This is the reality of postpartum depression: Jenna Hart.
And this: Jenna Hart.
And this: Jenna Hart.
Postpartum anxiety and depression can manifest in unexpected ways, especially when filtered through a perfect Instagram lens. Surprised? So was I.
Although I had a beautiful birthing experience, it didn’t take long for me to feel overwhelmed. From the moment our precious baby boy arrived, he cried incessantly until I reluctantly decided to send him to the nursery—something I hadn’t anticipated—just to catch a little sleep after being awake for nearly 24 hours. (Cue the first wave of mom guilt.)
Within a week, the combination of sleepless nights, frustration, and overwhelming emotions revealed that he struggled to transfer milk effectively. This led me to the exhausting decision to pump exclusively so he could feed. The initial weeks were a blur of fatigue and tears. Waking him every two hours, pumping non-stop, and desperately trying to catch a breath felt like a fog of anxiety and exhaustion. The idea of not breastfeeding traditionally had never crossed my mind, forcing me to grieve that loss.
Just two weeks after his birth, I took an online postpartum depression screening and failed spectacularly, but I brushed it off, assuming that everyone faced challenges during the early days. I cried almost daily until he was three weeks old. I was unsure of what was considered normal, but I felt far from myself. An overwhelming fear gripped me, and my previously dormant panic attacks returned with intensity. I felt incredibly fragile, as if I could break at any moment.
This journey has been tough. Throughout my life, I had tackled “hard things” like addressing large crowds, mentoring vulnerable youth, and engaging with women in difficult situations. Yet, parenting? It has proven to be the hardest challenge of my life.
People often asked me questions that made everything worse—“Isn’t this the most fun time of your life?” and “Aren’t you just loving every minute?”—which only intensified my guilt. I adored my son deeply but was still navigating this new identity. While my friends seemed to thrive in their new roles, I felt isolated and ashamed.
During my six-week postpartum checkup, there was no screening for postpartum depression. My midwife dismissed my concerns, leaving me feeling unsupported. I sought out counselors, but none accepted my insurance, leading to discouragement and eventually silence. Even my husband, who was very understanding, knew nothing of my struggles until much later. The guilt consumed me; I believed postpartum depression and anxiety were signs of failure as a mother, not recognizing them as the illnesses they truly are.
It wasn’t until I reached four months postpartum that I finally sought help from a counselor. I’m grateful I did. Sharing my feelings with those closest to me resulted in an outpouring of support. I adjusted my work schedule for better balance between my old self and the new me, which made a significant difference. I also began connecting with other new moms, and that community has been incredibly uplifting. Additionally, I started medication, which was the right decision for me. It took close to six months for the heavy fog to begin lifting. Today, I genuinely cherish being a parent. I feel happier and more equipped to handle the challenges of this new phase of life.
If you find yourself struggling, remember this: You are not alone. Parenting is one of the toughest jobs, but you are a wonderful mom doing your best. It will get easier. I promise, it gets easier. You will develop a rhythm, understand your baby’s needs, and those endless cries will eventually subside. Life will become enjoyable again. You will reclaim your sense of self, have date nights, and experience peaceful nights of sleep. You are not alone.
Moms facing postpartum anxiety and depression are incredible mothers who love deeply, feel intensely, and often overthink. They are heroes for getting out of bed every day. So if you’re experiencing this, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Just as you wouldn’t ignore a broken leg, you shouldn’t dismiss postpartum mood disorders. They deserve attention and treatment for healing.
You will be okay. You are loved. Above all, you are a remarkable mom. For more insights, check out this resource on home insemination kits, and learn more about symptoms like night sweats at Intracervical Insemination. For additional guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, visit NHS.
Summary
The journey through postpartum depression and anxiety can be overwhelming for new mothers. Despite a joyful birth experience, Jenna Hart shares her challenges navigating motherhood, feelings of isolation, and the eventual realization that seeking help is essential. By connecting with support networks and accessing professional help, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing postpartum struggles as valid and treatable conditions.