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Can we just take a mument to understand what a woman really goes through after giving birth? In a TikTok video that has resonated with over 3,000 mums and counting, one new mum breaks down what postpartum is really like—beyond the idealised picture we often see. Her raw honesty speaks to the complex emotions, the highs and lows, and even the intense shifts in relationships that come with postpartum. It’s clear she’s not alone in this; the comments are flooded with mums sharing their own stories of struggle, heartbreak, and hope.
The video opens with her voice, trembling slightly as she begins to speak. She doesn’t get far before she pauses, collecting herself. “Ooh, I am not gonna do this right now,” she mutters, but we can feel her pushing through her vulnerability. She’s speaking out for all those who feel lost or misunderstood. Her message? Postpartum can be even harder than pregnancy, emotionally and hormonally, and it deserves just as much empathy and understanding.
The video’s simplicity—just her voice, sharing from the heart—is what makes it so powerful. Her words resonate deeply with those who feel pressured to “bounce back” after bringing life into the world. It’s a reminder that the journey after birth can be isolating, raw, and far from easy.
As she explains in the video, postpartum emotions don’t follow any clear logic. Some days feel manageable, while others are like walking through fog. “Please excuse me if my emotions are high one day and low the next,” she says, opening up about how these intense emotional shifts can make her feel out of character, even unrecognisable to herself.
For one mum who commented, @ChristineDIDIER, this resonated deeply. She writes, “Postpartum is H A R D. You’ve got this, mama. ❤️” And she’s not alone. Others echo her support and solidarity, including @Charlotte and Barney 🦖💚, who adds, “Postpartum is the worst and even worse when people pick at you for being different than you were before.” These comments reveal how many mothers wrestle with a disconnect between who they were before and who they are now—a feeling that can be confusing, overwhelming, and even a little scary.
Perhaps one of the most heart-wrenching parts of her story comes when she talks about her ex—the father of her baby, who she feels is no longer fully present in her life. She confesses, “Maybe I’m a little bit upset that he’s not around anymore.” The honesty and rawness of that statement, strikes a chord because for many mums, postpartum brings up lingering emotions and wounds that run deeper than sleep deprivation or physical recovery.
One commenter, @Nikki Bonanno, responded with a story of her own struggle. She wrote, “Girl, took me years’ I have been to hell and back twice. I get it. Even moved across the country to get away, and he’s here! Sending you hugs! Frfr.” Nikki’s words reveal the deep scars that can be left in relationships and how some mums end up making huge life changes in hopes of finding peace.
Postpartum isn’t just the baby blues or occasional weepiness; it can be a complex tapestry of intense emotions that don’t always make sense. One of the most powerful comments came from @goodbyepostpartumrage, who bravely admitted, “Postpartum is hard. I struggled with postpartum rage and thought for so long that something was wrong with me.”
This speaks to a hidden reality many mothers experience. Postpartum isn’t just about crying on the bathroom floor or feeling tired; it can be a firestorm of emotions—including anger, irritability, even frustration at the smallest things. When you feel like you’re not allowed to express those emotions—or that something is wrong with you for having them—it can deepen the isolation that many mums already feel.
Another commenter, @MayGen Cole, highlighted a crucial point about postpartum: “PP mental issues are so highly underrated. I wish people in my life could understand it from my perspective.” Her words touch on something that society often overlooks: the invisible mental load of motherhood, especially during postpartum.
Not only are new mums adjusting to a radically different life, but they’re also navigating the pressure of others’ expectations. Friends and family might be quick to offer advice, judge changes in behavior, or question why a mum seems different. But postpartum shifts can bring mental health challenges that don’t disappear with a good night’s sleep or a cup of coffee. They require understanding, patience, and, most importantly, support.
What’s striking about the response to this video is the strength and support these mums offer each other. There’s something beautiful in watching strangers come together over a shared experience, offering words of encouragement to a mum who had the courage to be vulnerable. Each comment is like a small reminder: you’re not alone, and this is not forever.
This TikTok video is more than just a few minutes of one mum’s story. It’s a call for compassion, a reminder to slow down and acknowledge the complexities of postpartum life. It’s a plea for others to understand that the challenges of new motherhood go beyond cute baby photos and sleepless nights. This journey includes muments of doubt, fear, sadness, and, yes, even anger. And that’s okay.
© Mindsmaking 2024
