Both Can Be True: A Real Conversation About Motherhood and PMADs

Written By Christi

Motherhood is magical—but it’s not always glitter and glow. Sometimes it feels less like fairy dust and more like “why am I crying while holding the most beautiful human I’ve ever seen?”

 

And here’s the truth: both can be true at the same time.

 

The joy is real. The struggle is real. And if you’re finding yourself somewhere in between, you’re not alone and you’re not broken. Let’s talk about PMADs—because “I just had a baby” and “I’m not okay” can exist in the same sentence, with the same mom, in the same reality.

 

What Are PMADs?

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) is an umbrella term for a range of emotional and mental health conditions that can develop during pregnancy or in the first year after birth. They include:

 

•     Postpartum Depression

•     Postpartum Anxiety

•     Postpartum OCD

•     Postpartum PTSD

•     Postpartum Bipolar Disorder

•     Postpartum Psychosis

 

PMADs are common. They are treatable. And they are not a reflection of your love for your baby or your worth as a mother.

 

"But I Thought I’d Just Be Glowing…"

You might be glowing, and the baby snuggles might be pure joy—and there can still be:

 

•     Racing thoughts at 2 AM

•     Intrusive images you didn’t ask for

•     Feeling numb instead of joyful

•     Irritability that surprises you

•     Guilt for not “soaking in every moment”

 

This doesn’t make you a bad mom. It makes you human. Hormones shift dramatically after birth. Sleep disappears. Your identity transforms. That’s a tremendous amount for one nervous system to carry.

 

When to Reach Out 🚩

Please don’t wait to ask for support if you’re experiencing any of the following:

 

•     Persistent sadness or anxiety

•     Panic attacks

•     Intrusive or scary thoughts

•     Feeling disconnected from your baby

•     Hopelessness

•     Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

 

Support exists, and you deserve it. Reaching out is not weakness—it’s one of the most loving things you can do for yourself and your family.

 

PMAD Resources & Support

Look Aligned

Website: www.lookaligned.com

Call or Text: (615) 205-2334

Specialty: Maternal Mental Health

Services: Secure telehealth across Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. Based in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Website: www.postpartum.net

Call or Text (EN/ES): 1-800-944-4773 (#1 English, #2 Español)

Free online support groups and a provider directory by state.

 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or Text: 988

Chat: 988lifeline.org

Available 24/7. Confidential support for anyone in crisis.

 

Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance

Website: www.mmhla.org

Policy updates, education, and advocacy resources for maternal mental health.

 

March of Dimes

Website: www.marchofdimes.org

Pregnancy and postpartum mental health information.

 

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

 

A Gentle Reminder 🤍

Strong moms ask for help. Good moms have hard days. Loving moms can struggle.

 

Motherhood can be magical and messy. Glowing and grieving. Joyful and overwhelming.

 

And if today feels heavy? You are still a good mother.

 

Let’s keep talking about PMADs—loudly and without shame. Let’s normalize support. Let’s make room for the full story.

 

 Christi

References

Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. (n.d.). Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. https://www.mmhla.org

March of Dimes. (n.d.). Postpartum depression. https://www.marchofdimes.org

Postpartum Support International. (n.d.). Postpartum Support International. https://www.postpartum.net

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. (n.d.). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org

Christi

I am a Clinical Social Work intern committed to advocacy and serving individuals who have been overlooked or unheard. Under the supervision of Dr. Jones, LCSW, I provide therapy that integrates advocacy and clinical care to address root causes and promote meaningful, lasting change.

I have a strong interest in Maternal Mental Health and am dedicated to supporting women during pregnancy and the postpartum period with compassion, cultural responsiveness, and presence. As a mother, I understand the emotional complexities of this transition and aim to support women navigating depression, anxiety, and the many adjustments that accompany motherhood with mindfulness, dignity, and care.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Human Relations with a minor in Healthcare Administration and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Trevecca Nazarene University. I am currently completing my Master of Social Work at Tennessee State University and pursuing clinical licensure.

I am passionate about creating a transparent, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered toward sustainable growth.

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