If you’re just joining For Stitch & Giggles, I’d love for you to read my postpartum story. Here’s Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4. I write this newsletter for pregnant and postpartum moms everywhere. You’re not alone.
Ok everyone. Here’s the deal. I didn’t start this Substack to become a side hustle. Really. I started it because my therapist recommended I turn back to my love of writing to heal from postpartum depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
It’s become so much more to me.
I have friends on Substack. A community of women who support one another and genuinely care. I enjoy reading everyone’s articles. I have learned really important facts about pregnancy and postpartum I wish I had known. I learned what a postpartum doula was for the first time! (A little too late, but that’s ok.)
I’m doing so much better now. I told my mom on the phone yesterday, “I’m doing really well. I am feeling really happy.”
And it was true. I have finally come through the fire of PPD, PPA, and PPI.
One thing I didn’t expect from Substack was hearing firsthand how many women need support too.
In every article I send, I put a note inviting women to message me with difficulties, struggles, or just a need for a virtual hug.
And they have.
That has been my most cherished result of Substack. In a given week, I often talk to 3-5 women about their postpartum struggles. I have referred one mom to my own therapist. I have spoken with another at length about insomnia and how to get through it. I have sent links to books and resources to moms to do what I can to help them.
I was desperate to talk to anyone who had been through something similar when I was in my worst season. It is my joy to be able to be the same for other women in the same spot.
I’m not here to start a business. (I mean, unless something crazy happens.) I love supporting girl boss moms who make a lot of money on this app and others. I just don’t see that as me right now.
Substack does offer some perks and benefits to writers who have paid subscriptions on. And turning on paid does give me some new ways of reaching subscribers. So there’s that.
I’m not planning on offering anything fancy to my paid subscribers. All of my articles will remain completely free. My inbox will remain completely open. I will personally connect with every mom who reaches out to me. Support and encouragement is always going to be free.
Any business person reading this is probably putting their face in their hands. And I get it. I’m honestly a terrible entrepreneur. Ha!
But I’m opening up paid subscriptions to invite my followers to support what I’m doing for postpartum moms all over the world. And yeah, I feel like puking. But maybe I should allow people to show their own love and support for what we moms are going through.
Right now, I’m doing all of this in the margins of my own full-time job, raising two beautiful children, and being a pastor’s wife. And I’ll continue to do it all unpaid. But if you’d like to show some support and love, paid subscriptions are now available. :)
What I will do for paid subscribers:
Monthly email summarizing stories from moms I’ve spoken to and supported (while making their identities anonymous)
Priority support - I will answer each and every message that comes my way, but if I have a paid subscriber who needs support, they will get my attention first
The Big Huggers - if you want to become a founding member of For Stitch & Giggles, I have some special ideas and perks I’d like to offer these individuals. AND you would get to be a part of brainstorming some ideas with me about how we can go deeper in supporting postpartum moms.
I’m not a professional counselor or therapist. But I’m a mom who’s been there and who cares deeply about what pregnant and postpartum moms endure. I do what I can to help women hold onto hope in their worst moments.
If you are a mom who needs support, reach out. If you have a friend who’s been struggling, send her my way. 🤗
Important note: I am not a licensed therapist. My experiences are lived experiences and not intended to be taken as medical or psychiatric advice. If you are in a crisis, call 988, the national suicide hotline. If you are not in a crisis, but need timely support, call or text 1-833-852-6262, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
Other resources:
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.