I remember that moment. My heart fell to the pit of my stomach. Face numb—my hand gripping tightly on the pen with an overwhelming rush. I remember reading each question, glancing over at the nurse, and knowing very well my answers to these questions would determine whether they deemed me depressed. On a scale from 1-10…On a scale from 1-10…On a scale from 1-10…Over and over for the next 2-3 pages. I felt a rush of shame. Perhaps stigma made me worried? And so, I lied. I chose to answer neutrally or positively on every question. When in reality, I was on the far end of the spectrum feeling horrid…

My postpartum depression journey has led me down various paths recently. The first path included just sharing my experience with PPD and how I recognized my signs and symptoms. The next path led to collaborating with another mom friend of mine who helped me create and publish a book on postpartum depression. Together, she and I created a guide for moms needing resources regarding PPD, how they can get their partners involved in their healing, testimonials from other moms, and also how pregnant moms can prepare for the possibility of PPD. Of all the things I’ve done in my life, I am most proud of the person I have become…

Becoming a mom is one of the most identity changing times in a woman’s life. The friends you had before you became a mom will most likely change. And it is to no fault of anyone; it’s just life. That is why you need to find your mom tribe! My mom tribe consists of family members, co-workers who turned into friends, neighbors, old friends, and moms of other little ones from daycare. My mom tribe won’t ever be complete, though. I am always going to need more moms to help me in my village and for me to help them. The family members who have helped me along the way…

I think there are many moms who feel the same as I do; I made so many sacrifices to get the education, degrees, and had a great job where I had potential to climb the ladder. We had everything put together (in accordance to what society said we needed). The natural next step was to grow our family and bring a little bundle of joy into mine and my husband’s lives. So, we did! We were thrilled to be living the dream with great jobs, stability, and now a little one on the way. What I didn’t account for was the immense, uncontrollable love I would feel for this little…