'Teen Mom OG' Star Catelynn Baltierra Shares Fears About Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression

On Monday’s episode of “Teen Mom OG,” Catelynn Baltierra shared her fear of developing postpartum depression while discussing the possibility of having another child with husband Tyler Baltierra. The MTV star, who experienced postpartum depression after giving birth to her second child Novalee in 2015, stated that while she was afraid, she didn’t want it to keep her from growing her family.

“With Nova, I had super bad postpartum depression. Super bad. And it scared me,” she said. “But, it’s like you can’t let something scare you from one of the most beautiful things in life. I can’t let my fears dictate what I want in life.”

This isn’t the first time the reality TV star has been candid about struggling with her mental health. In November, Baltierra checked herself into mental health treatment after experiencing suicidal thoughts.

As the episode progressed, Baltierra seemed to decide that now is not the best time to have another child as she and Tyler are in the middle of launching their new company and remodeling their home.

Though the couple isn’t expanding their family just yet, Baltierra’s fear is a common one. According to the American Psychological Association, around one in seven women experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child.

To open up the discussion surrounding mental health and having children, we asked members of our mental health community whether their mental health affected their decision to have children. It’s important to note that the decision on whether or not to have children is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer. Having children is great and choosing not to have children is great, too.

Here’s what our community told us:

1. “No, my oldest was an infant when I was diagnosed. My youngest is six. They inspire me to be all I can be.” — Kimberly F.

2. “After having postnatal depression with both of my children, my husband and I decided not to have any more children to save me going through hell again. It was a tough and upsetting decision, but we had to put my health first. My youngest is 4 years old and I still suffer.” — Michelle B.

3. “Yes and No. I’ve made the decision to not have biological children; not because I’m afraid to pass down the bipolar disorder, but because I don’t think my body would bear pregnancy and breastfeeding well. I love children and this doesn’t mean I’m unwilling to raise a child, or that I see myself as unable to do it, but it makes me aware that I wouldn’t be able to do all of the child rearing on my own. I’d be an awesome stepmother or co-parent. I think, if anything, that my mental illness has made me more empathetic of kids, and patient towards them. I see a lot of myself in them (impulsivity, tempers, euphoria). But in this society that thinks [of] mothers as beings that are almost almighty in their love and energy — I know that I don’t have this kind of permanent energy available, but that doesn’t make me a bad person or woman, just self-aware.” — Alfonsina S.

4. “Yes and no. I have three children and I’m schizoaffective, [with] GAD and OCD. Having a stable support system is what convinced me it’s OK to start a family. Some days are harder than others, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.” — Ashley B.

5. “No, but it did make the decision of going on medication. I always thought I was strong enough to deal with my mental health myself. But once I was pregnant, I knew I needed help, and I got it. Getting pregnant saved me.” — Natalie M.

If you or a loved one is affected by postpartum depression or other postpartum disorders and need help, you can call Postpartum Support International‘s hotline at 1-800-944-4773.

“Teen Mom OG” airs on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.

Photo via Catelynn & Tyler’s Fanpage Facebook page