Let’s be real—becoming a mom is a wild ride filled with joy, but it can also come with some seriously overwhelming feelings. What happens when those thoughts take a darker turn? It’s tough to know when those feelings might cross a line. The best way to tackle these thoughts is to talk about them, even if it feels awkward, embarrassing, or shameful.
That’s where Jenna Richards, a licensed social worker and founder of the Postpartum Wellness Center in New Hope, Pennsylvania, steps in. This fall, she kicked off the #speakthesecret campaign, aimed at encouraging women to open up about their “scary thoughts” and dismantle the myth that all new mothers are blissfully happy. As part of this initiative, she collaborated with artist Mia Thompson to create a series of poignant comics that depict the raw and unfiltered experiences of those dealing with postpartum distress—an umbrella term that encompasses both postpartum depression and anxiety. The result? A powerful comic series that resonates with every mom out there.
These comics delve into many facets of new motherhood, including the struggle to communicate with partners about what they’re going through. A quick note for partners: just take the initiative! Sometimes it’s more helpful to notice what needs to be done rather than ask, which can add to a new mom’s mental load. Often, moms hesitate to ask for help, fearing judgment or feeling guilty.
Despite growing awareness around postpartum depression, many women still find it hard to express their negative feelings about motherhood. “There’s a pervasive stigma that keeps women from speaking up,” Jenna explains. This silence can intensify feelings of isolation.
New moms often find themselves second-guessing their decisions, which can spiral into anxiety and obsessive thoughts. The comics also confront the reality of postpartum body image, highlighting the pressure we place on ourselves and others to “look a certain way” post-baby.
While many women instinctively know that sharing their vulnerabilities with fellow moms can ease their burden, actually voicing these fears can be the hardest part. “There are numerous reasons women might hide their feelings,” Jenna continues. “Some fear judgment, others may label themselves as bad mothers, and some worry about being perceived as unfit, leading to their baby being taken away.”
To combat this, Jenna has created an anonymous forum on her website where women can confess their “scary” thoughts. The confessions reveal the complexities of motherhood and underscore the urgent need for better support for postpartum women. One anonymous entry read, “After having my second child, I imagined putting them both in my chest freezer so I could get some sleep.” Another shared, “I keep picturing my toddler daughter flying over the ledge at our vacation house.” These candid admissions show that while some scary thoughts can be considered normal, others are more concerning and should be discussed.
“It’s essential to talk with someone you trust—ideally a partner or a healthcare provider experienced in maternal mental health,” Jenna advises. “Women don’t have to carry the weight of shame and pain alone.”
If you’re interested in more resources about pregnancy and home insemination, check out the CDC’s excellent guide on assisted reproductive technology. Also, if you want to explore at-home insemination, Make A Mom offers the only reusable option and comprehensive information on how their process works. You can even check out their 21-piece at-home insemination kit for a complete solution. Or join a community of hopeful parents in their free sperm donor matching group.
In summary, opening up about postpartum thoughts can be challenging, but it’s crucial for mental health. Jenna Richards and her team are working to create a supportive environment for mothers, reminding them they’re not alone in this journey.
Leave a Reply