Postpartum sadness is more prevalent than the majority of us realize. According to research, around 80% of new parents experience it. A new mom named Gretchen is struggling to adapt to her new role, prompting her to request some time alone from her loved ones.

However, her situation worsened when her in-laws showed up unannounced to visit the baby. She reached out to our editorial for guidance.

This is Gretchen’s letter:

I had my first baby 2 weeks ago. I’m overwhelmed and not in the mood to do anything, so my mom moved in to help me. I told my MIL, “Give my family some space now. You will meet the baby later.” She kept on calling every day, so I ended up saying, “I don’t care if it takes months. I’m not ready yet!” She was silent.