A Highett Mother’s Ongoing Journey with Postpartum Depression and Support from Natural Medicine

As a naturopath in Highett, Bayside Melbourne, I have the privilege of supporting women through some of the most transformative times of their lives.

One story that has stayed with me is Sarah’s (not her real name), a 32-year-old first-time mother who came to see me when she was struggling with postpartum depression.

From the outside, Sarah’s life looked picture-perfect. She had a loving partner, a healthy baby, and a warm home near the Bayside foreshore.

But when she walked into my clinic, I could see the weight she was carrying. She told me, “I thought I’d be happy all the time, but instead I feel guilty, sad, and disconnected. Why don’t I feel like the other mums I see at cafés, smiling with their babies?”

Understanding Postpartum Depression in Our Community

Postpartum depression is not just “baby blues.” It is a real, often overwhelming condition that can persist for months or even years.

In Melbourne, I see many mothers in their early 30s who are juggling careers, mortgages, and family expectations. On top of this, the pressure to appear as though they have it all together can be crushing.

When Sarah spoke about walking down Bay Road and comparing herself to other mothers who looked “perfect,” her words echoed the feelings of many women I see. That sense of isolation and guilt is incredibly common, but rarely spoken about.

Sarah’s Experience with Postpartum Depression

Sarah described days filled with sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion. She worried constantly about being a “bad mother,” which made it difficult for her to bond with her baby.

Her relationship with her husband was under strain. He later shared with me, “I could see my wife slipping away, but I didn’t know how to help her.”

For Sarah, the scariest thought was, “What if my daughter grows up remembering me as always sad?” This fear was heartbreaking, but it also became the spark that motivated her to seek help.

My Natural Approach to Postpartum Care

When I first met Sarah, I explained that healing would not be an overnight process, but that we could take steady, achievable steps together.

My role was to listen without judgment, identify areas of imbalance, and build a plan that supported both her body and her emotional wellbeing.

Together, we worked on:

• Nutrition: Addressing deficiencies in iron and vitamin D, and adding omega-3s and B vitamins to support mood and energy.
• Gentle Herbal Medicine: Chamomile and lemon balm teas for calming, with adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha to help her cope with stress.
• Lifestyle Guidance: Encouraging short daily walks along the Bayside foreshore, combining fresh air, movement, and sunlight for mood support. We also introduced simple sleep rituals to restore rest.
• Emotional Support: Weekly check-ins gave Sarah a safe space to share openly. I also encouraged her to involve her husband, so they could face the journey together.

Her husband later told me, “Olga didn’t promise a quick fix. She helped us see this as a journey, and she gave us tools that made a difference in our whole family.”

The Results: Progress, Not Perfection

After a few weeks, Sarah began to notice small improvements. She had a little more energy, fewer tears, and occasional moments of joy with her daughter. Over time, these moments became more frequent.

She told me recently, “There are still mornings where I cry, but now there are mornings where I laugh with my daughter. And that gives me hope.”

This is the reality of postpartum depression. Progress often comes in steps, not leaps. My goal with Sarah was never to erase her struggle, but to give her the strength, tools, and support to keep moving forward.

Closing Thoughts

At My Natural Clinic in Highett, I work with mothers like Sarah every day. My role is to support you with compassion, evidence-based naturopathic care, and practical strategies for body and mind. Healing may take time, but with the right care, balance and light can return.

If you or someone you love is struggling after the arrival of a baby, please remember: you don’t need to walk this journey alone.