Mom of 4 shares the raw truth about postpartum—the physical recovery, mental health struggles, relationship shifts, and what actually helped her survive.

We prepare for nine months. We read the books, take the classes, wash the tiny clothes. But almost no one prepares us for what happens to us after the baby arrives.

I'm Deborah, mom of 4, and I'm currently five months postpartum. I've done this four times now—and each time has broken me in new ways and rebuilt me in others.

In this episode, I'm going somewhere most people avoid: the real postpartum experience. Not the Instagram version. The actual truth.

What we cover:

• The physical reality: bathroom survival kits, bleeding that lasts weeks, hair falling out, and why "bounce back" culture needs to end
• The mental and emotional truth: baby blues vs. postpartum depression, intrusive thoughts, identity crisis, resentment, and the loneliness of never being alone
• Postpartum rage: what it is, why it happens, and why we don't talk about it
• What it does to your marriage, friendships, and family relationships
• What actually helped me: practical strategies that got me through the hardest days
• What I wish someone had told me from the beginning

If you're in the thick of postpartum right now, I see you. You're doing harder work than anyone gives you credit for.

After birth pains tincture: Afterease

DM me on Instagram at @themomdept.co and tell me what you wish someone had told you about postpartum.

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Connect with me on TikTok: @deborahwoodson_

Connect with me on Instagram: @_deborahwoodson