We are very proud of the impact Postpartum Progress has made on the lives of women in the US and around the world. We thought you might like to see what mothers and clinicians are saying about us.
From the Moms:
“I have suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety in silence for almost a year, but your website and information gave me the confidence and encouragement to talk to my husband and doctor about what has been going on. I have just started antidepressants and am holding onto the hope that you have given me. Again I can never thank you enough and just wanted to let you know what an impact you guys have made for me!” ~ J.
“I am 4 weeks out of the psych unit after having a major episode of Postpartum Psychosis. I was confused and feeling like I had done something horrible until a wonderful psych tech printed out and brought me a copy of your “The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression & Anxiety (in Plain Mama English)” post. I just about kissed her I was so relieved to have something in my hand that I read over and over during my two week stay there. I thank you for spelling out exactly what I was feeling and doing. It made me focus and work hard to get well so I could return home and be a healed mama.” ~ A.T.
“I was referred to Postpartum Progress about 4 days ago. I have spent every ‘free’ moment since then looking through your archives, following links, and crying. No, sobbing. I swear I have read things that I haven’t even said out loud to myself in the shower. Thank you for having this blog and being honest … I am one of those unlucky people who have no insurance, so I’m waiting the 2 weeks for a group meeting to come up so I can go and sit. I still can’t admit what’s in my head out loud to anyone, but I think it will be good to hear other people. Until then I have your blog. I find your words encouraging and heart wrenching. Thank you for writing them.” ~ M.H.
“I am happy to report that I am doing so well now! I do not consider myself to be 100% recovered, but I am well on my way. I want to make sure that you know that it is because of YOU that I am where I am now. Because you told your story, I am not missing out on the joy of my newborn like so many other women with postpartum depression do. Because of you I sought treatment as soon as I was sure that I was not feeling right. I could say thank you a thousand times over and it would never be enough.” ~ S.C.
“Reading the blog posts today on your website was a tremendous wake-up call for me. I (coincidentally) have my yearly exam with my (new) OB tomorrow, and I plan to bring up my feelings of postpartum depression with her … Postpartum Progress provided me with the assurance that I needed to understand that I am not alone in what I am feeling. Most importantly, I was given the impetus to start truly addressing and treating my postpartum depression. I hope that in this case, some things are better done late than never …” ~ C.D.
“I am writing to thank you for your wonderful website. It has truly helped me get through the toughest, most confusing time in my life. Your story sounds VERY similar to mine and I found real comfort in knowing that I am okay and not alone. I have been diagnosed with PPD and PPOCD and thought I was going crazy before I read your stories. I think you are doing a fabulous job of informing others of the seriousness of the disorder. I am still fighting my battle, but I know I will win when I see the other survivors who have come out on the other side.” ~ D. R.
“I know it was a blessing from God that I stumbled upon your blog. In May 2010 I had my second baby, and in July 2010 I wanted to end my life. I have never been in a deep dark place and had no hope of ever getting out of it. I was in so much pain and was detached from who I really was … I laid on my couch in misery and googled ‘postpartum depression and hospitalization’. I read your article about hospitalization and I knew that was what I needed. I held you in my mind and was honest with my doctor. She recommended in-patient treatment … You have given me the strength to pull all of my pride to the side and step out to become a stronger mom.” ~ J.P.
“My husband and I both love your blog. It’s helped us to realize that there’s hope, even in the darkest of days. I can’t tell you how much that means to us.” ~ P.M.B.
“I’m a regular reader…my world of recovering from postpartum depression is much less lonely because of you … I’ve been traveling with my 3-year-old daughter for a few weeks, visiting family and it is really hard being without my regular routine and minimal supports that I do have at home. I’m struggling on this trip to stay on this side of relapse. My extended family although loving is so uncomfortable talking about it at all that I tend not to bring it up so that I don’t have to deal with shame that is not mine to feel. So now with computer access for the first time in 2 weeks I went to Postpartum Progress and felt … deep relief. And tears. And not alone.” ~ S.S.
“I wrote to you several times during my experience with PPD and you were a huge support to me. It has been so much work to get better and has taken a lot more time than I thought. I really believe I will be stronger for it and that I will be able to help others I the future. You have been instrumental in helping me to see that this can happen to very normal women and that it wasn’t my fault.” ~ K.M.
“I have found Postpartum Progress to be a great resource and a great way to receive support. Your entry on the art of medication gave me the confidence to get on the phone and schedule another doctor visit a few weeks ago. I had reached the point where I figured I was at a dead end – you helped me see I just needed to turn the corner and take the next step. I think I’ll start including the site address on all the new baby gifts I give.” ~ M.G.
“After reading the symptoms I feel a bit more reassured. I have followed a link to find mothers in my area who have had the same experience. So I would like to thank you so much. This has given me some hope back. Hopefully will be in touch fully recovered to thank you, the sooner the better!” ~ F.
“I remember reading on your blog, IT WILL GET BETTER and I would think, no way. But, you are right. It does get better.” ~ A. F.
“I just wanted to let you know that my first therapist appointment went well … I feel very hopeful, and I am so happy to know that I am not the evil person that I was imagining. Again, thank you for your words of encouragement for myself and so many others.” ~ J. G.
“You made a difference in my life. Even now about 4 months from starting to feel good (after therapy and medication) I still almost daily visit your site as well as others. I think it is a great thing that you are doing! I cannot begin to thank you for your dedication to this cause. It is wonderful and you are making a difference…..I’m living proof!” ~ K.T.
“Thank you so much for your site. I was starting to feel like I am nuts. I survived postpartum depression w/ my first son w/o outside help, but now I’m dying with my second son … it’s just such a relief to read a website that validates what I am going through and tells me I’m not simply a failure or lazy. Thank you. I will keep trying to get help.” ~ J.M.
“I cannot tell you the immediate relief I felt knowing that I was not the first mother to have these horrible thoughts … I cannot thank you enough for sharing your story. You saved me the months of agony you went through. Because of you I’m no longer afraid to tell my husband, my family and my healthcare provider about these thoughts … I know that I need help, but I also know that I am not crazy. Thank you.” ~ S.C.
“Your blog was instrumental in helping me wade through the care of my daughter during her darkest days.” ~ J.K.
“When I was going through postpartum OCD, I had no idea where to start, how to understand it, how to talk about it, how to find a therapist – nothing in my life had prepared me for what was happening to me. Then I found your site. Although I didn’t actively engage in the dialogue, I was a silent reader who desperately needed so much help. Thank you for putting it, your life, your story, other women’s stories and credible information out there. You gave me hope that I would make it through … and the good news is, I did … You were a big part of that. Thank you. I am extremely grateful.” ~ C. S.
“I am in tears looking at the pictures of the PPD survivors. It is so encouraging! Thank you also for such an informative resource. I feel too often women suffer longer than they have to because they are unable to find inappropriate treatment.” ~ M. G.
“Thank you for writing the article “The Symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis (In Plain Mama English)”. I was hospitalized twice last year with postpartum psychosis. I was unable to put my experience into words. I’ve shared your article with my husband, family and friends. It feels so good to finally express my experience in words that people can understand … Thank you so much.” ~ A.B.
“Your website has meant the world to me in my struggles with postpartum depression. It helped me to find the right help I needed…I honestly don’t know what I would have done without your help!” ~ A.M.
“Thank you for doing what you do. Thank you for having the strength to talk about your battle and recovery. Thank you for helping me, for developing a site that keeps me informed and for sharing things I’m not strong enough to share. I am good now, better than good, thinking about baby number two … Never thought I would get here. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.” ~ K.W.
“Your site has been such a tremendous help to me this past year … like, more than you know. I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to educate, and most of all for bringing hope to women struggling like me. At times like this when I feel as though I can’t take another second, I remember that other women have made it through to the other side. I hang onto that thought tooth and nail. It gives me strength to push through.” ~ K.M.
I am doing so well now. I feel like a different person than I was before. I am incredibly grateful for the resource your blog is to those of us who are suffering! I have attached a picture if you would like to include me in your Warrior Moms photo album. It feels so good to be able to say “I survived!” ~ S.S.
“Thank you so so so much for starting such a life changing blog. I just found it today and I wish I would have known about this three years ago after my first born. I will be sharing this with every single mother I know. It should be mandatory for OB/GYNs to share this site with all mothers and mothers to be! Thank YOU for being there and being the voice of the millions of moms with postpartum illnesses.” ~ L.C.
“Reading all of this gives my heart an extra ounce of peace and allows my mind to grip the notion that maybe I am really ‘normal’ with all the quirks and challenges of my postpartum life. THANK YOU. These two words can’t even begin to express my gratitude for what you do with this website.” ~ N.R.
“Postpartum Progress has been my angel through my recent battle with postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety … This website has been a crucial part of my recovery and I thank all of you for your encouragement.” ~ K.M.
“This site is a real lifeline for me, whenever I start to feel hopeless I just log on and read the stories of moms who pulled through.” ~ K.
“Your website is amazing – it is helping to save lives and I know you don’t take that statement lightly – it shows in the work you do to keep mothers like myself going on.” ~ K.A.
“After finding the Postpartum Progress site and reading all of these amazing stories, I have finally felt like there are other people who get it! The site is the reason I ended up finally getting the help I needed.” ~ A.B.
“I just wanted to say an enormous thank you for this website. I’ve struggled twice with post-natal anxiety but was too embarrassed to ask for help. I also believed the ‘no medication with nursing’ myth … I’m now expecting our third and feel SO MUCH BETTER having read your blog. THANK YOU.” ~ C.C.
“I thank God everyday for your site, and the brave women who have come forward with their stories. I hope one day I will be able to help, inspire and encourage like you have.” ~ D.G.
“I stumbled upon a support network for survivors of postpartum mood disorders – Postpartum Progress. It has been so wonderful to read the articles they offer. I see myself in every.single.one. It is UNREAL. I was able to connect with another mom who suffered from postpartum psychosis. How cool is that? I no longer feel so alone. I also connected with another mother today who has tried EMDR and am waiting to hear a response from her. The networking Postpartum Progress has provided has been priceless. I dare to say that I feel very blessed to have stumbled across the website.” ~ T.D.
“I can’t tell you what a help your website has been to me since I’ve found it. I feel so lonely so often… even when friends and family are supportive, they still have trouble understanding and there is sometimes that glimmer of doubt in their eyes… Everything has just been so hard, and finding your site has shown me a ray of light at the end of the tunnel.” ~ S.P.
“I just wanted to take a moment to send you an email and thank you for this website and what you are doing. I have suffered from PPD and anxiety in silence for almost a year, but your website and information gave me the confidence and encouragement to talk to my husband and doctor about what has been going on. I have just started antidepressants and am holding onto the hope that you have given me. Again I can never thank you enough and just wanted to let you know what an impact you guys have made for me!” ~ J.
“I will be sharing this with every single mother I know. It should be mandatory for OBGYN’s to share this site with all mothers and mothers to be! YOU’RE THE BEST!” ~ A.
“There’s not much information on the web in Dutch …therefore finding your blog ( and the links to all other people) has been such a help for me. I don’t have the strength to start something in the dutch at the moment but maybe when this is all behind me I might. You’ve been such a support, more than you can ever know!” ~ A.M.
“I am a 31 year old mum of two from Ireland. I have been on your website almost every day over the last number of weeks reading the various articles and have found them of comfort to me.” ~ A.M.
“I thought you might like to know your article has reached out and touched someone as far away as Zimbabwe.” ~ L.S.
“Just found the blog/website. Spent the evening crying reading stories as I finally found Mommies that I can relate too. What a blessing. I have been struggling for over a year on medications. Thank you! The blog is wonderful!” ~ A.M.
“Thanks so much for your incredible site. I discovered it a few days ago and have been utterly hooked. It has really helped to pull me out of a recent setback.” ~ L.S.
“I competed in my first ever triathlon this past weekend. I kicked butt! It was such a physical victory, but more, it was such a f*** you to PPD. I am strong again. I will never stop fighting for more help, more publicity, more support for other moms. I am still on the crusade. It is soooo not enough, but thank you. From the bottom of my healing, healthier heart, thank you for giving me hope.” ~ L.C.
“I wanted to tell you that your ‘Symptoms of PPD in Plain Mama English’ blog post changed my life. Not just my life, but my family’s. Things were so damn hard and we just couldn’t figure it out. To the world I looked like I had it all together, but I kept having these horrible thoughts in my head. I had wanted a baby so badly and I knew something wasn’t right, but I couldn’t find a way to snap out of it. I read that blog post on a Monday morning last fall, and immediately called the closest hospital’s help line. I saw a psychologist on Tuesday and a counselor two weeks after that … Thank you for everything you have done to help moms like me. I don’t know what would have happened to me and my family if I hadn’t found your blog that Monday morning.” ~ B.T.
“I want to thank you for being a resource for women, families and communities across the world. I often share this website with others to help them understand this issue. Having personally experienced postpartum depression and anxiety, it was reassuring to know that others have experienced similar feelings of confusion, anger, isolation, etc. This is a very real issue.” ~ R.T.
“I’m so glad I had Postpartum Progress while I was at my darkest place. The survivor stories gave ME the hope and strength I need to plot along on those long, lonely days. I repeatedly told myself ‘if those women can survive it, then so can I.’ THANK YOU so much for speaking out for Perinatal Mood Disorders and for your website. You have truly helped me and many others to beat this monster!” ~ S. F.
“When the medical community failed me you were there. With all your stories, knowledge & information that gave me the tools to start to dig out. I know I’m not the only one; thank you for everything you’ve done, the example you’ve been.” K.V.
“I am currently receiving treatment for PPD. I never struggled with depression before in my life, so it took me a while to figure out what was happening to me. All I knew was that I was afraid for my life and I didn’t know how to get help. Your website saved me. After reading the list of symptoms under PPD on your webpage, I knew I had PPD when I could checkmark 99% of the symptoms. I read your website numerous times during the day during the worst period. I even read your post about the mental hospital where you stayed, while I, myself, was being assessed for admission into a mental facility here. I’ve been receiving treatment for almost a month now, and although I don’t feel 100% like myself yet, I feel like I’m getting there. Reading your posts about how its normal to have bad days has helped to give me strength to keep fighting on those days. Thank you for all you do and have done!!” ~ C.S.
“I read your website daily and it has helped me tremendously! You have no idea how much comfort it has brought me in the midst of all this horrible darkness. I read the tips and other stories of battle and success. It gives me hope when I have those days or even moments when I feel this illness is winning over me.” ~ N.
“I have found your site the ONLY one that has helped me and understood me.” ~ E.V.
“Thank you so much for the continued confidence that you can get through depression and can still be an amazing Mom.” ~ D.A.
“I had PPD/OCD with my first and PPD with my 2nd. I didn’t discover this page until I was pregnant with my 2nd and it really has been such a tool for me. From reading success stories, to what other moms felt, its just an all around blessing. I refer friends to the page who are pregnant bc even though we all think,”It will never happen to me.” It DOES! So thank you for posting correct, reliable and just plain sometimes funny stuff, bc we all need it. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!” ~ S.K.
“I started crying yesterday, randomly in my car, because I am in such a different place than I was last year. Last year, I was lost and just realizing I was not good. I have experienced and learned some scary but important s–t over this last year. All from you, your site and the stories of others.” ~ A.C.
“I have found your site the ONLY one that has helped me and understood me.” ~ E.V.
“I applaud you for your blog, education and advocacy on PPD and its ‘spectrum’. It has been a beacon of light for me twice around, in the wee hours of the night when I thought I was the only one with the thoughts and feelings I had surrounding my state of mind and physical health, postpartum.” ~ J.B.
From Professionals:
“This is an amazing site and resource for parents transitioning from couplehood to becoming a family. Now that I’ve taken the time to visit this site I will most certainly pass it on. I’m a child care / early education provider and we have recently experienced the devastating effects of PPD first hand. PPD is just as frightening and painful for caregivers to witness as it is for parents to endure. All we can do is offer support and direct them to resources that they can turn to for help … It breaks my heart to see families burdened with this but the sooner they can move away from feeling helpless and reach out and get help, they will thrive and move forward as a family. Thanks again for providing a much-appreciated and needed resource for families in need and the professionals who work with them.” ~ S.S.
“Just wanted to say how brilliant your site is. Often refer mums to it, great advice and clear, honest info – thank you! Find your info SO useful for our own professional knowledge and to share with parents – keep up the great work!” ~ U.K. Midwives organization
“Thank you so much for this website and all your hard work. I use your resources often with my clients.” ~ S.H. (therapist)
“I use your website, your words and your hard work to help the mothers with whom I come in contact. They may never be able to tell you how much they appreciate it, so I wanted to take the time.” ~ S.M. (community outreach coordinator, child abuse prevention program)
“We are in the process of augmenting our programming to reflect the needs of women with perinatal mood changes and your website has been invaluable for its resources and current information – so much so that we have been routinely recommending it to our patients.” ~ C.R. (nurse, university hospital)
“Your blog has become my home page to help me stay current for both my private practice and for our support groups … I appreciate your dedication.” – M.C. (social worker)
Photo credit: © danijelala – Fotolia.com
