essays

Holly on postpartum depression and how she believed her baby was better off without her

“I don’t want to leave her, but I want to leave.”

Frances on getting help after experiencing anxiety, depression and dark thoughts

I couldn't keep up with the speed of my thoughts, but when they started to take a dark turn, I knew I needed to seek help.

Micaela on accepting her postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder

"I had a serious problem—one that had always been there but worsened from birth and my experience with breastfeeding."

A letter to my daughters for Black History Month

Usually we'd be celebrating Black achievement, culture and art. But these are difficult times and I'm not sure I'm in the mood to celebrate.

After 51 months of breast & bottle-feeding, here’s what I would tell a new mom

You'd better believe I've learned a few baby-feeding tricks.

To the mama who feels the year of isolation in her bones

It's been almost a year since the pandemic started.

I have a bicornuate uterus, but the toughest part of my pregnancy was being scared about it

Pregnancy condition? Stop. Googling. It.

Emily on late onset postpartum depression in the form of anger and rage

“Mommy’s not safe. Stay back!” I shouted, with my hand outstretched in protest. I didn’t trust myself in that moment. I didn’t recognize myself.

Candice on getting help for postpartum psychosis

"My anxiety and depression worsened during pregnancy due to many factors; canceled baby shower, working from home, limited social interaction, isolation, canceled trips, financial stress, COVID fear, etc."

Megan on postpartum depression and learning to feel worthy of love

"Deserve is a peculiar verb, as it’s somehow become a barometer of my mental health. It’s a harsh line drawn in the sand by a mind under duress and a silent knowing that I am worthy when I am healthy."

The 2021 Volvo XC90 is exactly what your family needs for long road trips

This high-end luxury hybrid is a game-changer.

Hind on what happened when she shared her real feelings postpartum

"You see, after our baby was born I didn't feel a rush of love, euphoria and excitement. Instead I felt sad, anxious and frightened."

The half-hour my toddler and I look forward to every week

We sing, dance and bond even more than I expected.

Lisa on feeling less depressed after returning to work and sending her kids to nursery

"Now there were people in my life appreciating me for my brain and my hard work and not because I was the lady with access to the fruit snacks and the TV remote."

All I want for this year is to be predictable

And maybe a little bit boring.

Brittney on getting help and support for prenatal and postpartum depression

Prenatal depression is real. Postpartum depression is real.

An ode to the wild child

They are doing things differently, not caring what other people think. They're carving out their own place in this world. They're marching to the beat of their own drum.

What’s the difference between a first and second birth? 14 moms share their stories

Every pregnancy and birth really is different.

Mamaita on postpartum depression and the medication that saved her life

"I would go to empty out the dishwasher and by the time I'd reach the cabinet with the clean plate, I'd be bawling."

Am I raising a little jerk?

What a clinical psychologist wants you to know about kids who "act out."