The Unspoken Truths

I wasn't really planning on jumping into such a deep topic right at the beginning. My goal was to keep this forum light, humorous, and educational. However, I have been asking a lot of women what surprised them about pregnancy, birth, or postpartum that they wished they had known beforehand. Time and time again, people say, "I wish I would have known more about the baby blues and postpartum depression." "I wish I would have known how lonely I would be."

Now, I think there are multiple reasons why this is kept hush-hush. One being, us moms do not want to spoil the beautiful, amazing journey you're on by saying, "Oh, just wait till you get to postpartum, that shit sucks." Another reason is because I think society (cough cough everyone on social media cough cough) likes to hide behind the picture-perfect image. Social media has made women afraid to be vulnerable, weak, or in need of help. We're always trying to keep up with other women. I remember coming home from the hospital after having my first child and making dinner that night! LIKE WHY THE EFF DID I DO THAT? Because I needed to be strong and do it all.

Us women are badasses today. We work full-time jobs (stay-at-home moms are included in this; I stayed home with my toddler for two years, and that shit was way harder than going back to work), carry and raise children, and deal with most household chores. We get on social media and see that Becky from high school just had her baby a week ago, and she's catching a flight to Florida to go on vacation with her family. She can do it? Why can't I? I'm sorry, but I still wasn’t walking right after a week, so you bet your ass I was not flying on a plane to Florida.

We need more people to say it's okay to feel like this. It's okay to feel lonely. It's okay to cry that your husband doesn't want to shower with you right now. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I personally think it is so important to find a support group, a yoga class, a mom group, or a hobby with other moms—SOMETHING. It is also so important to be aware of these things before having the baby. Educate yourself on hormonal changes after birth. If you have suffered with depression prior to pregnancy, mention it to your OB, and start researching support groups now.

During pregnancy and after childbirth, your body undergoes significant hormonal changes. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are elevated during pregnancy, drop dramatically after delivery. This sudden change can contribute to mood swings, feelings of sadness, and even postpartum depression. Understanding these changes and knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies motherhood.

Anything to help you in that moment. And never be afraid to ask for help. If there is one piece of advice I tell a majority of my clients, it’s don’t be too proud to ask for help. Because I was, and I regret it so much. I was the one who thought I could do it all, and my mental health suffered from it. Your mom might bug the shit out of you, but let her come stay for a week to make you dinner. Let your mother-in-law come and clean your house. Accept the gifts from the neighbors next door. In the end, it will only help you.

This blog is here to share these unspoken truths and provide a space where it's okay to be real about the challenges of motherhood. You are not alone, and together, we can navigate this journey with honesty and support.

Stay tuned for more insights and stories from my journey and the journeys of other incredible moms out there.

Until next time,

Rachele