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I live by these 2 short mottos “Be Gentle With Yourself” and “It’s Okay”. Giving yourself some credit for going through pregnancy, birth, recovery, and taking care of another person(s) is very hard work.”
To all mothers under pressure, you are not alone
Postpartum pressures affect every new parent. Together with Postpartum Support International, we’re raising awareness about the emotional changes that women can experience during postpartum.
Understanding postpartum pressures
No two births are the same – and no two moms have the same experience or emotions postpartum. When you’re juggling the needs of your little one, worrying about what to expect postpartum, as well as recovering from birth and adjusting to some huge changes in lifestyle, it’s easy to understand why expectations from the outside world can feel overwhelming.
Our recent research* shows that 85% of first-time moms agree that the first year of postpartum motherhood is nothing like what they see on social media – because it makes parenting look easy. 59% of moms said they don’t feel society allows them to share how hard the first year of postpartum motherhood truly is.
Finding help
Our partner, Postpartum Support International, is on a mission to promote postpartum awareness, prevention, and treatment of maternal mental health issues. Since its founding, PSI’s vision has been to establish a postpartum pressure support network in every community worldwide. With their emergency helpline, online support groups, and loss and grief resources, they are dedicated to helping families suffering from postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety (PPD and PPA). We're working to double the number of women that get help, by growing the online support group to double the number of HELPLINE contacts in 2023.
Sharing your story
63% of moms and 42% of first-time expecting mothers say they have posted content about motherhood where they looked happy, but don’t feel that way. We’re committed to changing the narrative about parents' postpartum experiences and empowering moms to share just #OneRealPressure on social media this Mother’s Day. We want this call-to-action to empower moms to talk about the real experiences they’ve faced during their own postpartum journeys.
If you want to take part and help show other moms that they’re not alone, share a video or photo of your #OneRealPressure on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook, and don’t forget to tag us. You can help us show a more truthful view of postpartum life. By sharing your #OneRealPressure and encouraging others to do the same, we can help new and expectant mothers feel more prepared when facing the pressures of early motherhood, and feel empowered to seek the support they need. Together, we can make a difference.
If you’re struggling, you are not alone. Don’t just ask Google – talk to other mothers, discover Postpartum Support International and find the community you need.
*Conducted in partnership with the UNC School of Medicine's 4th Trimester Project.
Postpartum pressures: Real moms tell their stories
I live by these 2 short mottos “Be Gentle With Yourself” and “It’s Okay”. Giving yourself some credit for going through pregnancy, birth, recovery, and taking care of another person(s) is very hard work.”
Tamiya’s story
Read Tamiya’s story
“The very first time I realized it was a few months after my first child was born. It never occurred to me that I had anxiety and I didn’t seek help for it. When it came to my second time around I didn’t feel ashamed anymore. I felt like I needed to be more accepting of my condition and seek the help sooner. I thought what do I need to be ashamed for? "
“The very first time I realized it was a few months after my first child was born. It never occurred to me that I had anxiety and I didn’t seek help for it. When it came to my second time around I didn’t feel ashamed anymore. I felt like I needed to be more accepting of my condition and seek the help sooner. I thought what do I need to be ashamed for? "
Nicolette’s story
Read Nicolette's Story
Talk to someone! Tell your doctor. Talk to a family member. Don’t hold it in and try to manage it on your own. Having postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety doesn’t make you a bad mom, it makes you human. The sooner you talk to someone, the sooner you can start to feel better."
Talk to someone! Tell your doctor. Talk to a family member. Don’t hold it in and try to manage it on your own. Having postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety doesn’t make you a bad mom, it makes you human. The sooner you talk to someone, the sooner you can start to feel better."
Tamika’s story
Read Tamika's Story
"I felt even more seen and heard attending PPD/PPA support groups where I felt comfortable sharing my experience and hearing other moms share theirs. I did not feel alone anymore."
"I felt even more seen and heard attending PPD/PPA support groups where I felt comfortable sharing my experience and hearing other moms share theirs. I did not feel alone anymore."
Elizabeth’s story
Read Elizabeth's Story
“I’ve learned that shame grows in silence, and by staying silent, we are only growing the stigma that surrounds maternal mental illnesses. I’ve realized that as I share my story, it gives other women and mothers permission to share their own stories and struggles, too."
“I’ve learned that shame grows in silence, and by staying silent, we are only growing the stigma that surrounds maternal mental illnesses. I’ve realized that as I share my story, it gives other women and mothers permission to share their own stories and struggles, too."
Crystals Story
Read Crystals Story
