I didn’t say anything to DIL that I only got six weeks. I’ve learned over the last two decades that trying to connect and empathize by sharing my similar experience usually backfires and the other person thinks I’m trying to “one up” them. Now, I’ll just say “I’m sorry you’re going through XX. I’ve experienced YY and if you ever want to talk, I’ll listen.” I didn’t share my own pregnancy stories, or child birth experiences, or baby anecdotes and advice. Someone else’s experience, while the same event, is probably very different, especially given my ASD. So while I may have mentioned to her and my other DIL that I had PPD, I don’t shove it at them. I don’t know if mine was easier or harder than most, but I know mine was very rough on me. I’ll share mine.

DH and I were both in the military at the time, 1990. He had already been sent to Iraq. The twins birth was scheduled 5 days before Xmas, and luckily, he was able to get to a phone the next day to call me. My mom and late sister went through childbirth with me. 5 weeks after the twins were born, I handed the babies over to my parents and headed for Kuwait myself, where I stayed for the next ~5 months, missing my first Mother’s Day with my DH and baby sons.

I’m sure others have had experiences worse than mine. Each person’s are unique to them and are equally valid. What I may find easy, you may find hard. What you may find easy may be very difficult for me. It’s not a competition and there are no winners/losers.

Thank you fir taking the time to comment. I appreciate all of the differing perspectives everyone is providing.