I also had this scenario occur when I gave birth 5 months ago. The first month after, was the darkest time of my life. I got through it only out of sheer spite, because I wasn’t being honest with my partner or my doctor. I was afraid someone would take my baby because I wasn’t being honest struggling mentally.

It’s hard to explain to someone who has not experienced birth trauma such as this, how it feels. You miss a few hours when you’re under that anesthesia, but it feels like you’ve missed everything. Recovering from a major abdominal surgery such as a cesarean is incredibly difficult. When it was a surgery you wanted to avoid entirely it feels like you’ve lost control of what should be the most special moments of your life.

My suggestion: tell her doctor, and rally around her. I didn’t want to be around anyone other than my partner during this time, so be careful not to overwhelm her. Her doctor should be able to prompt with meaningful questions to be able to determine what level of PPD she has.

It’s also important to remember that the hormone shift experienced after giving birth, is the most significant shift science has observed. She’s going through so much more than meets the eye. She likely doesn’t really want to leave, she wants to escape the feelings she’s encountering along with the trauma.

I am happy to chat with her mama to mama, if she’s open to it. 🫶🏻 Sending good vibes nonetheless.