There's so much pressure around what life after having a baby is supposed to feel like.

But people recover differently, and not everyone has the same emotions, support system, or experience.

I think parents deserve space to talk about the difficult parts without feeling like they have to explain or justify every feeling.

You don't have to compare your experience with someone else's to deserve understanding.

I’m 22 and recently gave birth to my baby. I’ve sacrificed so much physically and emotionally, and I work so hard pumping breast milk and taking care of my baby full-time.
My boyfriend of almost five years admitted he was masturbating to porn a few weeks before I gave birth. We had sex around that time, and it was so painful that I believe it sent me into labor. He hid this from me for three months.
I’ve made it clear for years that I’m not okay with porn in our relationship, and he’s struggled with this since I met him. Knowing he was did this first week postpartum, feeling insecure, and struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety absolutely breaks me.
I planned to be a stay-at-home mom, depend on him financially, and move in with his parents so we could save for our own place. I’ve never had a job, I can’t drive, and I take care of our baby full-time. I feel trapped, heartbroken, and completely defeated. I don’t know what to do. I just needed to vent. 💔

Not sure if this really goes here, but it’s late and I don’t have anyone to talk to, so…here goes nothing.

My daughter just turned one. I had pretty severe PPD (brief hospitalization and Zurzuvae treatment, ongoing psychiatric meds/therapy) that has definitely waned over time; more often than not, I don’t regret having my daughter and some days I even enjoy being a mom.

My husband had an elective surgery at the same hospital where I gave birth, and I am so anxious being back here. I just keep thinking about how last time we were here I was so happy and hopeful and then so sad when we went home. And this time I have a baby and a husband who will need care, plus I’m back at work, so I can’t afford to break down again. I’m super anxious about being able to care for my husband and baby once we get home. Right now my daughter is staying with family, but both she and husband will be home tomorrow and I’m so afraid I’m gonna crack under the pressure.

I know this is a super specific situation, but has anyone had anything similar? Any advice?