Navigating grad school or a full time job with a newborn

Celeste G.

I was working on first a Masters, and then a Doctorate in mathematics when my first two daughters were born. Then when I got my first full time job, I gave birth to my son shortly afterwards. I only took a week to recover from labor with each of my daughters so that I didn’t get behind on my grad school classes. I also wasn’t willing to sacrifice my ability to breastfeed my little ones, so I either met up with my husband in between classes to feed my babies, or I learned to pump while at work. I understand the exhaustion that comes with having newborns and still working hard every day. Because of sleepless nights getting up to take care of a crying child, I fell asleep in class a few times, but I learned to lean on other people to help support me through this difficult time. I also learned a lot of tricks for working with a baby in my arms or in a seat nearby. My kids are all older now, my youngest is 5 years old, but I have a thriving career.

Navigating the challenges of becoming a mom while supporting a partner’s health struggles

Naomi D.

Becoming a mom was nothing like I expected. My pregnancy was rough, both physically and emotionally. I was navigating the ups and downs of that while also supporting my husband, who was struggling with health issues. For two years, he was dealing with seizures, and it felt like I was shouldering everything—pregnancy, his health, and the anxiety of it all. When our daughter was born, it wasn’t the joyous occasion I had imagined. I struggled with postpartum depression and found myself feeling lost. I didn’t know who I was anymore, and I had this deep sense of being alone in everything. It was tough to adjust to motherhood while trying to be strong for my husband too. But eventually, with the support of family, therapy, and taking things one day at a time, I found my way back to myself. Now, I want to help others who feel overwhelmed or lost in this journey—especially when it feels like everything is on your shoulders.

Pregnancy illness, traumatic birth and the aftermath and postpartum depression

Rachel M.

I was severely sick my entire pregnancy, I couldn’t eat without it coming back up, I was dismissed, and told to “well you are pregnant” at my appointments. I had gestational anemia that never went away. My birth was so severe I almost died. No one listened. Afterward, I spiraled into postpartum depression I was already at risk for, & it was the most isolating, guilt-filled time of my life. I didn’t bond with my baby right away. I couldn’t breastfeed. I felt like a failure. If you’re in that place now—or if you’re still pregnant and no one’s taking your pain seriously—I see you. I can help you prepare for appointments, advocate for yourself, and speak the truth when no one else will. I’ll hold space for the postpartum thoughts you’re too afraid to say out loud—the ones that feel shameful, confusing, or make you question if you’re a good mom. You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And here’s a secret if you are worried and thinking “I’m a bad mom” that alone tells me, you are a good mom.

Trusting yourself as a parent after postpartum anxiety

Sharon K.

After the births of both of my children, I struggled deeply with postpartum anxiety. I constantly second-guessed myself, wondering if I was making the right decisions and feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to do everything perfectly. It was an isolating experience, especially with my husband often away due to his military career. Over time, I learned to trust my instincts as a parent, accept support from family and friends, and set healthy boundaries to protect my mental and emotional well-being. Therapy helped me realize that needing help didn't mean I was failing—it meant I was being human. Now, raising two toddlers, I feel more confident in my role as a mother and more at peace with the ups and downs that come with parenting. Through my personal experience and my background in counseling and community health, I love helping other parents see that it’s okay to trust themselves and to build a support system around them. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

Recovering your sense of self after postpartum challenges

Suzie K.

After the birth of my daughter, I went through postpartum depression and psychosis—something I never expected to experience. It shook every part of my identity as a new mom and a partner. My mental health struggles caused pain in my marriage, and I could see how hard it was for my husband too. I felt ashamed, overwhelmed, and alone. On top of that, I was navigating tough relationships with my parents and trying to create boundaries that didn’t spiral into conflict. Through psychotherapy, psychiatry, and eventually becoming a Certified Peer Support Specialist, I began to heal. I’ve had to distance myself from unsupportive people, stop using alcohol to cope, and challenge the voice in my head that told me I wasn’t enough. I lost a job during this time, too, and had to find a new sense of balance as a working mom. It hasn’t been easy, but reclaiming my sense of self has been worth it. Now I support others through those lonely moments of recovery and transformation, because no one should have to do it alone.