What No One Tells You

About Postpartum Depression: A Mom’s Honest Journey

From mom guilt to scary thoughts and lost identity — here’s how I survived postpartum depression and built a supportive village for new mothers.

The Invisible Struggle of Postpartum

When a woman becomes pregnant, congratulations pour in and gifts abound. But once the baby arrives, everyone disappears. While new moms are adjusting to sleepless nights and a transformed reality, support often fades — leaving them to navigate postpartum challenges alone.

It truly takes a village not just to raise a child, but to help a new mom adjust to motherhood in a healthy way. Every woman’s postnatal experience is unique, but after my own battle with postpartum depression, I feel called to break the stigma and increase awareness.

My Introduction to Postpartum Depression

My mother first asked, “Are you experiencing postpartum depression?” I was offended at the time, but her question lingered. Later, I researched the signs online: difficulty bonding with your baby, extreme sadness, feelings of worthlessness, and guilt. I didn’t feel those applied to me. I was a stay-at-home mom, exclusively breastfeeding, and deeply bonded with my daughter.

But as time passed, I realized I barely recognized myself. My life had become all about motherhood, and I hated it. Thoughts of harming myself or my baby occasionally surfaced. I felt isolated, afraid to speak out. Journaling became my lifeline. One night, I shared a passage from my journal with my partner — he was shocked at the depth of my thoughts and urged me to seek support.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Postpartum

I loved being a mother but often didn’t enjoy it. I resented my partner, overwhelmed by responsibilities, and obsessed with my postpartum body. Stretch marks, sleepless nights, and “mom guilt” created a cycle of self-betrayal. I felt trapped, miserable, depressed, and anxious — yet afraid to admit it.

The turning point came when a friend shared a post from a Black doula who was candid about her own postpartum struggles. The comment section was full of other moms validating their experiences. For the first time, I felt normal. I realized I was not alone.

From Surviving to Supporting: The Birth of The Goddess Garden

I began sharing my journey online and eventually created The Goddess Garden, a brand to educate, support, and normalize postpartum challenges. I became the friend I wished I had: visiting new moms, helping with dishes, preparing meals, or simply watching the baby so she could shower. I checked in intentionally, asking how she felt and reminding her that it’s okay not to be okay.

Learning to Be Gentle With Myself

Today, with a 2-year-old and a 4-month-old, my postpartum experience is different but still challenging. I breathe through scary thoughts, communicate openly with my partner, and treat my body with compassion. I’ve realized that my postpartum journey wasn’t just a struggle — it was a calling to educate, support, and shift the conversation surrounding motherhood.