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

Sara on wanting to hug her postpartum self and tell her it will get better

"The story of a woman trying. Trying and tired, trying and unsure, trying and afraid.⁣"

Motherhood Understood

Eloise on getting help for postpartum OCD and intrusive thoughts

I did not want this to ruin my life or rule my brain.

Motherhood Understood

Becca on living with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and the rage it causes

"I’ll be standing over my sink cleaning everyone's mess for the 37th time that week and it’ll only be Tuesday. Where as I have done this many times before, on this day anger will rise, hot and dizzying. These are no longer dishes, they are injustices."

Motherhood Understood

Ashley on postpartum anger and rage and finally asking for help

"There were nights that I held my oldest boy while he slept apologizing for being so angry and explaining to him that mommy is going to get better so he doesn't have to see me be angry with him anymore."

Motherhood Understood

Cassandra on surviving a traumatic birth followed by PPD during a pandemic

How would she fare without me if I got sick? And even worse–what if she got sick?

Motherhood Understood

Holly on postpartum depression and how she believed her baby was better off without her

“I don’t want to leave her, but I want to leave.”

Motherhood Understood

Frances on getting help after experiencing anxiety, depression and dark thoughts

I couldn't keep up with the speed of my thoughts, but when they started to take a dark turn, I knew I needed to seek help.

Motherhood Understood

Micaela on accepting her postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder

"I had a serious problem—one that had always been there but worsened from birth and my experience with breastfeeding."

Motherhood Understood

Emily on late onset postpartum depression in the form of anger and rage

“Mommy’s not safe. Stay back!” I shouted, with my hand outstretched in protest. I didn’t trust myself in that moment. I didn’t recognize myself.

Motherhood Understood

Candice on getting help for postpartum psychosis

"My anxiety and depression worsened during pregnancy due to many factors; canceled baby shower, working from home, limited social interaction, isolation, canceled trips, financial stress, COVID fear, etc."

Motherhood Understood

Megan on postpartum depression and learning to feel worthy of love

"Deserve is a peculiar verb, as it’s somehow become a barometer of my mental health. It’s a harsh line drawn in the sand by a mind under duress and a silent knowing that I am worthy when I am healthy."

Motherhood Understood

Hind on what happened when she shared her real feelings postpartum

"You see, after our baby was born I didn't feel a rush of love, euphoria and excitement. Instead I felt sad, anxious and frightened."