72. Finding Hope: A Raw Conversation with a Therapist About NICU and Maternal Mental Health
When we talk about maternal mental health and hope, the most powerful stories often emerge from unexpected places.
As maternal mental health therapists, we frequently hear the question: "Is what I'm experiencing normal, and will I get better?" Here's what we know—if you're asking that question, it's worth exploring. Yes, there is always hope (we wouldn't do this work if there wasn't), and with proper support, you will get better.
Picture this: You're pregnant and at home in bed at midnight, your husband trying to convince you to get checked out at the hospital with the promise of chicken nuggets. You agree... well, not you, but Chelsea agreed. Her husband had to bribe her with chicken nuggets to go to the hospital—and it's a good thing he did.
Hours later, your world shifts dramatically when you learn your baby isn't coming in months as planned—but right now. This was Chelsea's story, and it might echo pieces of your own unexpected journey into motherhood.
The Reality of the "Wrong Year" Baby
Sometimes motherhood arrives ahead of schedule, bringing with it a whirlwind of emotions and experiences we never prepared for. For Chelsea, a maternal mental health therapist and co-owner of Couples to Cradles, her son decided to make his appearance at 27 weeks - technically in the "wrong year." That simple detail became a touching reminder of how our carefully laid plans can shift in an instant.
When Being "Fine" Isn't Really Fine: A Mental Health Perspective
You know that moment when everyone around you sees your strength, but inside you're barely holding it together? Chelsea spent 15 weeks in the NICU, going through the motions - pump, hold, put back, repeat. She appeared to be handling it all, until she wasn't. And here's the thing about maternal mental health - sometimes the struggles don't show up right away. They creep in quietly, perhaps 8 months later, while you're up at 3 AM, vibrating with an anger you can't explain.
The Permission Slip You Didn't Know You Needed
Here's what's true: It's okay to not feel connected right away. It's okay if your motherhood journey looks different than you imagined. It's okay if you're a therapist, social worker, or child development expert who still struggles with your own parenting journey. And most importantly, it's okay to not be okay.
Finding Hope in the Little Things
Sometimes hope comes in unexpected packages - like finally fitting into a "normal" sized diaper after months of micro-preemie ones. These small victories become massive milestones, each one a testament to how far you've come. For Chelsea, every birthday became a celebration not just of her son's life, but of their shared resilience through the mental health challenges.
Your Mental Health Journey Is Your Own
Here's something crucial to remember: What's "normal" for others might not be normal for you. If you're crying more than usual, feeling disconnected, or experiencing emotions that seem out of character, that's your body and mind telling you something important. Listen to that voice.
Finding Support and Hope
If any part of this story resonates with you, know that you're not alone. Whether you're in the NICU right now, struggling with unexpected emotions months after birth, or finding yourself in any part of a challenging maternal mental health journey, support is available.
Need someone to talk to? Reach out to a maternal mental health professional. They understand that every mother's journey is unique and that sometimes the strongest thing we can do is admit we need help.
Remember: Your story matters, your feelings are valid, and it's never too late to seek support for your mental health journey.
Chill Like a Mother Podcast Guest:
We are Chelsea & Caitlin, founders of Couples to Cradles Counselling Services and @MamaPsychologists.
We have built a community of over 636,000 parents worldwide. Currently based out of Alberta Canada, we call Southern Alberta home. In addition to @mamapsychologists, we wear many hats.
We are also best friends, registered psychologists, clinical directors, authors, and, most importantly, moms (to 4 kids aged 7 and under). We struggled significantly in the postpartum period. From months-long NICU stay to birth trauma and postpartum anxiety—we truly have experienced many of the topics we talk about! Between the two of us we have training and experience in EMDR, trauma, child and adolescent psychology, theraplay, maternal mental health, perinatal mental health, birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, somatic experiencing, and more. We have over 20 years of combined experience in the mental health field.
We pride ourselves on sharing real life parenting experiences and struggles (with a dash of humour) to share the ups and downs to help parents worldwide feel less alone.
When we aren’t working in our private practices or burning the midnight oil running couples to Cradles Counselling and @mamapsychologists you will most likely find us with our families. Caitlin is often spending her time cheering her kids on at the skating rink with a coffee in hand. Chelsea can most often be found on her family farm running after her children chasing all their farm animal friends.
Follow Kayla on her Instagram account @kayla.huszar
Click here, I'd love it if you could do a solid and leave a review under the Ratings and Reviews section. A 5-star rating would be amazing, and if you're feeling wordy, let me know what you love about the show! Your support means everything to me, thank you so much!
Disclaimer: This site contains some affiliate links. I get a little moola in exchange for creating this content and you get cool book and product recommendations at no extra cost to you!
This information is for educational purposes only. Kayla cannot provide personalized advice or recommendations for your unique situation or circumstances. Therefore, nothing on this page or website should replace therapeutic recommendations or personalized advice. If you require such services, please consult with a medical or therapeutic provider to determine what's best for you. Kayla cannot be held responsible for your use of this website or its contents. Please never disregard or delay seeking medical or therapeutic treatment because of something you read or accessed through this website.
© 2025 Kayla Huszar - All Rights Reserved.
