MÈRE Stories: Haley Hoover
I stepped into motherhood with a heart brimming with anticipation, convinced that my years as a babysitter, nanny, and the “maternal” friend meant I would glide through birth and postpartum with ease.
But when my first son arrived, all my expectations unraveled.
My plans for a natural birth dissolved into a whirlwind C-section, followed by a rare case of postpartum preeclampsia that kept me in the hospital for nearly ten days.
I expected an overwhelming rush of love and joy; instead, I felt disappointment, guilt, and a deep sense of failure.
Even with my years working in an OB/GYN office, surrounded by women’s stories and warning signs, I didn’t recognize the shadows of postpartum anxiety and depression creeping in. Living in a smaller town, isolated and misunderstood, I pushed through the loneliness, telling myself I should just be grateful for a healthy baby, yet the ache of unmet expectations lingered.
Less than two years later, after my second child was born, the cracks widened.
Intrusive thoughts and phobias became my constant companions.
The demands of work and home life collided, and I lost sight of who I was in the blink of an eye.
It wasn’t until I opened up truly and vulnerably to my husband and OB that I realized I was fighting a battle I couldn’t win alone. Therapy, medication, and a fierce commitment to carving out time for myself became my lifelines.
I anchored myself in movement, rediscovering my strength through regular workouts, and slowly, the fog began to lift. I pushed myself into new hobbies that stretched me beyond my comfort zone, each step proof that I was rebuilding a stronger and more resilient woman in my new title as mother.
Emerging from those dark days, I felt a calling to help other mothers find their way through the messiness and beauty of postpartum.
I kept coming back to the places I struggled most: the nightly battle with the baby bottle drying rack, an eyesore that seemed to mock my exhaustion. That’s where Winnie & Lu was born. A company created to revolutionize the baby product industry starting with the bottle drying rack, but also to build a community for women to connect, laugh, and find hope. Through this work, I’ve found a way to create a work life I’m proud of, stay present at home, and support children who aren’t as fortunate as my own.
My story isn’t just about surviving postpartum, it’s about finding purpose and joy in the chapters I never expected to write.
If you had to summarize your journey in motherhood with all its challenges, how would you describe it now? How have you found a way to reclaim your strength or identity? What have you learned?Motherhood has transformed me in ways I never could have imagined.
In the beginning, I doubted myself and felt like I was failing at every turn. The process broke me down completely, but as I slowly pieced myself back together, I found a strength, compassion, and groundedness I never knew I had. I learned to move past perfectionism and finally offer myself the grace I’d always given others. Now, I celebrate every win, big or small, perfect or imperfect.
This journey didn’t just change me as a mother; it uncovered a calling I never expected. I never thought I’d be a business owner, let alone an inventor, but motherhood pushed me to create, to lead, and to dream bigger than I ever had before.
It is, without question, the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I genuinely love the woman I’ve become.
I’ll never be the same person I was before I became a mom, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to be.
What advice or words of encouragement would you give another mom walking through a similar chapter? Remember, you don’t have to do this alone; asking for help is truly a sign of strength, not weakness.
Postpartum challenges are real and valid, so listen to your body and seek support if you need it.
Try to take a moment each day to step outside for some sunshine or move your body, even if it’s just for a few minutes—those small acts can make a big difference.
Trust your intuition, because even on the days you feel unsure, you know your baby better than anyone.
Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Some days you might feel like you’re hanging on by a thread, but tomorrow is a new opportunity to thrive.
How has your journey changed you, both in ways you expected and in ways you never could have imagined?I always knew becoming a mom would stretch me, but I never realized just how completely it would transform every part of who I am.
I went from someone who craved order and a bit of excitement to someone who can pivot on a dime and actually shine in the chaos. Motherhood forced me to let go of my need for control and perfection, and in that surrender, I discovered a true, honest, and pure love for myself that opened doors to a life I never imagined possible.
Where I was once content to stay home and keep things simple, I’ve now grown into a multi-business owner, finding myself being interviewed on podcasts, networking with powerhouse leaders, and even participating in television segments.
The challenges of pregnancy and postpartum broke down my self-doubt and limiting fears, revealing a happier, healthier version of myself who is living life to the fullest. Looking back, I can see that motherhood didn’t just change me, it uncovered the best parts of me, and gave me the courage to step into a life that feels bigger and more meaningful than anything I could have planned.
— Haley Hoover
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