Postpartum depression
Illustrations: Stefania Santoro
A project about the pains following childbirth. This refers not only to physical pains but also to mental ones. What does a mother go through? What MUST she endure? What does society say, and what can she really withstand? These are all questions I have asked myself. And sadly, studies have shown that the results are very sad and alarming for the mother.
what is this?
"You've ONLY had one child. How bad can it be?"
"I can't deal with it when you cry, I'm leaving."
"Pull yourself together, mothers before you have managed."
this are all sentences said to woman, who "dared" to complain about their situation.
am I still a good mother?
"Loneliness. Loneliness with the pain. Loneliness with the situation. Because few want to admit it. Many seek help secretly, whether it's a therapist or something else. In many places in Germany (and I think also around the world), the mentality unfortunately still exists that a mother should not complain—because motherhood is part of being a woman, isn't it?"
Would you like to see more of my illustrations?
You can find more on Instagram: @stefania.sant or at stefaniasantoro.com
