Key points

Postpartum depression can distort early bonding and make mothers doubt whether they love their baby.

The myth of instant maternal love can deepen distress for women who don't bond immediately with their child.

Shame and fear often prevent new mothers from disclosing depressive symptoms, delaying critical support.

Inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care can provide stabilization without separating mother and baby.

When my daughter was born, I expected to be exhausted. What I didn’t expect was the fear that I might not love her. This is what postpartum depression looked like for me, and how I came back.

After I stopped breastfeeding, I was happier. My anxiety lessened because I knew she was getting enough to eat. After each formula feed, Lily would fall asleep on my

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