Postpartum depression is so common that it’s considered normal.

During my own pregnancy and postpartum experience, I repeatedly felt misunderstood. Before becoming pregnant, I came to see feeling misunderstood as an invitation—an opportunity to take accountability in some form.

My belief is that by equipping women with three core skills:

✔️ Speaking
✔️ Listening
✔️ Accountability

—we can better support them through the emotional and hormonal shifts that come with pregnancy and postpartum. These tools may not eliminate postpartum depression entirely, but they can reduce its intensity and duration. Postpartum depression isn’t inevitable. It’s something many of us experience, but it isn’t something we have to endure without support or tools.

Mental and emotional preparation should be just as intentional as physical preparation for pregnancy. The prenatal and postpartum periods are equally sacred—and, at times, overwhelming. If you’re currently navigating this phase, I recommend exploring Julian Treasure’s “H.A.I.L.” framework:

H – Honesty: Speak with clarity and truth.
A – Authenticity: Stay grounded in who you are.
I – Integrity: Honor your word.
L – Love: Approach others with goodwill.

This approach promotes mindful communication. Often, silence—especially while your partner is speaking—can be the most powerful form of listening. Knowing that women often communicate in a more expansive way, while men tend to be goal-oriented, can ease some of the tension in postpartum conversations. Recognizing these natural differences helps build empathy and harmony.

Set intentions before engaging with your partner. Treat each conversation as sacred—as if it were a ceremony. Be clear about whether you’re seeking advice or simply need to be heard. Take time to reflect before speaking.

I truly believe that we already carry everything we need for emotional resilience after childbirth. We just need space and support to access it.

With love,
Sunumi