Katie
Santa Clarita, 91321
When my daughter was a newborn, I developed a painful finger infection that kept me awake for an entire night. I had recently been diagnosed with postpartum anxiety (PPA) but had not yet started treatment. Even leaving my baby briefly for a doctor’s appointment felt overwhelming, and I carefully timed the visit around breastfeeding.
Instead of receiving care, I was met with long delays and little empathy. As my anxiety grew and I worried about getting home to feed my baby, I explained to the physician that I had untreated PPA and was becoming overwhelmed. My concerns were dismissed. When I raised questions about a medication recommendation based on another medical condition, the conversation became an argument instead of collaborative care. Eventually, I broke down in tears and began hyperventilating. Rather than offering reassurance or checking on my emotional well-being, the doctor focused on proving her point.
I eventually received treatment for my postpartum anxiety and recovered, but that appointment has stayed with me for years. I share my story because compassion is just as important as clinical expertise. I hope other parents know their feelings are valid, and I hope healthcare providers recognize that a few moments of empathy can profoundly shape someone’s healing during the vulnerable perinatal period.
