my head. I couldn’t see an end. I couldn’t imagine a version of the story where I’d be okay.
What Even Happens During Postpartum?
The postpartum period begins right after birth and usually lasts about 6–8 weeks, as your body begins transitioning back to its pre-pregnancy state. But while your body is healing, your mind is also going through intense shifts—mostly driven by changes in hormones.
Key Hormonal Changes:
Estrogen & Progesterone: These drop sharply after delivery, triggering mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
Cortisol: This “stress hormone” often remains elevated due to the physical and emotional strain of caring for a newborn.
Even if you’re surrounded by love and support, these internal changes can make you feel completely overwhelmed.
Postpartum Diagnoses: You’re Not Alone
At my son’s six-month checkup, I was finally diagnosed with Postpartum Depression (PPD). I felt so validated—but also grieved for how long I’d gone without help. If you’re wondering whether what you’re feeling is “normal,” here are some common postpartum mental health conditions:
💙 Baby Blues
Affects 50–75% of new moms
Lasts up to two weeks
Mood swings, tearfulness, irritability
💔 Postpartum Depression (PPD)
More severe and longer-lasting
Deep sadness, fatigue, loss of interest
Difficulty bonding with your baby
😟 Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
Constant worry, fear, racing thoughts
Trouble sleeping, even when baby sleeps
Intrusive or irrational thoughts
😠 Postpartum Rage
Intense irritability or anger
Often tied to hormonal imbalance and sleep deprivation
😨 Postpartum OCD
Obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors (e.g. excessive cleaning or checking on baby)
Often driven by fear of harm coming to the baby
🚨 Postpartum Psychosis
Rare (1 in 1,000 moms)
Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking
Requires immediate medical attention
If you’re in crisis or thinking about hurting yourself or someone else:
Dial 911 in an emergency
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Visit Postpartum Support International for more resources
What Does Postpartum Counseling Look Like?
Your first counseling session will likely be an assessment—basically a conversation to help your therapist understand your story, symptoms, and support system. From there, you’ll work together to create a plan that focuses on your goals and what healing looks like for you.
For me, therapy has helped me regain clarity, confidence, and connection. I may not have had the support I needed early on, but now I know what to look for and how to advocate for myself—and I want the same for others.
You Deserve Support
Motherhood is beautiful, messy, powerful, and exhausting. I wouldn’t trade it for anything—but I do wish I had been better informed and supported during my postpartum season.
If you’re currently struggling—or just unsure—it’s okay to ask for help. Whether you’re expecting, newly postpartum, or months into parenting, it’s never too late to take care of your mental health.
If you’re ready to begin your own healing journey, our team at Married Life Counseling is here to support you.
Let’s walk through this season together—one honest, hopeful step at a time.
Connect
To schedule a counseling appointment call our office at 234-303-2325.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 12). Postpartum Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22693-postpartum-anxiety
Copperstate. (2023, March 26). Postpartum Hormones Explained | Copperstate OBGyn. Copperstate OB/GYN. https://www.copperstateobgyn.com/postpartum-hormones-explained/
Postpartum depression: Causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, March 24). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depression
Postpartum Rage: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24768-postpartum-rage
This article was written by Georgia Tolson, LISW. Georgia is a Licensed Social Worker/Counselor who writes about her experiences in life as a wife, mom and counselor.
