It’s Not Just You: How Motherhood Changed (and Got Harder) After 2020

Motherhood was never easy — but after 2020, something shifted.

What used to be hard became overwhelming. What used to feel like a phase started to feel like a permanent state of survival. And now? The data confirms it.

A new JAMA Internal Medicine study published in May 2025 shows that maternal mental health has taken a steep downturn over the past several years — and the most dramatic changes happened during the pandemic years and beyond.

Here’s what the study found after analyzing over 198,000 women who had given birth within the past year:

• The percentage of moms reporting excellent mental health fell from 38.4% in 2016 to just 25.8% in 2023 — that’s a 32.3% drop.

• Meanwhile, reports of poor or fair mental health rose by 63.6% — from 5.5% to 8.5%.

• This trend was most noticeable among younger moms, women with public insurance, and those without a college degree — pointing to an even bigger issue of inequality in care and support.

Why the Pandemic Changed Motherhood Forever

The postpartum experience didn’t just get harder — it got lonelier. And that loneliness lasted longer than lockdowns.

During COVID-19, many women gave birth without partners in the room. Some went months without family visiting or any physical help at home. Doctor visits became virtual. Support groups went silent. Even small joys — a walk with friends or a trip to the grocery store — disappeared.

And yet, the to-do list grew:

• Caring for newborns without childcare

• Managing remote learning for older kids

• Navigating financial stress

• Trying to stay mentally and physically healthy with no margin

The emotional labor of motherhood hit an all-time high — and moms are still carrying that weight today.

What Moms Are Feeling in 2025

Post-pandemic, expectations bounced back. But energy levels didn’t. And we hear it every day from our community:

“I feel like I’m supposed to be grateful — but I’m exhausted.”
“No one talks about how lonely this feels.”
“I’m not the same woman I was before 2020.”

You’re not imagining it. The study shows that maternal mental health isn’t rebounding — it’s declining. That’s why we’re here — not just with products, but with a promise to support you with empathy, truth, and real solutions.

How to Support Mental + Physical Wellness — Without Pressure

No one can “self-care” their way out of systemic gaps — but small, meaningful steps can support your body and mind as you rebuild.

At Pink Stork, we formulate clean, targeted supplements for women — designed with ingredients backed by clinical research to support your natural systems. Here are a few that may help support moms navigating stress + emotional wellness:

🌿 Postpartum Mood Support

Crafted with naturally derived ingredients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, and Ashwagandha, this formula supports emotional wellness and a healthy mood during postpartum and beyond.†

🧠 Hormone Balance Multivitamin

With B-Vitamins, Vitamin D, and Iron to support energy, mood + metabolic function... plus our Hormone Balance Herbal Blend with Chasteberry, Dong Quai, Maca + Ashwagandha — especially important when you feel off but can’t explain why.†

💪 Vanilla Protein

Protein supports balanced blood sugar, energy production, and postpartum recovery. Ours is non-GMO, naturally flavored, and designed with the female body in mind.

A Faith-Rooted Reminder

We know the pressure to “bounce back” can feel crushing. That’s why we don’t ask you to bounce. We ask you to breathe. To pray and take your supplements. To nourish what God created — not perfect it.

Because rest is not weakness. Healing is not indulgent. It’s part of your calling.

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

We see you — even when the world doesn’t.
We honor the hard parts — not just the highlight reel.
And we believe that your wellness matters — now more than ever.

Let’s rebuild together — one product, one prayer, one moment of rest at a time.

This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.