006: Cayla’s Story: A Journey Through Postpartum Depression (Part 2)

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In this episode, we get into the second part of Cayla’s journey through postpartum depression. This episode uncovers the raw and often hidden struggles that many new mothers face after childbirth. 

The first signs of trouble appeared early on when Cayla faced judgment for her baby's weight loss and her decision to breastfeed. Despite the pediatrician’s suggestion to switch to formula feeding, Cayla was determined to breastfeed, clinging to the societal notion and pressure that it was the best for her baby. Unfortunately, the continued efforts and the isolation she felt as a new mother only added to her growing feelings of inadequacy and exhaustion.

As her postpartum depression deepened, Cayla sought the support of a postpartum doula. Though partially helpful, it did not alleviate the overwhelming sense of failure she felt. Her husband, Philip, struggling to understand and support her through this time, inadvertently added to her isolation and despair.

Recognizing the severity of her condition, Cayla reached out to her OB for help, leading to a recommendation for hospitalization at UNC Chapel Hill's perinatal psychiatric unit. Despite her initial resistance due to fear of losing her baby, Cayla’s desperation for relief compelled her to seek the necessary treatment.

Cayla’s two-and-a-half-week hospital stay became a turning point in her journey. It provided her with the support and validation she so desperately needed. The medical team worked closely with her, adjusting medication, and providing therapy to start her on the path to recovery. Her stay in the hospital, though difficult, marked the beginning of her healing process, offering her hope and tools to manage her depression.

Cayla’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder of the critical importance of seeking help and the strength found in honest conversations about mental health. Her advice to other mothers facing the "sticky anxiety" of postpartum depression is clear: recognize the signs and don’t ignore them, ask for help, and know you're not alone.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:30 First check-up, moving to formula and bottle feeding
• 02:58 Getting a postpartum doulas
• 05:23 How her husband was handling things, not seeing her struggles for how depressive it was
• 07:28 Her postpartum depression and how she expressed it to others
• 12:31 Not getting the help she needs
• 14:02 Trying to get help once again from her OB at 5 weeks, her tipping point
• 18:38 Going to the hospital
• 20:55 How long she was in the hospital, and her experience
• 25:44 Finally going home
• 31:47 Advice for moms who are late in their pregnancy and start feeling anxiety

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