Societal expectations also create a gap in addressing mental health issues from pregnancy and beyond. We see photos depicting mothers with their newborn child feeling all this love and happiness. This allows the audience to perceive that that is how postpartum should be, and if we are experiencing something different, there’s something very wrong.
If you are feeling that way, know that your feelings are valid. Pregnancy, birth, and all the emotions that come with it are different for everyone. Recent studies have shown an increase in the rate of mental health issues for women who are pregnant and in the postpartum period.