“I didn’t want to carry on”: the reality of severe postnatal depression

Content note: discussion of severe depression and suicidal thoughts

In this episode of Baby On The Brain, host Stylist's Felicity Thistlethwaite and guest Alice Holland-Lu dive deep into the raw reality of early motherhood, maternal mental health and identity shifts.

Alice shares her personal journey through severe postnatal depression after giving birth during the 2021 lockdown – a period marked by isolation, a complex birth and a baby suffering from undiagnosed allergies. She speaks candidly about trying to "power through" before getting life-changing support from the NHS perinatal mental health team.

The conversation explores how women can feel blindsided by parenthood, the emotional toll of carrying an invisible workload and how Alice channeled her recovery into creating The Female Archetypes – an ethical London fashion brand designed to honour women’s changing bodies. Packed with honesty, comfort and practical wisdom, this episode is a reassuring reminder to take the pressure off and be kind to yourself.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.