Nine months after giving birth, I thought I had adjusted to motherhood—sleepless nights and all. But while at the pediatrician’s office for my baby’s rash, I suddenly noticed a large bloodstain on the chair. My first postpartum period had arrived unexpectedly. “Erm, I think you have a little problem…” the doctor said gently. I rushed to the restroom, shaken and unprepared—my baby’s bag had everything, but nothing for me.

That night, intense pain returned. “It’s just my period,” I told my husband. But by morning, I was sweating and doubled over. An ultrasound revealed retained placenta—nine months after delivery. A simple surgery fixed it, and slowly, I began to feel like myself again.

At a parenting group, I shared my story, expecting embarrassment. Instead, the other moms nodded. One had retained placenta too, another had untreated thyroid issues. I finally felt seen. These women became my support system.

Later, when my friend Nora rushed her baby to the ER, she said, “If you hadn’t shared your story, I wouldn’t have called.” That moment of shame led to life-saving connection.

Now, I speak up, care for myself, and show my daughter that real motherhood includes self-love. *You’re worthy of care—especially when you forget yourself.*