Trusting Your Instincts: Lisa’s Story of Preeclampsia, NICU, and Postpartum Rage

The Appointment That Changed Everything

When Lisa walked into a routine prenatal appointment, she never imagined she’d walk out with a life-threatening diagnosis. Preeclampsia — a condition marked by high blood pressure and organ complications — can strike suddenly and without warning. For Lisa, it meant an emergency C-section and a baby headed straight to the NICU.

As she recounts in her episode of Quiet Connection, “One routine appointment changed everything. Preeclampsia nearly killed me.” Her story highlights how vital prenatal care is, and how quickly conditions can escalate.

During a routine OB appointment, a high blood pressure reading revealed unexpected complications in Lisa's pregnancy.

Life in the NICU

Lisa’s baby needed intensive care, and she suddenly found herself split between recovering from major surgery and sitting at her child’s bedside. NICU life was a crash course in both resilience and vulnerability.

“NICU life teaches you how strong and fragile we can be all at once,” she reflects.

For many parents, NICU stays are unexpected and isolating. Lisa emphasizes the importance of support systems—family, friends, and communities who step in when parents can’t do it all.

The Silent Struggle: Postpartum Rage

After surviving preeclampsia and the NICU, Lisa expected life to ease into a new rhythm. Instead, she found herself struggling with something she had never heard much about: postpartum rage.

“I thought it was just me losing it. It wasn’t — it was postpartum rage,” she explains.

This often-overlooked sub-category of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) can manifest as intense anger, irritability, or outbursts that feel out of proportion to the situation. Like postpartum depression or anxiety, it is treatable — but stigma often keeps parents silent.

A woman clutches her head in frustration, illustrating the intense emotions of postpartum rage, a condition now gaining recognition.

Why Advocacy Matters

Lisa’s story is one of survival, but also one of advocacy. By trusting her instincts, pushing for answers, and later seeking help for her postpartum mental health, she found her voice.

“Advocating for yourself in pregnancy isn’t optional. It can save your life,” she says.

Her reminder is clear: maternal health doesn’t end when the baby arrives. Parents deserve ongoing care, awareness, and compassion well beyond birth.

Resources for Parents

If you or someone you love is navigating pregnancy or postpartum challenges, these resources can help:

• Preeclampsia Foundation — education and support for preeclampsia awareness

• Postpartum Support International — resources, support groups, and a helpline for PMADs

• March of Dimes NICU Family Support — guidance for families experiencing NICU stays

Why Lisa’s Story Matters

Lisa’s journey through preeclampsia, NICU, and postpartum rage isn’t just about survival — it’s about breaking the silence. By sharing her story, she reminds other parents that they are not alone, and that support and healing are possible.

“Every mother deserves to know she’s not alone in this,” she says.

🎧 Listen to Lisa’s full story on Quiet Connection wherever you get your podcasts.