“From Mama to Me Again – Supporting Postpartum Mental Health During Life Transitions”

Postpartum is one of the most vulnerable, transformative times in a person’s life. You’re healing physically and emotionally, adjusting to a new family member, and figuring out how to show up for someone else when you’re still finding your way back to yourself.

And just when it feels like you’ve settled into a rhythm of diapers, naps, feedings, and late-night Googling, the next transition comes knocking: going back to work. Whether you’re returning to an office, working from home, or shifting into a new daily routine, the adjustment from “all day at home with baby” to “doing something else again” can feel overwhelming and emotional.

This month’s article is for the postpartum parents in this transition space. The ones balancing gratitude with grief, freedom with guilt, love with identity loss. Let’s talk about how to support your mental health, how daycare can be a tool (not a failure), and how the Pink Flamingo Theory reminds us we’re not meant to lose ourselves in motherhood.

Why Postpartum Transitions Are So Heavy

There are few things as complex as early motherhood. You can love your baby more than anything in the world and still feel lonely, touched out, disconnected, overstimulated, or uncertain. That doesn’t make you a bad mom, it makes you human.

When you’re home with a baby, especially during the first year, it’s easy to fall into survival mode. The focus is on the baby’s needs, the baby’s growth, the baby’s sleep (or lack of it). Your sense of self can quietly slip into the background.

So when it comes time to return to work, start daycare, or re-engage with the world outside your home, it can stir up all kinds of feelings:

• Guilt for “leaving” your child
• Sadness over how fast time is passing 
• Anxiety about someone else caring for your baby 
• Excitement to use your brain in a different way again 
• Fear of judgment from others or from yourself

Transitions are emotionally demanding. And postpartum ones hit especially deep.

You’re Not “Going Back”, You’re Moving Forward

Many moms say, “I just want to go back to who I was before.” But here’s the truth: you’re not meant to go back. You’ve changed… and that’s okay.

The goal isn’t to erase who you were or stay stuck in who you are right now. The goal is to integrate your new identity as a parent into your larger sense of self.

Yes, you’re a mom. And also, you’re a person, with thoughts, talents, dreams, relationships, and needs that exist outside of motherhood. Reclaiming some of that space isn’t selfish, it’s essential for your mental health.

The Role of Daycare (or Outside Help)

For many parents, using daycare (or a trusted caregiver) is part of the process of returning to work or simply getting a break. But that choice is often wrapped in emotion.

You might hear things like:

• “I could never let someone else raise my baby.” 
• “Why even have kids if you’re just going to put them in daycare?” 
• “You’re so lucky you get a break.” (said with a side of judgment)

Here’s the truth: using daycare isn’t giving up, it’s gaining support.

Daycare can offer:

• Socialization for your baby 
• Structure and routine 
• Emotional and physical space for you 
• A chance to focus, work, or simply rest 
• The opportunity to show your child that multiple people can love and care for them

You’re still the parent. You’re still the safe place. But you don’t have to do everything, all the time, alone.

The Pink Flamingo Theory: Gaining Your Color Back

One of my favorite metaphors for postpartum identity comes from the pink flamingo.

When a mother flamingo gives birth, she gradually loses her pink coloring. Why? Because she gives so many of her nutrients, her very essence, to her baby. Her vibrant pink fades as she pours everything into her little one.

This happens to so many mothers emotionally, too. We give and give our time, our energy, our bodies, our sleep, our attention… and slowly, we may feel like we’ve lost our color. Our brightness. Our sense of who we are outside of caring for our baby.

But here’s the beautiful part: flamingos get their pink back.

With nourishment, rest, and time, they regain their color. And so can you.

Reclaiming your identity postpartum isn’t selfish, it’s a return to yourself. It’s remembering that your needs matter. That you’re allowed to be vibrant again. That your wholeness makes you an even better mom.

This transition, whether it’s returning to work, starting daycare, or simply carving out time to reconnect with yourself, is how you begin to get your pink back.

You don’t have to be who you were before. But you are still in there; strong, bright, and worthy of care.

Supporting Your Postpartum Mental Health

Here are some practical ways to support yourself emotionally as you move through this season of change:

1. Give Yourself Permission to Grieve

Even good change can come with grief. You can be thankful for your job and sad to leave your baby. You can love being a mom and miss your freedom.

Let both things be true.

2. Name the Guilt, but Don’t Let It Rule You

Guilt thrives in silence. Talk to someone you trust, a therapist, or even yourself in a journal. Ask:

• “Where is this guilt coming from?” 
• “Would I judge a friend the same way?” 
• “What do I actually believe about my worth as a parent?”

Often, guilt is more about internalized expectations than actual wrongdoing.

3. Create Gentle Structure for Re-Entry

Whether you’re returning to work full time or just getting into a new rhythm, gentle structure helps. Try things like:

• Practicing daycare drop-offs before your first day 
• Creating a calming goodbye ritual 
• Preparing the night before to reduce chaos in the morning 
• Building in time after work to reconnect with your baby

It’s okay to take this transition slow.

4. Schedule Time for Yourself (Without Earning It)

You don’t need to hit a milestone, complete a chore list, or wait for the stars to align before taking time for yourself. Whether it’s 15 minutes or a full afternoon, your needs matter.

• Take a walk 
• Get a coffee 
• Journal 
• Do something that reminds you of who you are outside of motherhood

Self-care isn’t a reward, it’s a right!!

5. Use Affirmations to Ground Yourself

Affirmations might feel cheesy, but they work, especially when you’re navigating emotional shifts. Try saying:

• “I am allowed to change and grow.” 
• “Letting others help care for my child is healthy and safe.” 
• “Being a good mom includes caring for myself.”
• “I’m doing enough, even if it doesn’t look perfect.”

Repeat them when guilt, fear, or overwhelm creeps in.

6. Connect with Other Parents in Transition

Whether online or in person, finding others who are going through this shift can help normalize your feelings. You’ll realize you’re not the only one crying in the daycare parking lot or wondering how to wear office pants again.

You’re in good, and very human, company.

If You’re Struggling More Than You Expected

Postpartum mental health doesn’t have a deadline. You can experience depression, anxiety, irritability, or numbness weeks or even months after giving birth. And returning to work can sometimes bring up emotions that feel bigger than expected.

Watch for:

• Persistent sadness or mood swings 
• Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy 
• Trouble sleeping, even when baby sleeps 
• Feeling like you’re not bonding with your baby 
• Thoughts of harming yourself or feeling hopeless

If any of these sound familiar, you are not broken. You are not failing. You deserve support.

Please reach out to a therapist, doctor, or support group. Postpartum mental health is real and treatable.

Final Thoughts: You Are Still You

Motherhood changes us. But it doesn’t erase us.

If this season feels messy, emotional, and a little bit magical, you’re doing it right. If daycare feels like a lifesaver one day and a heartbreak the next, that’s okay too.

July is a month where we often talk about freedom. And I want to remind you: you are free to be a whole person.

You are free to feel joy and sadness, hope and uncertainty, pride and vulnerability.

You are allowed to get your pink back.

And you’re doing better than you think.

Katlyn Gotschall, LCPC

Katlyn is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and the founder of Apricity Counseling LLC. With a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, Katlyn brings nearly eight years of experience in mental health settings to her practice.

Katlyn is dedicated to helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and life transitions. She also supports individuals facing trauma, postpartum challenges, self-esteem concerns, and compassion fatigue. Inspired by the meaning of "apricity"—the warmth of the sun on a winter day—her practice reflects her commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment for healing and growth.

Currently offering telehealth services with a sliding scale and most insurances accepted, Katlyn looks forward to expanding to in-person care in the future. She also integrates Christian-based therapy when appropriate, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each client.

Outside of her career, Katlyn cherishes her roles as a wife and mother. She enjoys traveling, engaging with her community, and savoring her favorite obsession—coffee. Guided by the words of John A. Shedd, "A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for," Katlyn believes therapy isn’t easy, but it's a tool provided to make challenges feel less lonely.