Motherhood Understood

Motherly acquired Motherhood Understood, continuing our mission of providing a woman-centered and supportive community for mothers. We are leaning into telling personal essays from mothers as a way that we learn, connect and feel less alone. Centered on the perspectives of maternal mental health, these stories are intended to help moms feel validated and seen.

Motherhood Understood

Annia on being a therapist and not going to therapy for postpartum depression

"I didn't quite know the name for what I had since even within therapist circles, we don't talk about postpartum depression enough. I just knew that something wasn't right."

Motherhood Understood

Maggie on advocating for herself and her baby after opting for a vacuum birth

"I am thankful for our due diligence to do research, get second opinions and fight for the very best care, but I often wonder what would have happened had we listened to that first doctor."

Motherhood Understood

Leilani on postpartum depression after a traumatic birth experience

Progress was slow, but I remember the day my medication began to work. It felt like I could finally see colors, like, "OH, this is how everyone else is experiencing the world."

Motherhood Understood

Atanasia on having PPD with her second and not responding well to medication

I think the most important thing to know if you’re going through PPD is that it CAN get better. You will get better.

Motherhood Understood

Jade on postpartum depression and anxiety while dealing with her baby’s sleep issues

"I felt like the biggest failure because I could not get him to sleep on his own through the night."

Motherhood Understood

Hanna on PPD and PPA after undergoing an emergency hysterectomy after giving birth

“At this point, it’s her uterus or it’s her life.”

Motherhood Understood

Laura on PPD and caring for her baby alone in the hospital during Covid-19

"Every time a doctor or nurse came in, I instantly shot up and my adrenaline started pumping."

Motherhood Understood

CH on postpartum depression, anger and three babies in three years

"Angry and pregnant is the most used search phrase on my browser."

Motherhood Understood

Alison on her deep struggles with motherhood, anxiety and where she fits

"I long for a village of women who band together instead of staying secluded in their own messy homes, cleaned before visitors."

Motherhood Understood

Desarae on anxiety, anger and depression hitting her 6 weeks postpartum

"I believed I had prepared myself for the postpartum period. I had spoken to many girlfriends who had gone through it and I felt ready for the overwhelming emotions, hormones and exhaustion that came with postpartum."

Motherhood Understood

Rachel on the anger and grief she felt from losing her baby

"Grief and anger surged within me. I felt like my body had betrayed me."

Motherhood Understood

Laura on postpartum depression and longing for her pre-baby life

Hormones. Chemical imbalances. Sleep deprivation. Isolation. Sadness. Resentment.⁣