213: An Undiagnosed Postpartum Depression Turned Into A Therapist's Passion

Therapists are under unique pressure to “have it all together” when pregnancy and parenthood challenges come along. The truth is that no one is immune to these challenges, and therapists experience the same struggles as anyone else. Join us as today’s guest shares her experience in becoming a parent and adjusting to her role in motherhood. Veronica Eyo is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker. Her passion is to help all moms navigate the challenges of parenthood. She transitioned into her practice of working primarily with mothers after her first pregnancy, and her experiences led her to seek specialized training in working with moms of color. Supporting mamas through various walks of life is what grounds Veronica, and this passion influenced her dissertation as she researched student mothers’ success in institutions of higher learning.  Show Highlights: Veronica’s experience with her first pregnancy and not holding space for herself as she was for her clients How her daughter’s birth became a whirlwind after a four-day labor and C-section that left Veronica feeling like a failure How her allergy to penicillin resulted in problems for her and her daughter The painful memories of the rocky four-day period in the hospital and not even remembering meeting her daughter for the first time How the breastfeeding difficulties compounded Veronica’s feelings of failure How Veronica learned to focus on “one next step” to keep going with the help of a therapist friend How motherhood became a struggle for Veronica because of the standards she set for herself Why no one around Veronica knew how much she struggled Why Veronica had a difficult time letting other people hold her baby How Veronica found support through Mommy and Me, even though there weren’t other moms there who shared her cultural heritage How Veronica felt about being a stay-at-home mom for a year and then going back to work How Veronica felt guilty and ashamed at first when she took time for herself How Veronica feels that she has changed so much as a mom over the last four years, stepping into her role as a mother as the result of deep work Why “one small thing” has become Veronica’s life motto Why Veronica didn’t stick to her Mexican cultural tradition of 40 days of rest after childbirth because she found it difficult to accept help; with her second and third children, she found it easier to let people help her The need to get correct messaging out there that it’s OK for mothers to take breaks, take time for themselves, and ask for help What Veronica wants other moms to know: “No one has it figured out--and that’s OK. There isn’t ONE right way to do things, so you can decide what works best for you and your family. Your community is important, whether it’s on social media, podcasts, or taking time for self-care. Just take one step at a time.” Resources: Dr. Veronica  Find Veronica on Instagram.