Proxy Mom: My Experience with Postpartum Depression

Early parenthood after giving birth is full of corporeal indignities, new pains, and a crushing loss of sleep. Add hormonal fluctuations, shifting relationship dynamics, and the responsibility of keeping a helpless human alive, and it’s not hard to see why someone might yearn for a double to do this work in their stead—a “proxy mom.” In this relatable graphic novel, new mother Marietta feels adrift after a challenging pregnancy and labor; from the moment her daughter is born, she feels disconnected and overwhelmed by the thankless tasks of infant care. As the baby grows, so does Marietta’s ability to manage her emotional rollercoasters and reclaim her own identity. As raw as the book feels, Marietta is a composite of the postpartum experiences of Adriansen (Nina Simone in Comics!) and others, with a lot of the postpartum depression assessment hallmarks writ large worked into the story. Some readers may find this comforting, while others may see how much of Marietta’s struggle stems from parenting in a system that mercilessly prizes self-sufficiency over community care, to the detriment of all involved. Mathou’s art style is rounded and slightly wobbly, with just enough edge to clearly capture the protagonist’s quintessential unease.