We’re often told that these postpartum conditions (postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, postpartum rage, etc.) are caused by hormonal imbalances, but what if there’s more to the story and more we can do to prevent these difficulties?

In my experience, postpartum anxiety and depression can also arise from an array of circumstances surrounding birth.

Read more for support surrounding a healthy postpartum season for you and your baby.

I remember vividly the sheer terror I felt bringing a new baby home from the hospital. I remember wondering, so you’re just going to let me take him home? He’s just going to be a real, live human baby in my home that’s now a permanent part of my life???

The shock and elation was overwhelming! I was thrilled, yet terrified! At 33, I had waited such a long time to start a family and the day had finally come. 

Having a child takes us from maiden to mother. It is a profoundly transformational period of life for any woman, but for those with unmet attachment needs, Mother Hunger can be awakened in new and challenging ways. Perhaps it brings Mother Hunger into your awareness for the very first time. 

What is Mother Hunger, you might wonder. Mother Hunger is a deep relational wound where a woman did not get her needs adequately met in childhood. It is a term coined by Kelly McDaniel. She describes the three essential elements of mothering as nurture, protection, and guidance. When we don’t get all three of these crucial needs adequately met, we have Mother Hunger.