We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Lavigne recently and have shared our conversation below.
firstName}, 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
How I Overcame a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder
Before I became a mother, I was no stranger to anxiety. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder at 16, and by the age of 21, I had already endured the heartbreak of a miscarriage at 8 weeks. In 2020, I experienced an even greater loss when my daughter, Harlie Sage, was stillborn at 4 months. The devastation of losing her fueled my determination to uncover why I had gone into preterm labor.
After months of consultations, research, and visits to a fertility clinic, I sought out a specialist in Buffalo. I was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix and had a transabdominal cerclage placed to prevent future preterm labor. Once I healed, I became pregnant with my son, Ezra.
Throughout my pregnancy with Ezra, I carried the emotional scars of losing Harlie. There were many moments of worry and fear—my mind, body, and soul were still grappling with the trauma. But no one warned me how that trauma would impact my postpartum experience.
When Ezra was born, a series of medical issues added to the whirlwind of emotions I was already feeling. On the day we left the hospital, I told a nurse I didn’t feel right. I was anxious, worried, and overwhelmed by a feeling that something was deeply wrong with me. She brushed it off as “normal new parent jitters” and handed me an anti-anxiety prescription.
At the time, I thought my feelings were a result of the c-section and the sleep deprivation. I felt disconnected from my body, but I told myself it was just the exhaustion. Not once during my three-day hospital stay did a nurse or doctor check in on my emotional well-being. I walked out of those doors completely unaware of how childbirth and the sudden hormone drop would affect my mental health. I wish someone had stopped me before I left, handed me resources for myself—not just for my baby—and educated me on what I might face emotionally.
By the time I was 2-3 weeks postpartum, I thought I was adjusting, but I wasn’t. I was consumed by anxiety, barely sleeping, not eating, and rapidly losing weight. I felt unable to care for my son on my own, trapped in the house, and detached from everything I once loved. I kept telling myself, “This can’t be normal. This isn’t just the baby blues.” But I stayed silent, terrified that someone would judge me or, worse, take my son away.
At 5 weeks postpartum, everything came crashing down. I was hit with intrusive thoughts and an overwhelming sense of doom that I couldn’t shake. My anxiety and OCD spiraled out of control. At my son’s 1-month check-up, while filling out the postpartum depression screening form, I finally broke. I looked at the pediatrician and said, “I need to talk to someone. I’m not okay. I think I have postpartum anxiety.”
Advocating for myself in that moment was the turning point. No one else had recognized my struggles or known how to help, so I had to speak up. That small act of courage set me on my healing journey. After two calls to a local crisis team, a voluntary stay at a psychiatric facility, and assembling an entirely new team of mental health care providers, I finally had a diagnosis: Postpartum Anxiety and OCD.
It was both a relief and a lifeline. I wasn’t alone. There was treatment. There were other women who had been through this—and recovered. I clung to every glimmer of hope, knowing that, no matter how dark or difficult the journey, I had to keep fighting. I had to reclaim my motherhood. I wasn’t going to let this disorder take away the joy of new motherhood and creating a beautiful, loving bond with my son.
One of the most significant resources on my path to recovery was The Postpartum Resource Center of New York, specifically their *Moms on Call* program and virtual support groups. It was through Moms on Call that I found my voice—strong, clear, and ready to advocate for the help I needed. With their support, I began to feel like myself again and started to build the bond with Ezra that I had so deeply wanted but had felt incapable of creating.
I also found comfort and community in online support groups for moms with anxiety and OCD. Connecting with other mothers who had walked the same path reassured me that I wasn’t alone, and that recovery was possible. Books, podcasts, and social media accounts sharing similar stories helped me to keep moving forward.
Today, I am proud to say I have fully recovered from my perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. I am also on an ongoing journey of healing, one that has strengthened my resilience as both a mother and a woman. That experience forever changed how I view motherhood—It showed me just how strong I am and helped me become an even more empathetic person, which continues to shape my motherhood journey today.
Now, as a social media coordinator for The Postpartum Resource Center of New York in addition to being a full-time business owner and toddler mom, I’m dedicated to spreading awareness, providing resources, and connecting with other mothers, fathers, and parents navigating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. My mission is to hold space for the mothers who feel discouraged, defeated, and desperate to enjoy new motherhood the way they envisioned—just as I once did.
To any parent reading this, know that help is out there. You are not alone. You are not a bad parent. You are not a monster. You’ve simply been overlooked and insufficiently cared for by a healthcare system that often fails to provide the adequate care and resources we deserve.
And to the mothers who find themselves where I was in October 2021—please, know that you are worthy. You deserve a deeply loving relationship with your child(ren). Recovery is possible. You will get through this, and you are stronger than you know.
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Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Hannah LaVigne—a mom, wife, website designer, brand strategist, and creative entrepreneur based in Rochester, NY. I recently celebrated my first wedding anniversary with my partner of six years, and together we’re raising our three-year-old son and two rescue pit bulls.
My passion for social media and marketing sparked in 2015, while working part-time for a multi-level marketing company. I quickly realized I had a natural talent for design, content creation, and writing. Over time, I found ways to weave my creativity into everything I did.
In 2019, I took a leap, leaving my corporate job to pursue my passion for helping others in unique and creative ways. I started a social media marketing side business with the simple goal of sharing tips and tricks with local small business owners to help them elevate their online presence. With no formal design education—just a background in media and communications—I taught myself everything. Soon, my tips turned into clients, as more businesses realized the power of these platforms.
When the pandemic hit, my business thrived. Small business owners saw just how crucial a strong online presence was, and I was there to guide them, using my creativity and expertise to help them not only survive but grow.
Today, I help small business owners and entrepreneurs build authentic, impactful brands through full-service website design and branding. I believe that every small business owner has a story worth telling and that they deserve to take up space confidently in their industry.
I’ve also had the honor of teaching classes at event spaces like The Hive, speaking at Women’s Networking Retreats, and contributing articles to publications such as Rochester Women Online. I’m excited about upcoming speaking engagements and workshops lined up for 2025!
In addition to running my business, I’m passionate about advocating for maternal mental health. My continued work with the Postpartum Resource Center of New York allows me to connect with and support mothers who are navigating the complexities of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Having experienced postpartum anxiety and OCD firsthand, I know how crucial it is for mothers to have access to resources, understanding, and a community that cares. I’m committed to raising awareness, offering support, and being a voice for those who feel unseen and unheard in their journey through motherhood.
One of my biggest, most exciting goals for 2025 is to write a book. It feels both thrilling and terrifying, but I know it’s something I’m meant to do. My vision is to share my story of overcoming trauma, healing through motherhood, and building a business that empowers women to embrace their authenticity. I want this book to inspire others who have faced challenges to find their own strength and to show them that it’s possible to turn pain into purpose. It’s a huge undertaking, but I’m ready for it!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe I addressed this all in my story- if you need me to expand, let me know!
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who shares my passion for creativity, authenticity, and meaningful storytelling. I love working with small to mid-size businesses and non-profits that value community, impact, and innovation. I’m especially drawn to partnering with women-owned businesses and female entrepreneurs who are ready to step into their power and build a brand that reflects their unique journey.
I’m looking for clients who are purpose-driven, deeply connected to their mission, but may struggle with translating that into a cohesive online presence. They’re busy juggling multiple responsibilities—whether it’s running a business, navigating motherhood, or managing a non-profit—and they need someone who understands both the technical and emotional aspects of building a brand.
These clients want more than just a service provider—they’re looking for a partner. Someone who can help them clarify their brand story, elevate their online presence, and connect with their audience in a genuine and impactful way. They value empathy, creativity, and collaboration, and they’re eager to work with someone who can guide them with excitement and experience.
As I look toward 2025, I would love to collaborate with more mid-size businesses and non-profits. I want to align with organizations that prioritize community and empowerment, while bringing my unique skills to larger-scale projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sagejamescreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagejamescreative
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sagejamescreative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagejamescreative/
- Other: Portfolio: https://sagejamescreative.myportfolio.com/
Image Credits
NSP STUDIO (for my headshots)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
