A Unique Path to Motherhood

In a world where every parent’s journey to having children is different, Kristen's narrative from the brink of despair to joyful motherhood stands out. Growing up, Kristen felt like her brain operated on a different frequency. "I was all in or all out on things—whether it was a passion for a food like Alfredo sauce or music with the flute," she shares.

Struggling with Mental Health

With time, Kristen managed adulthood and carved a path in communications. However, by 2021, she faced emotional hurdles that strained her relationship with Kai, her partner since her teenage years. "I was spending most of my days in bed," Kristen admits. It was a reality check when she realized she was leaving the house only once a month. She decided to seek help, leading to a diagnosis of severe ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

The Relief of a Diagnosis

Receiving a diagnosis was like a wave of validation for Kristen. She started therapy, and a regimen of medication—both for her ADHD and depression—ushered in positive changes. "For the first time, I could truly focus and embrace life instead of being overwhelmed,” she recalls.

Unexpected Pregnancy Journey

When Kristen and Kai felt ready for children, they tossed birth control aside, albeit with a casual, low-pressure approach to conception. After years of irregular periods and doubts about her fertility, Kristen found herself unexpectedly pregnant following a year of ADHD and depression treatment.

The Moment of Revelation

One morning, after experiencing strange symptoms, she took a pregnancy test amidst the chaos of losing her job. To her disbelief, it came back positive. "I was in shock, convinced that my antidepressants were giving false readings until I confirmed with multiple tests,” she said, laughing.

The Risky Decision to Go Off Meds

On the day of her pregnancy discovery, a meeting with her psychiatrist led to a tough decision: to reduce her antidepressants and cease ADHD medication altogether due to potential risks for the baby. "It felt overwhelming—like I was losing my support system right as I was entering this new chapter," Kristen explained.

Life Without Medication

As pregnancy progressed, she found herself exhausted and absent-minded, battling daily tasks that once felt easy. The chaotic mind that had been briefly steadied by medication was now swirling with distractions.

Creative Chaos

While pregnancy sparked a surge of creativity, it also led to misadventures. From knitting disasters to abandoned DIY projects, life felt like a whirlwind. Kristen juggled preparing for her baby shower with fun themes while managing her forgetfulness and losing track of important items.

Navigating the Trimesters

The second trimester brought some relief; Kristen embraced nesting energy by diving into cleaning and organizing. However, the absence of her ADHD medication meant she juggled mundane tasks with growing difficulty and forgetfulness.

The Birth Experience

When the time came for delivery, Kristen surprisingly found contractions to be manageable. Holding her son for the first time filled her with unparalleled joy, fulfilling her dreams of motherhood.

Reassessing Her Meds Post-Delivery

Her son’s arrival didn’t negate the challenges of new motherhood. After a few rough days, her psychiatrist adjusted her antidepressant dosage to help her stabilize. The balance was delicate, especially with breastfeeding; scheduling pumping sessions felt anxiety-inducing.

Finding Strength Again

Once she resumed her ADHD medication, clarity returned. Suddenly, tasks became manageable again, allowing her to navigate motherhood more confidently and respond to her baby’s needs better.

Looking to the Future

Now, with her son 16 months old, Kristen reflects on the beautiful chaos of motherhood. She cherishes the experience of being pregnant, but the challenges of going off her meds weigh heavily on her mind when considering future pregnancies. "Doing what’s best for myself is the most important step in being the best mom for my son," she concludes.

A Message of Resilience

Kristen’s story is a testament to resilience and the complexities of motherhood intertwined with mental health struggles. By prioritizing her well-being, she underscores the crucial balance needed to support both herself and her child.