Post-natal depression left Amy Dear, 25, of Winslow, Bucks., fearing she was a bad mother – but treatment helped her cope.
She tells Closer: “When I discovered I was pregnant I was thrilled, as was my partner Nick Doherty, 28. My pregnancy went smoothly and I couldn’t wait to meet my baby.
“I had a difficult labour and Roman was whisked away with a suspected infection so I only got to hold him briefly.
"Heartbreakingly I wasn’t able to hold him until hours later. I’d expected to feel an immediate bond but I didn’t feel Roman was mine. It was devastating.
“I put it down to exhaustion but things didn't improve at home. I was convinced I was doing everything wrong and I felt detached.
“When Roman was 10 days old, the health visitor said I had the baby blues and not to worry.
“I didn’t feel I could confide in anyone. I wanted to hide away.
"I didn’t dote on Roman or play with him, so our bonding never developed. I was wracked with guilt and shame but I pretended I was fine, posting happy pictures on Facebook.
"I felt like such a bad mum."
For more information on post-natal depression visit: www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
Read the rest of Amy's story in Closer magazine, out today