Once upon a time, I had a baby. I was given a postpartum screening in the hospital, flagged as high-risk, and then sent home, with no follow-up.
I subsequently suffered from severe postpartum depression and contemplated suicide.
My loved ones intervened. I had support, education, access to care, and the money to pay for it. I had great friends who helped me survive it. One shoveled me out of my driveway during a blizzard so that I could get to the ER. Another traveled with me across state lines when I needed to be hospitalized, just so I wouldn’t be alone. I healed. I thrived. As did these friendships.
The three of us have joined forces, using our complementary skills as an advocate, tech executive and neuropsychologist, to improve maternal mental healthcare for all.
I got help. I learned. I wrote books about my experience.
I am one of the lucky ones.
It should not be this way. Every woman should be given easy access to appropriate care. Every family deserves an ever after.
Love, Becca
