We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carmen Knight a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Carmen, thank you so much for agreeing to talk with us about a deeply personal and sensitive topic. Postpartum depression affects so many in the community and hearing from someone who has overcome PPD might help someone who is going through it right now. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience
The postpartum period is a journey that often goes unspoken. It’s a secret struggle that can leave new mothers feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of their own strength. I found myself unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster that awaited me.
During the uncertainties of the covid pandemic, I found comfort in being home with my newborn. But the news of returning to the office ruined the moment. Thoughts of finding childcare and showing up in the world with my postpartum body gave me anxiety.
Back to the office I went, miles away from my son. My younger sister would watch him until my partner got off work, I knew he was safe. But the guilt of leaving him haunted me. Pumping became a painful reminder of the sacrifices I was making, and my long commute brought engorgement and tears. Each day, I carried the weight of my self-imposed expectations, until it became too much to bear.
One day when I finally reached my breaking point, I called my mom over Facetime and broke down. She said something to me that I will never forget. “Stop doing this to yourself, you are in control of your life. If you don’t like what’s happening, change it!” It wasn’t the response I was looking for, but it was exactly what I needed to hear.
That night, I realized that I did have the power to redefine my journey. Determined to regain a sense of self, I embraced a new morning routine. I woke up at 5 am each morning and took pride in self-care, selecting clothes that celebrated my new mom’s body. This small act was a reminder that I deserved to feel beautiful and confident.
I turned to social media, sharing my story, and struggled. What started as a plea for help soon transformed into a community of shared experiences. Other mamas, like me, offered advice, empath, and a virtual shoulder to lean on. It was in this virtual community that I found the courage to keep moving forward.
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that overcoming Postpartum Depression required a mindset shift. It demanded resilience, adaptability, and a refusal to let my mind play tricks on me. I embraced the fact that I was doing my best and that all I was experiencing was all temporary.
To all the mamas out there who may be battling their own postpartum journies, remember that you are not alone. Your journey is unique but it is universal. Give yourself permission to let go of unrealistic expectations. Discover a new routine that fits your life. Embrace the power of your voice and find strength through shared experiences. Finally, surround yourself with a community of support.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I finally answered the call to birth work and embraced my role as a Postpartum Doula. I often questioned whether I was qualified enough to step into this sacred space. As more mothers reach out to me for guidance and support, I realized that I had a responsibility to expand my knowledge to better serve. There is something sacred about the journey of motherhood. It’s the most challenging role I’ve ever taken on, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Becoming a Postpartum Doula has been a liberating experience. Having found my own light through the chaos, I am passionate about helping other mothers reclaim their lives and rediscover their own strength. Through holistic methods of self-care, in-person support, and virtual planning services, I take great pride in knowing that I am making a positive impact in the lives of mothers.
Once a baby is born, a mother’s attention focuses on nurturing and raising her child to the best of her abilities. But who is there to pour the same love and care into the mama herself? That’s where I come in. Outside of providing postpartum support, I am committed to cultivating a community for mothers. Mama Khronicles is a community where all mothers can share their stories with raw transparency, create deep connections, and hang out with other women who understand. I currently host monthly meetups, offering a much-needed night out or family-centered playdates.
In the coming months, Mama Khronicles will be hosting our first of many events. Follow us on Instagram or sign up for our email list to stay informed.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I always struggled with meditation. Discovering alternative methods to silence my thoughts, allowed me to see beyond my current circumstances and visualize what I truly wanted for myself. By altering my mindset, I could approach challenges with creative solutions.
The second skill was embracing total transparency in what I was experiencing. In a world where we often only show the picture-perfect parts of our lives, it’s essential to break through this facade and share our true selves. By openly expressing our experiences, we invite others to connect with us authentically. Share your joys, struggles, and everything in between, is through this honesty that we attract the right energies into our lives.
Finally, building relationships proved to be crucial throughout my life. Motherhood can sometimes feel isolating if we allow it to. The mental load and responsibilities can be overwhelming, but the power of connection should never be underestimated. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals who understand and empathize with your experiences can be a game-changer. Reach out for advice, freely vent your emotions, and make time for much-needed playdates. Remember, you don’t have to navigate motherhood alone.
To new mothers, my advice is simple: relax, mama! Trust that everything will work out as it should. Let go of the expectations and pressures we often place on ourselves. Utilize your maternity leave as a time for self-care, bonding with your family, and reevaluating your new life. Be intentional in planning your path forward. While having a plan doesn’t mean you have to follow it, it serves as a guide for expanding your life and creating a structure for your new family. Remember that it is perfectly okay to ask for help. You deserve it, and it’s important to prioritize yourself alongside the care you provide to others. Don’t hesitate to seek support. You are not alone, and by embracing the power of community, you can thrive on your motherhood journey.
How would you describe your ideal client?
As a Postpartum Doula, I am deeply committed to supporting new mothers on their transformative journeys. While the expecting phase is often filled with advice and resources, the postpartum period is often overlooked. It is during this crucial time that mothers need support and guidance as they navigate the challenges and joys of motherhood. My ideal client is a mother who recognizes the importance of investing in herself during this transitional period, as she strives to emerge as the best version of herself.
I am inspired by mothers who are determined to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being during the postpartum period. They are open to exploring different techniques, strategies, and resources that will empower them to flourish in their new role.
My ideal client is a mother who recognizes that by investing in herself, she is setting a positive example for her child/ren, teaching them the importance of self-love and self-worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mamakhronicles.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamakhronicles/