By Aparna Kumar Boehm, Founder of Navara & Alli Bankston, Founding Clinician & Head of Community for Navara
When Our Bodies Do the Heavy Lifting
Pregnancy and birth are incredible transformations, but let's be real - they ask a lot of our bodies. I (Alli) discovered this firsthand when my doctor found mild preeclampsia during what I thought would be a routine checkup. That word "preeclampsia" sent my mind spinning to worst-case scenarios. But thanks to early monitoring and some lifestyle shifts, we managed it together.
The physical journey doesn't end at birth either. Whether you're recovering from a C-section, managing postpartum bleeding, or navigating breastfeeding challenges, your body is still doing profound work. This is why having solid support - from your medical team to your village at home - matters so much during this time.
The Mental Load: Let’s Talk About What’s Really Happening
Here's something we don't discuss enough: the mental and emotional waves of new motherhood. One day you might find yourself crying over spilled milk (literally) because everything feels overwhelming. Another night, you might lie awake with racing thoughts about whether you're doing enough for your baby. Sometimes you might feel oddly disconnected, going through the motions without the joy you expected.
You're not alone in this. When I (Aparna) was diagnosed with postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, I felt so alone and that no one could relate to my experience. Leveraging my background as a researcher, I dug into the data and found that about 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression, and 15-21% of mothers deal with significant postpartum anxiety. These numbers aren't just statistics - they're real experiences that deserve attention and support. Without acknowledgment and care, these challenges can ripple out, affecting not just you but your whole family's wellbeing.
Finding Your Footing in Motherhood
The identity shift of becoming a mom? It's incredibly complex. You might grieve your pre-baby freedom (spontaneous coffee dates or long brunches, anyone?) while simultaneously feeling deep love for your new role as a mom. Maybe you're caught between career ambitions and the pull to be present with your baby. Or perhaps you're looking in the mirror, not quite recognizing the person looking back.
Society puts enormous pressure on mothers - that "perfect mom" ideal that about 67% of us feel pressured to meet. But here's what we know from both research and real life: having authentic support makes all the difference. Whether it's family, friends, or finding your mom community, you don't have to navigate this transformation alone.
Why Early Support Changes Everything
Let's talk about what happens when we catch challenges early. Take Alli’s preeclampsia story - while I felt mostly fine and might have brushed off that subtle swelling, early intervention meant we could manage it with lifestyle changes instead of facing a crisis. This is why listening to both your body and your instincts matters so much.
The same goes for mental health. A mom in our community recently shared how opening up about her intrusive thoughts led to getting support that transformed her early motherhood experience. She found relief not just in therapy, but in realizing she wasn't alone. Yet studies show that while nearly 20% of moms experience significant postpartum anxiety or depression, only half of these moms reach out for help. We can change this story.
Those regular check-ins during pregnancy and postpartum? They're not just boxes to check - they're opportunities to make sure you're supported in all the ways that matter. Whether it's monitoring your physical health, discussing mood changes, or just having someone to bounce questions off of, each touchpoint helps build a stronger foundation for you and your baby.
Creating Change Together
Imagine a world where every mother feels truly seen and supported. Where checking on your mental health is as routine as tracking your baby's growth. Where sharing struggles is met with "me too" or how can I support you instead of judgment.
This shift starts with honest conversations like these. It grows through communities of mothers supporting mothers. It strengthens when we advocate for real change - from better maternal healthcare access to paid family leave that actually works for families.
This Maternal Health Awareness Day, let's commit to creating the support system every mother deserves. Because when mothers thrive, families thrive - and that changes everything.
Want to be part of this change? Here are some ways to start:
Share your story with other moms who might need to hear they're not alone.
If you’re looking for a community, join Navara’s waitlist to find your community of supportive mothers.
Advocate for better maternal health policies in your workplace or community. Chamber of Mothers is a non-partisan organization that is doing great work in this space.
Reach out if you're struggling - your wellbeing matters more than you know. Postpartum Support International and The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline are both organizations that will help connect you with resources.
Remember: You deserve support that meets you exactly where you are in your motherhood journey. No judgment, no pressure - just real understanding from people who get it.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Maternal depression. https://www.cdc.gov
Dennis, C. L., Falah-Hassani, K., & Shiri, R. (2017). Prevalence of antenatal and postnatal anxiety: Systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 210(5), 315–323. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.116.187179
Leahy-Warren, P., McCarthy, G., & Corcoran, P. (2020). First-time mothers: Social support, maternal parental self-efficacy and postnatal depression. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(3-4), 388–397. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03701.x
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (n.d.). Prenatal care: What is prenatal care and why is it important? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/prenatal-care
Pinel, A. (n.d.). Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders: Impact on mothers and children. Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.pinerest.org/newsroom/articles/postpartum-depression-what-about-the-kids-10/
Slomian, J., Honvo, G., Emonts, P., Reginster, J. Y., & Bruyère, O. (2019). Consequences of maternal postpartum depression: A systematic review of maternal and infant outcomes. Women's Health, 15, 1745506519844044. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745506519844044
Wisner, K. L., Sit, D. K., McShea, M. C., Rizzo, D. M., Zoretich, R. A., Hughes, C. L., & Hanusa, B. H. (2013). Onset timing, thoughts of self-harm, and diagnoses in postpartum women with screen-positive depression findings. JAMA Psychiatry, 70(5), 490–498. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.87