A Letter to Fellow Heart Mamas

Dear Mama,

To the mama who’s struggling:

You are not broken. You are not alone.

This letter is for you, because I've been there too.

I’m writing this letter because I’ve been where you are. In the thick of postpartum chaos, holding a baby while wondering why I feel like I’m falling apart. Why does everyone else seem afloat while I'm gasping for air? 

Wondering if anyone would believe me if I said: Something is wrong.

When I was diagnosed with PPCM, I didn’t even know what that was. I thought my exhaustion, my breathlessness, my racing heart… were all just part of being a new mom.

But they weren’t. And neither are yours.

Maybe you feel that way now. Maybe you’re Googling symptoms late at night while your baby sleeps on your chest. Maybe your doctor told you it’s anxiety. Maybe your friends say, "It’s just sleep deprivation."

But I want you to know something: You are the expert on your body. If your symptoms feel deeper than "tired," listen to that inner voice. If your chest feels heavy, your feet are swollen, or your breath is short while sitting still, please push for answers.

Please advocate for yourself. If any of this sounds familiar:

• Ask your doctor about PPCM.

• Request a BNP blood test.

• Push for an echocardiogram.

• Bring someone with you for support.

• Write down your symptoms.

• And if they don’t listen? Keep trying.   

I know this fight is hard. I know it’s terrifying to be unwell while caring for a newborn. I know the guilt of not being able to breastfeed, the shame of needing help, the invisible weight of being told you "look fine."

But here's the truth: healing takes time. Strength doesn’t mean doing it all alone. And bravery sometimes looks like asking one more question.

Healing takes time. Strength doesn't mean going it alone. Bravery is asking one more question, even through tears.

You are becoming stronger than you ever imagined.

With love,

Another mama who made it through

We’re in this together. If this post resonated with you... whether you're a survivor, partner, birthworker, or advocate, I’d love to continue the conversation with you. Join us on social:

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📲 Use the hashtag #PPCMPulse to connect or tag us in your story... we’d love to amplify your voice.