Perinatal Depression, Postpartum Depression and a Hospital Birth Story
Haylie and her husband, Jeffrey, had been married for a year when they decided to try and get pregnant. With many tales from friends and family members that it could take a while to conceive (it was news to Jeffrey that you actually had to “try” to get pregnant) they were surprised when a pregnancy test came back positive only a few months later. Haylie had a history of depression but was adamant about getting off antidepressant medication while pregnant. At first she felt fine, both emotionally and physically. But right around her second trimester, serious signs of depression and anxiety began to creep in. This made for a difficult pregnancy in which Haylie sought help from a number of sources to cope with the mounting feeling that she was unprepared for motherhood. As she prepped for an unmedicated hospital birth, she also battled a constant fear that she wasn’t ready to be a mom. As you’ll hear on this episode, there were several unexpected twists and turns during Haylie’s labor and delivery that ultimately led to an epidural and a long but successful vaginal delivery. Haylie also shares how experiencing depression during pregnancy morphed into postpartum depression and talks about the lifesaving support she received after her son was born.
Haylie Schwartz Bio
Haylie is the founder of Chapter Goods, a clothing company that aims to redefine what people expect of postpartum wear with a collection of breastfeeding friendly tops, dresses, and jumpsuits. She lives in Austin, TX with her husband Jeffrey and her now 2-year old son Boze. You can find Haylie on instagram, working behind the scenes at @chaptergoods
Resources
Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas
Partners in Parenting
Love Child Mag
Hello My Tribe
Rebel Mama
Motif Medical
This episode was sponsored by Motif Medical. Motif designs insurance-eligible products for busy moms. With a focus on innovation and empowerment, Motif’s line of breast pumps and maternity compression garments are sophisticated, yet discreet, and made to support mothers as they navigate new motherhood. Discover why moms are reporting more milk in less time with the Luna breast pump, and see how you can get it covered through insurance at motifmedical.com/birthhour.
Thank you so much for this story. I am 24 weeks pregnant and can’t help but think that I’m not ready and that’s it’s too soon for my partner and I. I know how amazing this baby will be but it’s a mental game for me.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciated this episode. As someone who is struggling with some depression and anxiety during pregnancy, your story really resonated with me. I completely agree that the mental health stigma seems even more exaggerated within cultural attitudes that don’t seem to “allow” for anything but a 100% joyful, excited pregnancy. Thank you for helping to normalize some of the other very real feelings (I imagine) many women go through.
Thank you so much for your courage to share your story. I’m a mom of a toddler and due with my next in about a month and have been struggling with similar feelings. To hear from another mom, in your own voice and words, about your challenges was so encouraging and supportive. It is so hard to be a mom and figure out who you are once you become a mom. Thank you again for your story.