Maternal Suicide: A Mother's Reflection on Perinatal Depression

Perinatal & Reproductive Perspectives

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Susan Aguayo was born in Peru and immigrated to New York at the age of five. As the eldest of three siblings, she quickly adapted to her new environment, learning English to connect with others. Following the birth of her younger sister and her parents' separation, Susan took on a leadership role within her family—becoming a protector, translator, and source of support.

Determined to succeed, she pursued Early Childhood Education at Kingsborough Community College at 17 and later studied Business Communication at the American Business Institute. She married her high school and college friend, with whom she has shared over 36 years of marriage. In 2001, with his encouragement, Susan launched her own business.

In 2004, the family relocated to New Mexico, where they adopted three children, fulfilling their dream of a large family. Tragically, in 2015, Susan lost her third child to complications related to perinatal depression—a silent but common issue. This loss led her to establish Kassy's Kause, a nonprofit offering resources and support for maternal mental health.

Susan became certified as a Community Health Worker and Doula, dedicating herself to supporting families in her community. Her advocacy has earned her recognition as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year (2019) and New Mexico State Mother of the Year by American Mothers Inc. She ran for State Senate in 2020 to raise awareness for underserved issues, particularly maternal mental health.

Today, Susan serves as New Mexico Coordinator and Spanish-language support group facilitator for Postpartum Support International. Her mission is to ensure no mother feels alone and no family suffers due to a lack of awareness or support.