Pregnancy is a season of wonder & profound change

For most women, pregnancy and the first year after birth pass without catastrophe. None of it is a small thing. A woman's body and mind carry more than they ever have before, and change in ways that can feel both extraordinary and deeply unsettling.

I am a banker. Postpartum psychosis is what led me here.

Twelve years ago, my then wife became seriously unwell within weeks of the birth of our second child. She had shown no symptoms before the birth. Within weeks she was admitted to hospital against her will after telling a doctor about intrusive and frightening thoughts. The diagnosis was postpartum psychosis.

Her recovery took nearly three years. In that time there were sudden hospital admissions, involvement from child protection services (uncomfortable at the time, but in hindsight it kept us on a straight path) and an impact on our young children that I cannot measure.

Ever since, I have told every expectant couple I know to take postpartum distress seriously, to ask for help early, and never to rely on hope alone.

Last year I lost my dearest friend to postpartum psychosis. She left behind a baby of four months and a devoted husband.

SageSpear is dedicated to her.