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There is a world of difference between clinical depression and having a bad day.

My first struggle with Postpartum Depression occurred when I was still living in the United States, with my husband and three kids. I was 33 years old, and had for the previous six years been working on my Ph.D. A mere two weeks after submitting the final draft of my thesis, I gave birth to a healthy, eight-pound baby girl. She was born at home, by choice, and I was surrounded by friends and care-givers.

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed what so many of us already know deep in our bones: mothers are not okay. Only one in four moms report “excellent” mental health. From 2016 to 2023, there’s been a 63% increase in moms reporting fair or poor mental health.

Yaffa didn’t think her third pregnancy would be different from her two previous uncomplicated, full-term pregnancies. But at her 20-week ultrasound, the technician furrowed his brows at the screen: Yaffa had excess amniotic fluid, a risk for preterm labor. Immediately flagged as high-risk, Yaffa began seeing her obstetrician twice a week. Her OB sent the expectant mother for more extensive testing and blood work; everything turned up negative.

Just a few short years ago Elke Pollak found herself in the battle of her life. With Herself. Elke had just had a beautiful baby boy and while everyone around her was so joyful, her world was falling apart. This is Elke's story of resilience and perserverance.

As Chanukah approaches, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the unique challenges that this season can bring, especially for mothers navigating the complexities of PMADs. We understand that the emotions around Yom Tov can be triggering, as family gatherings and heightened expectations can intensify feelings of anxiety or sadness.

Yaffa didn’t think her third pregnancy would be different from her two previous uncomplicated, full-term pregnancies. But at her 20-week ultrasound, the technician furrowed his brows at the screen: Yaffa had excess amniotic fluid, a risk for preterm labor. Immediately flagged as high-risk, Yaffa began seeing her obstetrician twice a week. Her OB sent the expectant mother for more extensive testing and blood work; everything turned up negative.

I’m a mother, just like you. Running, coaxing, soothing, organizing. Cleaning, driving, washing, buying. Managing a home.

My two daughters are three years apart, and they have different mothers. I gave birth to both of them, both births went smoothly, and both girls are perfectly healthy. I had every reason to be happy. That’s why I was so unprepared for what came next.

Two and a half years ago our baby girl was born. Can you believe it? She is walking around sassing everyone and telling her big brother what he can and cannot do. The day she was born I remember the look in your eyes; it was the one I had spent all those months hoping for. I knew in that moment that I was no longer the only woman to hold a piece of your heart, and for the rest of our lives I would have to share you with that perfect brown-eyed girl.