Katie: Positive Hospital Induction, Managing Anxiety and Depression During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Katie had always known she wanted to be a mother, so when she found out she was pregnant, she was thrilled. But the excitement quickly turned to anxiety and depression, as she struggled to manage the hormonal changes that came with pregnancy.

Katie shares her journey to motherhood while navigating anxiety and depression during her pregnancy and postpartum. Physically, she had a positive pregnancy with some round ligament pain and swelling. Katie struggled mentally with anxiety during pregnancy. She was nervous to speak up about it but her husband supported her throughout the pregnancy. Her induction went smoothly and shortly after birth, her baby was diagnosed with a heart murmur. She continued to struggle with postpartum anxiety and depression and didn’t feel the connection with her baby that she thought she would. After switching cardiologists, Katie and Ryan feel they are on the right path with treatment and have an upcoming procedure scheduled.

Reflecting on her journey, Katie recognizes that the experience of managing anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum was a challenge, but one that ultimately made her stronger. She also acknowledges the importance of having a supportive birth team, and the role that a doula played in helping her stay calm and focused during labor. Overall, she feels grateful for the lessons learned and the beautiful gift of motherhood.