“I struggled with postnatal depression. Getting therapy through work helped me recover.”
Written by
Nausheen Eusuf
Alicia Riley, People & Talent Lead at Ben
Alicia is the kind of person who’s always doing a million things.
She thrives in fast-paced, high-energy environments. As Head of People at edtech startup Arbor, she saw the company headcount triple in size. She was constantly on the go, meeting people, and loving the busy whirlwind that was her life.
So when she went on maternity leave in June 2020, it was hard to switch off. She and her husband were thrilled to be expecting their first child, but the pregnancy itself had been physically and emotionally draining. The pandemic lockdown also added a layer of stress.
“I completely underestimated the feeling of isolation when you go on maternity leave. Work was a massive part of my life. I was constantly connected and in meetings all the time. And then suddenly there’s a cut-off. It’s a really odd switch.”
There was also anxiety at the back of her mind. A prior miscarriage made her very aware of how fragile pregnancy is. She hoped everything would go smoothly this time.
Alicia waited for the baby to arrive, but the due date came and went. Another two and a half weeks passed by, and finally, she had to be induced. The experience of childbirth was not at all how she’d imagined it:
“We get this image from TV and social media where you have your baby naturally and everything is beautiful and perfect. But induction was a horrendous experience. I was shocked.”
Alicia RileyPeople & Talent Lead at Ben
Developing healthy routines and finding social support were also key parts of Alicia's recovery. She started going for a walk every day, meditating with Calm, and reaching out more to family and friends. She and her husband took turns looking after the baby so she could have time to look after her wellbeing.
Alicia and her husband had also joined the NCT (National Childbirth Trust), a charity that supports parents through pregnancy, childbirth, and the early years of parenting. They got to know other parents and found a close-knit community of peers for activities, meetups, and support.
The more Alicia talked to people, the more she realised that she wasn’t alone in what she’d gone through. In hindsight, she wishes she’d reached out sooner. She also started doing charity work, which helped her regain a sense of purpose.
“You lose a lot of your identity when you become a parent, especially a mother. You need to find things that give you enjoyment or satisfaction—that remind you that you’re still you.”
New policies for new parents
In her current role in the People space, Alicia is passionate about supporting new parents in the workplace—especially new mums—with clear and robust policies. She’s been actively opening up the conversation around mental health, parental leave, and pregnancy loss to make sure people can prioritise their wellbeing and receive the support they need.
Alicia remembers the isolation she felt during her own maternity leave. So the parental leave policy she’ll soon be rolling out asks how often someone wants to be contacted, what they want to be updated on, and what they need while on leave.
She also emphasises the importance of flexible working policies. For her, being able to work from home and choose her own hours was absolutely essential.
“Flexible working is absolutely key in supporting women through their recovery. It allowed me to return to full-time work while spending quality bonding time with my son.”
Alicia RileyPeople & Talent Lead at Ben
Alicia’s journey through pregnancy, labour, and postnatal depression has fundamentally changed her perspective on mental health. Before, she wasn’t someone who opened up. But now, she feels strongly about people sharing their stories to create awareness and support.
The most important thing she’s learned: “never underestimate what people are going through—and how it makes them feel.”
For new or expecting parents seeking support and resources, Alicia recommends the NCT and the Big Careers, Small Children podcast. For employers who want to support employee wellbeing in the workplace—including parents specifically—she recommends taking a look at Monzo's policies for inspiration.
4 tips on managing postnatal depression
by Oliva therapist
It might come as a surprise to feel down and anxious after having a baby, but it’s pretty common. You’re likely exhausted, overwhelmed, and sleep-deprived. Try not to beat yourself up about the way you’re feeling. Instead, reach out for help. Online therapy is a convenient way for new parents to get support from home.
