The story of Lauren Youles’ journey to becoming her old self is an important one.

It is hoped the strength she has shown to open up about her battle with post-natal depression and PTSD after the birth of her first daughter will give other mothers the strength to discuss this issue.

The maternal mental health charity, Pandas Foundation, says around one in seven women experience depression after childbirth and one in ten dads also.

This shows clearly it is not an isolated issue, and in fact many parents may struggle with their expectations from having a baby.

Lauren’s story gives hope to many parents suffering through the same fight. Although she is not yet the ‘same’ person before her child, she is getting closer.