Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues.  Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom.

This episode features Crystal, who talks about her difficult pregnancy, preeclampsia, and her unexpected delivery for her premature baby.  You'll also hear about... 

- what it was like meeting her baby for the first time as he was hooked up to machines and various tubes 

- going home without her baby

- spending time at the NICU (was it too much time? not enough time?) while her son was there for 5 weeks

- only having 2 weeks of maternity leave left by the time she got to bring her baby home

This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment.  If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net.  If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.