My Postpartum was sadly eventful

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I gave birth to my second baby via c-section, and the first time I was cleared to drive, I dropped my toddler at his grandparents’. That little moment of independence felt so freeing.

While I was out, our cat managed to sneak outside. Despite all my efforts (at just 6 weeks postpartum), he didn’t make it home safely. I was devastated.

Then, as I was leaving the vet’s office with his ashes in hand, I slipped on ice and broke my ankle… my driving foot. Suddenly I was housebound for 12 weeks with a newborn and a two-year-old.

I’m still grieving the loss of our cat. And if I’m honest, I’m also grieving what feels like the loss of my maternity leave, the quiet moments, the adventures, the ease I imagined.

Not looking for sympathy—just sharing a chapter that’s been heavy on my heart

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It makes sense that you’re grieving the version of maternity leave you imagined. It’s okay to mourn what didn’t happen while still holding joy for your babies.

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I’m so sorry about your cat. That mix of grief and physical recovery on top of postpartum,no one really prepares us for that