Conversations with Rachel Word

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Word.

Hi Rachel, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. Before we ask about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My husband and I were excited to get pregnant and couldn’t wait to be parents. I gave birth to my baby boy in March of 2021. I quickly realized that the sadness, guilt, fear, and depression I was feeling was not normal. I googled “baby blues” and “postpartum depression” at least two dozen times. I felt every single symptom that was listed on those websites. I had absolutely zero bond with my newborn, was quick to anger and extreme sadness, and was certain that my family would be better off without me. I didn’t recognize the “new me” and hoped my husband would still love this version of me. I reached out to my OBGYN office, where I wasn’t necessarily following a consistent physician, as mine left the office when I was 28 weeks gestation and asked to be seen as soon as possible. The OBGYN I saw was someone who I still believe saved my life (along with many other important and amazing people). She listened to me, sat with me, and somehow made me feel like I could be ok. I started medication, and after months of looking for the right therapist, I finally found one. Shortly after that, around 5 months postpartum, I got into a perinatal psychiatrist who could regularly monitor and manage my symptoms and medications. I can’t begin to tell my story without discussing the people who saved me: my husband, parents, closest friends, and care team (OBGYN, therapist, psychiatrist). At the peak of my pain, depression, and suicidal ideation, I was sure I’d never be ok again and that I’d never want another child. I felt as though I couldn’t even plan a few months because I wasn’t confident that I’d still be alive. Fast forward almost two years, and you’ll find someone who feels like herself again, wants to be here and looks to the future with excitement and hope. I put in a lot of hard work to get to where I am today, and I’m so proud. After experiencing what I did with postpartum depression, it made me realize how important maternal health is and how much we need to support women during their pregnancy and postpartum. I could look back and understand that not everyone has the resources I had. A lot of women don’t have access to affordable healthcare, mental health therapy, or routine medications that are necessary to treat PPD. This experience, as terrible and devastating as it was, inspired me to help many people who may feel the way I felt. As the Director of Health Equity at Pretty Big Project, I strive to provide resources to the underserved population of Kansas City. I hope to bring awareness to PPD and assist with making a community that supports moms.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road at all! The saddest and most challenging part of my journey has been the time that I feel I lost as a new mom. My boy was my first child, so I feel as though I’m grieving an experience that I never had. I don’t remember the first 6-10 months of my boy’s life. So, that has been a hard thing to live with. I remember his first birthday was wonderful, but I couldn’t help but think I wasn’t there for most of his first year. I was present but so unwell that I truly don’t recall most of our time together during that first year of life.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the director of health equity and outreach for Pretty Big Project. I specialize in supporting women within the underserved community of Kansas City. We focus on providing maternal health resources to those in need. This can include access to free mental health therapy, diapers/supplies, and overall health literacy to better prepare families for pregnancy and postpartum.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I plan to do this work full-time in the next five years. I work full-time as a physical therapist in Kansas City. So, the ultimate goal is to make Pretty Big Project my sole “job.” We are currently, and will continue to see, a trend of acceptance regarding mental health. People are becoming more open to discussing their struggles. I hope this continues and people can come forward and ask for help. My ultimate goal is for the Pretty Bug Project to have a space where people can go and hang out, feel supported, and pick up necessary supplies (diapers, wipes, etc.). People can access our online mental health therapists via the computers provided in this space. Ultimately, it could be a safe space for those who have hit rock bottom.

Contact Info:

• Website: prettybigproject.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettybigproject?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Image Credits
Hallie Sigwing- Pretty Big Project, Fundraiser Sarah M Potter – Zayn and I photos