LibraryScenariosWhen mental illness disrupts early parental bonding
Scenario

When mental illness disrupts early parental bonding

I had postpartum depression so severe I couldn't bond with my baby for eight months and now that I'm better I don't know how to forgive myself.

Juana
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Parental identity shame compounds when mental health conditions interfere with the expected experience of immediate parental love.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Parental identity — becoming and losing?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.