While many people have heard of postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety is rarely discussed, even though it afflicts almost twice as many new mothers.

Women are told that becoming a mother is the best thing that will happen to them, and yet, in those first few weeks and months of their child’s life, many women struggle with severe sleep deprivation, irrational fears, even memory loss. Many feel that they are losing themselves and their grip on reality.

I was one such mother. In producing and directing this film, I learned I was not alone. The cast and crew I was fortunate enough to assemble shared very similar stories and struggles. The resulting film is an incredibly personal exploration of the ways new life can challenge the dynamics of home and family, completely transforming the parents in a number of ways.

We're quick to share the beauty new life brings, but keep our struggle hidden in the shadows, isolating ourselves and others. I hope Cradle Song will encourage people to share their stories and help normalize the numerous, often conflicting, emotions and experiences new motherhood so often brings.