Navigating Postpartum Depression and Fueling an Entrepreneurial Journey

Hello to all the working parents and parents-to-be out there! Welcome to “Mat Leave” - your place to hear stories, find wisdom, and build community.? Today’s newsletter features Leila Spann , Founder and CEO of enbloom Marketing .?

Before we dive in I want to call out that this article dives into a difficult but common experience of Post Partum Depression "PPD". I want to thank Leila for her openness to share about her experience and help normalize talking about it!

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Meet Leila Spann

Hello everyone, I’m Leila. I’m originally from New York but have called Indianapolis home for the past 13 years, where I’ve built my marketing career and business. I started my business while working full-time, and after being laid off three times in seven years, I decided to take the leap and take a chance on myself. With over 15 years of experience, I’ve scaled mission-focused brands, led marketing teams at tech startups, managed national campaigns for brands like Ball? and Kerr? mason jars, and launched the marketing campaign for the new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Indianapolis that led to the largest franchise ticket sales in the company's history.?

I’m passionate about partnering with organizations to abolish reactive marketing through my work as a Fractional CMO, helping them create meaningful, strategic growth. I’m also dedicated to sharing my journey as a mom to destigmatize challenges we often avoid discussing. When I’m not working or dancing salsa, I enjoy Broadway, travel, and spending time with my husband, daughter, and two 70+ pound dogs that think they’re lap dogs.

Kelly: In a previous newsletter, we explored identity shift with parenthood - you’ve mentioned to me that for you, part of your identity shift as a mom was balancing postpartum depression while ramping back up to work.? Can you share more about this experience???

Leila: The struggle to manage postpartum depression while diving back into work was a defining and deeply challenging chapter of my life. As a Type A person and team leader, I leaned heavily on my team during my leave and upon returning to work after just eight weeks of paid leave. Working from home while nursing a baby who refused bottles was exhausting, and unexpected meetings, huddles, and last-minute requests often disrupted my carefully planned days. Adding to the complexity, I was adjusting to new medication, dealing with symptoms and varying dosage changes. This was particularly upsetting for me because, after completing an unmedicated home birth, I felt like needing medication to cope was somehow a personal failure—a feeling I now know now is far from the truth.

Becoming a mom brought an identity shift I’m not sure anyone can truly prepare for. People often focus on body changes, lack of sleep, and the importance of nutrition, showering you with endless gifts for the baby. But they don’t tell you that the journey into matrescence—the transformation into motherhood—actually begins during pregnancy and can take years to fully adjust to.

I questioned if I’d ever get my motivation for work back. My priorities had shifted completely—I was consumed with caring for my baby, obsessing over every feed, diaper, and detail, and found it hard to focus on anything else. My older sister was a tremendous support during this time, reminding me that it was normal and natural for my focus and priorities to shift. She encouraged me to give myself grace and reassured me that my motivation and work drive would return in time. Her validation helped me realize that this phase was temporary.

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Kelly: How did you know you were suffering postpartum depression?? Can you describe what it felt like?

Leila: I didn’t realize I was suffering from postpartum depression until my six-week midwife check-up. My incredible midwife created space for me to answer the first question she asked at appointments: "How are you really doing?" All I could mutter before breaking into tears was, "The baby is great, but I’m a mess." That moment was a turning point because she helped me recognize what I was going through and that it wasn’t something I had to handle alone.

Postpartum depression felt like I wasn’t able to see color. It felt like the vibrancy of my life had been drained. I remember asking my husband what I liked to do because nothing felt right anymore—things that once brought me joy felt hollow. On the surface, I could leave the house, get dressed, and put on a smile, but inside, I felt plagued by a constant wave of anxiety, loneliness, and an overwhelming sadness.

It’s important to note that postpartum depression and mood disorders look different for everyone. For me, acknowledging it with the help of a compassionate professional and informing my close family and friends was the first step toward healing.

Kelly: What support or resources did you have to help you navigate PPD?

Leila: My husband and sister were my biggest supporters, constantly reassuring me and creating a safe space to share my feelings. My midwife’s support was also invaluable—she helped me recognize what I was going through and reminded me that I didn’t have to face it alone. Joining virtual support groups through Postpartum Support International gave me a sense of community and validation, showing me that I wasn’t alone in my experiences.

Medication, though something I resisted at first, became a critical part of my recovery. Time also played a significant role—allowing myself the grace to heal and adapt helped me move forward without the pressure of unrealistic expectations.?

Kelly: You mentioned part of your entrepreneurial journey was fueled by PPD. Can you share more about this?

Leila: Motherhood, postpartum depression, and my daughter gave me a new sense of purpose that fueled my entrepreneurial journey. Before her birth, I had spent seven years leading marketing teams, and during my pregnancy, my job sponsored my participation in a CMO training program offered by Pavilion. During that program, the CMO of a Fortune 500 company shared something that deeply resonated: “If you’ve reached Director level or above and aren’t consulting for yourself, you’re doing yourself a disservice.”

That insight planted a seed, but it wasn’t until I became a mom that it truly blossomed. My daughter gave me permission to lean into my confidence and expertise in ways I hadn’t before becoming a mother. She inspired me to unlearn the “good girl” conditioning that had held me back from telling my story for decades. I’m no longer interested in being overly humble—I’m proud of my work, confident in my abilities, and unapologetic about owning my success.

The name “enbloom” grew out of my love for plants, my journey into motherhood, and my desire to show my daughter that I don’t play it safe. I do the things that feel scary because I believe everything is “figureoutable”. enbloom gives me the flexibility to choose clients whose missions align with my values and support work I’m passionate about. It’s more than a business—it reflects who I am now: bold, determined, and deeply purpose-driven.

Kelly: What tips or advice do you have for moms and those in their support networks (i.e. partners, manager, extended family) who may be experiencing PPD while going back to work?

Leila:?

For Managers: Be flexible, understanding, and accommodating. The employee you hired before maternity leave may have different priorities or energy levels when they return to work—and that’s okay. Allow space for them to adjust, and show empathy for the immense transition they’re navigating. Offer ramp up options to get them back into the flow of work. Be mindful of their schedule, and offer support with clear and direct communication rather than making assumptions about their capacity.

For Extended Families: Skip the extravagant baby showers and gender reveals, and focus on giving practical, meaningful support. Hire a postpartum doula, gift a laundry service, or organize a meal train for the first few weeks of the baby’s life. Always ask what the parents prefer: Should food be dropped off at the door, or are they comfortable with visitors? If you visit, focus on helping the parents—make tea, prepare a nourishing meal, or tackle household tasks, if the parents are comfortable with that. Show up to support, not just expecting to hold the baby.

For Partners: Be patient and understanding, recognizing that every day will look different. The support your partner needs will vary—some days it might be emotional support, other days it might be chores, or simply taking the baby so they can rest. Be present, proactive, and listen actively to understand how you can best support them, even when they might not know how to articulate their needs. Show up consistently, with empathy, and remember that postpartum is a journey for both of you.

For Mamas: Be kind to yourself and lean on your community. Find trusted friends to talk to—even if they’re far away—to remind yourself that you’re not alone. Have grace for yourself as you navigate the transformation of motherhood. Creating life is both beautiful and taxing, and your body has done something truly remarkable. Honor that process, and remember that everything takes time to get used to.?

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Thank you Leila Spann for sharing your story!? Readers - please share your thoughts and experiences, and subscribe to Mat Leave to read more real stories from parents navigating their leave and return to work journeys.