Trigger warning.

This is a message that is vitally important. So many women are suffering from this and it isn't talked about enough. The topic on today's episode is postpartum depression.

Rita's own daughter-in-law Rebecca joins Rita and Jen today to really dive into postpartum depression. 

Rebecca's pregnancy journey was smooth-sailing. She felt great, was minimally uncomfortable (until the end), and overall the pregnancy was ideal. On her due date, she elected to be induced. She opted for an epidural and unfortunately labor stalled. 

Her doctors recommended a c-section which was completely against what she intended. She was scared. She was nervous. She was exhausted from laboring all night. But she did what she had to do.

When she heard the cry, she felt she couldn't enjoy that moment. She told her husband to stay with the baby, but felt abandoned and scared being left in the operating room with no one. 

What happened next was shocking. The full extent of the trauma hit once they went home. In any moment she was alone, she felt scared and abandoned. She couldn't leave the baby. She couldn't sleep. There was no napping. She quite literally entered a state of mind that wouldn't allow her to rest when she needed to rest out of fear and anxiety.

It was so hard and so bad that at one point she describes how she felt as a, "shell of a person."

While those that loved her noticed, it took a lot of effort to help her. Those experiencing postpartum depression may not have the courage or strength or willingness to ask for help when they desperately need it. There is a mindset that as a new parent we should be able to handle it so why can't I, and that keeps your loved one from asking for help.

In this second half of this episode, Rita and Jen talk about how to prepare for postpartum. There are strategies to mentally prepare prior to birth so that if you find yourself in the same situation, you can have a plan in place.

For help, please call or text the Postpartum Support International Help Line at 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)#1 En Español or #2 English
Text in English: 800-944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773