I Returned to the Day He Brought His First Love Home-Chapter 120: Postpartum Depression

"Our family has double the reason to celebrate. Grace got into university and will be heading off in a few days. And Lily just had a baby girl. We absolutely must have a proper celebration."

Irene Lynch said with a cheerful smile after they had settled in at home.

Lily Callahan hesitated. "Mom, we don’t have much money right now. Maybe we shouldn’t splurge. Grace getting into university is worth celebrating, but let’s skip it for Bonnie."

"How could we possibly skip it? Don’t you worry about the money. Your father and I still have some savings. We won’t let you or the child go without." Irene Lynch waved her hand dismissively, paying no mind to Lily Callahan.

Nolan Winslow patted the back of Lily Callahan’s hand to soothe her.

Lily Callahan sighed softly.

She wasn’t producing any breast milk, so Bonnie was on formula. A single can of formula cost five yuan, and she would go through two or three a month. Lily couldn’t go back to work yet, which meant she had no income. The mere thought of such large future expenses made her uncontrollably anxious.

Now, hearing Irene Lynch planning a full moon celebration for the baby, which would cost a lot of money, she was so anxious that tears started to stream down her face.

Nolan Winslow was startled and frantically wiped her tears. "Lily, what’s wrong? Why did you suddenly start crying?"

Irene Lynch also stopped and looked at Lily Callahan. "What is it? Are you not feeling well? Did you catch a chill on the way back? Does your head hurt?"

Only Grace Winslow, standing to the side, frowned instinctively as she observed Lily Callahan’s condition.

In her past life, she had seen on the news that some women experience postpartum depression after giving birth.

Judging by Lily Callahan’s state, it looked a bit like postpartum depression.

’This can be a minor issue or a major one. If it’s not handled carefully, the mother might become so depressed that she does something foolish.’

She tugged on Irene Lynch’s sleeve and called over Nolan Winslow. "Mom, Big Brother, I need to talk to you."

"Sister-in-law, let me borrow your husband for a minute. I’ll give him back in a few."

"You guys go ahead." Lily Callahan seemed listless. An inexplicable sadness welled up inside her, and for no reason at all, she suddenly felt like crying.

Grace Winslow pulled them out of the room.

Worried about Lily Callahan, Nolan Winslow kept looking back every few steps.

Grace Winslow gave him a tug. "Brother, Mom, I think my sister-in-law might have postpartum depression."

"Postpartum what? What is that? Is it an illness?" Nolan Winslow grew tense the moment he heard this. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

"It’s when a woman’s mood turns bad after giving birth, and she feels inexplicably sad. It’s hard for me to describe the specifics, but it’s a very dangerous condition. You have to stay by her side at all times, try to cheer her up, and go along with whatever she wants. What she needs most right now is her family’s companionship."

"It might also have something to do with the trouble her family went through before she gave birth."

Grace Winslow explained briefly.

Nolan Winslow’s heart clenched. "It’s all my fault. If I were more capable, if I earned more money, she wouldn’t be worried about these things."

"Grace, I want to start a business. I’ll do anything, as long as it makes money."

Grace Winslow didn’t know whether to laugh or cry seeing him like this.

After a moment of thought, she said, "Sister-in-law already told me she wants to make clothes. Her needlework is excellent. The floral embroidery she did whenever she mended clothes for you and Ryan was always beautiful. If she starts making clothes, I’m sure plenty of people will buy them."

"And it just so happens our second sister-in-law has a clothing store. She could sell the clothes there."

"That’s something you two should discuss as a couple."

"If you go into business and are away for long periods, she’ll be alone taking care of two children while also managing the business. If the pressure gets to be too much, I’m afraid something bad could happen."

As Grace Winslow spoke, she looked at Nolan Winslow with some hesitation.

This was where a trade-off had to be made.

Someone would have to give something up for the sake of the family.

Either Nolan Winslow would have to abandon his ambitions, stay home to care for his wife and children, and give up on forging his own path...

...or Lily Callahan would have to abandon her entrepreneurial dreams, content herself with being a wife and mother, and stop thinking about starting a business to earn money.

No matter which path they chose, Grace felt it would be unfair to one of them.

Hearing Grace Winslow’s analysis, Nolan Winslow spoke without a moment’s hesitation. "Then if she wants to do it, she should do it. Of course, I’ll support her completely."

"If she needs me to quit my job and stay home to take care of the kids, I can do that too."

"Sister, I know what I need to do now. You and Mom should head back first. I’m going to go talk with Lily in a bit."

Nolan Winslow’s eyes were filled with resolve.

Grace Winslow hadn’t expected Nolan Winslow to decide so quickly and with such unwavering determination.

She looked at her brother and couldn’t help but smile.

"Alright, Brother. Mom and I will head back then. You and Sister-in-law have a good talk. If you can’t manage the kids, Ryan can bring them over. Mom and Dad can help watch them too." Grace Winslow patted Nolan Winslow’s arm, then took Irene Lynch and left.

Irene Lynch didn’t know what "postpartum depression" was; she only knew that Lily Callahan needed care and attention.

Back at home, she quietly asked Grace Winslow, "Grace, I have some money saved up. I was thinking of giving it to our eldest son and his wife. Their little Bonnie was just born, and she needs formula. That stuff isn’t cheap—over ten yuan a month. They must be tight on cash."

"Mom, it’s your money; you can do what you want with it. Why are you telling me? It’s not like I need it. Give it to whoever you want. If you run out, just tell me. I have money. I’ll support you." Grace Winslow wrapped an arm around Irene Lynch’s shoulders and said with a laugh.

Gregory Winslow happened to overhear and shot her a look. "My wife needs you to support her? Do I have no pride?"

"Are we short on money? I put my bonus from before the new year in that cookie tin. If you need money, just go get it yourself. Using our daughter’s money... if word got out, people would laugh their heads off."

"My, my, Comrade Winslow is so good to his wife. In that case, could you support your little daughter too?" Grace Winslow, still hugging Irene Lynch, winked at Gregory Winslow and asked playfully.

Gregory Winslow glared at her. "Of course I’ll support you. I’ll support you until you’re married. And even after you’re married, if you come home, I’ll still support you."

"My dad’s the best." Grace Winslow trotted over eagerly and hugged Gregory Winslow’s arm.

Gregory Winslow shrugged her off in mock disgust. "Go on, go on. You’re a grown woman now, still pulling these stunts with me. Have you no shame?"

"What’s there to be ashamed of for being affectionate with my own dad?" Grace Winslow pouted, but she didn’t try to hug him again.

Only then did Gregory Winslow ask Irene Lynch, "What’s this? Is our eldest son’s family short on money? Do they need some?"

"Yes." Irene Lynch briefly explained the situation to Gregory Winslow.

Gregory Winslow glanced at Grace Winslow, his eyes seeming to see through everything, which made Grace feel a little guilty.

The term "postpartum depression" was indeed a bit too modern. A man as sharp as Gregory Winslow might be able to guess something from it.

But he didn’t ask, and Grace Winslow didn’t elaborate. They shared a tacit understanding.