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In 2020, during one of the hardest and loneliest seasons the world had seen in decades, I gave birth to our youngest right in the heart of it. When I imagined having my third baby, I never imagined it would happen in the middle of a global pandemic.
And everything about postpartum life felt… different.
Life on Lockdown
We were living on a military base, which meant strict protocols:
- Limited visitors
- No large gatherings
- No eating out
- Lots of travel restrictions
Layers of isolation on top of already being away from extended family made postpartum life feel heavy.
I had spent months pregnant in a cloud of fear, uncertainty, and restrictions, and when my son finally arrived, the world outside still wasn’t “safe” enough for the normal flood of visitors, celebrations, or even simple help.
Most people didn’t get to meet our sweet boy until he was about a year old.
Kindergarten Virtual Graduation
During this time our daughter finished kindergarten online. When her school closed, I paused my job and homeschooled her for the rest of the year. Her graduation took place on a screen, and we clapped from the living room. It was not what we imagined, but it taught us resilience and how to still celebrate our girl.
Higher Education, and Heartache
At the same time, life didn’t slow down, it sped up in many other ways.
I started my Bachelor’s degree (because when isn’t it a good time for a new challenge, right?).
Homeschooling our daughter, newly mother of three, all while pregnant,/postpartum, finishing my Bachelors degree online, parenting our boy with behavioral concerns, and just trying to carry the weight of it all.
Our middle child, struggling with behavioral challenges, needed more attention than ever.
The Breaking Point
When some of our closest friends moved away, the last layer of support crumbled.
I felt completely alone, and the postpartum depression I didn’t want to face hit me like a tidal wave.
I cried, a lot. Sometimes for reasons I could name, sometimes for no reason at all.
The house was loud. The workload was endless. The overstimulation was constant.
I missed seeing family. I missed simple things like a coffee date, shopping, or a meal at a restaurant without wearing a mask at all times.
I struggled, and then I struggled some more.
What I Know Now
Looking back, I know it wasn’t just the pandemic.
It was postpartum depression, magnified by isolation, stress, overstimulation, and the invisible weight we were all carrying.
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FAQ: Postpartum Depression in a Pandemic: My Story
How did the pandemic make postpartum depression harder?
The pandemic added isolation, stress, and uncertainty to an already challenging time, making postpartum depression symptoms more intense for many moms.
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed as a new mom during a pandemic?
Yes. The combination of postpartum recovery and pandemic restrictions made many new moms feel overwhelmed and alone.
What can help moms coping with postpartum depression?
Talking to a doctor or therapist, reaching out for support, and practicing self-compassion are important steps. Asking for help is a sign of strength.