Help a Family Overcome Postpartum Challenges

Hi guys. I am reaching out for some support. Some of you know our story, but if you don’t, I’ll give you the lowdown.

My son was born on 3/24 via emergency C-section and spent 12 days in the NICU. Right after he was discharged, I was readmitted for postpartum preeclampsia. Around this time, I developed some serious symptoms, and after 3 ER trips and seeing my PCP, I was diagnosed with postpartum panic attacks. Now, I’ve had anxiety my whole life, but this was a new ball game. I couldn’t drive, I couldn’t be alone (I spend every day at my mother’s house).

After I realized how bad I was truly getting, I applied for short-term disability. We waited for weeks and were solely banking on that back pay. Unfortunately, the insurance company wants to deny it because mental illness caused by pregnancy is not covered under short-term disability. So here we are, behind on every bill. I’m forcing myself back to work next week because I have children that need water, power, and a roof over their heads. My husband makes $47 too much for cash assistance through our lovely state of Illinois. If you can help, I can promise I’ll pay it forward in the future as I always used to do before this.