Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can be intensified for women who struggled with fertility because the guilt of not feeling grateful compounds the depression

Suzy Yatim Aslam experienced severe postpartum depression after her son was born, despite being former Miss Arab America. She felt guilty for having negative thoughts toward a baby she wanted so desperately.

Baby blues lasting more than 2-3 weeks may indicate postpartum depression, not just normal adjustment to motherhood

Suzy explains that baby blues are normal for about two weeks postpartum, but when symptoms persist for months, it indicates a mental health issue requiring professional help.

Your energy as a new mother directly impacts your baby's energy, creating potential cycles of distress

Suzy noticed her baby was a terrible sleeper and believes he was feeding off her depressed energy, creating a catch-22 where her misery made him miserable, which increased her distress.

Women who've achieved success in other areas often struggle most with asking for help during postpartum challenges

Suzy, despite being Miss Arab America and a successful actress, felt she should naturally know how to be a mother and was embarrassed to admit she didn't even know when to push during delivery.

Partners often retreat into their work during postpartum challenges because they don't know how else to help

Suzy explains that her husband Qasem, an entrepreneur, worked harder than ever after their baby because he didn't know what else to do - going into 'kill the antelope' mode as his way of providing.

Daily small wins and self-care moments are more valuable than grand gestures during postpartum recovery

Suzy found that taking 15-20 minutes to bike around looking at purple trees that made her happy was more helpful than her husband's suggestion to visit family for six months.

Most people don't really ask new mothers how they're doing - they focus entirely on the baby

Suzy describes a four-month postpartum mother who said Suzy was the first person to really ask how she was doing, and how relatives would grab the baby without even looking at the mother.

Having privilege doesn't invalidate your emotional needs - gratitude and struggle can coexist

Suzy, living in Scottsdale with financial security, initially felt guilty for being depressed when she had 'everything,' learning that emotional needs matter regardless of external circumstances.