Survivor Stories of Hope Archives

“Looking back, I realize my mental health wasn't protected by breastfeeding itself. It was protected by making the choices that aligned with my values in each unique season of motherhood. For one journey, that meant persevering through months of pain. For the other, it meant embracing uncertainty and trusting myself to make the best decision I could for my daughter. The same mother. Different baby. Different journey. Different versions of strength. Because there is no one right breastfeeding story—only your own.” The Moments I Couldn't Fully Hold: What Two Breastfeeding Journeys Taught Me About Grief, Mental Health, and Motherhood By Rhea Sims, MSc, BSN, RN, IBCLC

Perinatal, Perinatal Anxiety, Perinatal Depression, Survivor Stories of Hope

The Moments I Couldn’t Fully Hold: What Two Breastfeeding Journeys Taught Me About Grief, Mental Health, and Motherhood

Join Rhea Sims as she shares her personal breastfeeding journey, revealing the unexpected challenges and joys of nursing.

“Strength and struggle can coexist. You can be grateful for your child and still mourn what was lost. You can be resilient and still feel exhausted. You can have survived — and still need support.” Postpartum in a Pandemic: The Isolation No One Prepared Us For By Manyori Pinto, LCSW

Survivor Stories of Hope

Postpartum in a Pandemic: The Isolation No One Prepared Us For

Discover how COVID-19 postpartum has transformed the new motherhood experience with isolation and emotional intensity.

“There was an intense period where I called the hotline several times a week just to have a voice reassure me I could get through this. The counselors who spoke to me were so kind, so quick to offer resources, and asked some really good questions. It was truly a lifeline of reassurance that I wasn't alone.” Stories of Hope Jordan’s Story

Perinatal/Postpartum Psychosis, Survivor Stories of Hope

Stories of Hope

Learn about Jordan's struggle with postpartum psychosis and the lessons she learned about mental health awareness and support.

Perinatal Anxiety, Survivor Stories of Hope

I did the hardest thing: I asked for help.

Feeling overwhelmed? Juanita's journey highlights the need to ask for help when battling perinatal mood disorders.

“I share this with you because I hope it acts as a lighthouse, shining light when it may feel dark and stormy in your world. Shining light on the possibility of change and hope for a new chapter in your postpartum life. Shining light on a more aligned and grounded way of living.” A Full-Circle Moment and a New Chapter By Madeleine Drake

Perinatal Anxiety, Perinatal Depression, Survivor Stories of Hope

A Full-Circle Moment and a New Chapter

Experience a powerful full circle moment as I share my journey of vulnerability and hope for postpartum support.

“Talk to your provider to see if medication is right for you. There are medications that are safe to use during and after pregnancy and during breastfeeding. There is no shame in a body and brain that need medication to survive. You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be better.” A Medicated Pregnancy By Brittany Welch

Perinatal Depression, Perinatal PTSD, Survivor Stories of Hope

A Medicated Pregnancy

Explore the journey of managing mental health while expecting and how medications can help manage mental health and support expectant mothers.

“You are strong for staying. You are strong for choosing health again and again. And by showing up imperfectly but honestly, we can help raise children who learn to value themselves far beyond what they see in the mirror.” I Didn’t Bounce Back. I Stayed. By Priya James

Perinatal, Survivor Stories of Hope

I Didn’t Bounce Back. I Stayed.

Navigating eating disorders in pregnancy and postpartum can be tough. Discover insights and support for new moms on this journey.

From Healing to Helping “[PSI’s] networking, the meet-ups, and the educational offerings lifted me up. They connected me to a community of survivors, providers of color, and advocates who shared my belief that this could happen to anyone, and we all deserve to be supported.”—Shanita

BIPOC Families, Survivor Stories of Hope

Shanita’s Story: The way her pregnancy and postpartum period led to a “full circle” PSI experience.

Learn how drawing on her own experiences with postpartum challenges, Shanita now empowers birthing people of color through PSI.

From Healing to Helping “Most of the other participants had experienced psychosis in the past year, and what they shared really resonated… For the first time, I felt like I wasn't alone.” —Breanna

Perinatal/Postpartum Psychosis, Survivor Stories of Hope

Breanna’s Story: She found healing through PSI’s support groups and is now helping other new parents do the same.

Explore a perinatal psychosis survivor's recovery journey of receiving help from PSI to becoming a support group facilitator.

“Postpartum healing is not just physical. It’s emotional. It’s mental. And it deserves care, compassion, and community.” By Rachell M. Dumas, MSN, RN, DNP(c)

BIPOC Families, Loss & Grief, Survivor Stories of Hope

From Loss to Light: My Journey Through Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Healing Forward

Uncover a poignant postpartum story of heartbreak and triumph. Experience a journey from nine losses to joyful motherhood.

“I want other mothers to know: you are not broken, you are not failing, and you are not alone. Healing is possible, and your story matters.” –Ariel

Perinatal Depression, Survivor Stories of Hope

Ariel’s Story: Finding Light After Postpartum Depression

Join Ariel as she shares her silent struggles with postpartum depression and her journey to find connection and healing.

Blog español, Perinatal, Survivor Stories of Hope

Voces de gratitud: testimonios que inspiran

En este Día de Acción de Gracias compartimos testimonios profundos que expresan gratitud, fortaleza y esperanza. Revelan el poder del apoyo familiar y el acompañamiento de la comunidad.

Survivor Stories "My journey gives me a different perspective and level of empathy for those walking a similar path.” —Corey

Loss & Grief, Perinatal Anxiety, Perinatal PTSD, Survivor Stories of Hope

Corey’s Story: Working Through Grief and Loss in Pregnancy and Postpartum

Explore the complexities of pregnancy loss and gain insights on coping with grief and moving forward through the personal story of a mental health therapist.