Posts Tagged ‘postpartum mood disorder’

DBT for Managing Emotions for New Moms 

Taking care of a newborn is all encompassing. It is exhausting. And it’s natural to want to give our all to our baby.

How can a new mom maintain emotional balance?  It would be insulting to give a simple answer to this complicated and nuanced question. 

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Postpartum depression changed my life.

I let my postpartum depression go untreated for a long time after I gave birth and I shouldn’t have done that, I suffered needlessly and caused my husband to suffer needlessly. I did go to a therapist, who very kindly referred me to a female psychiatrist (over and over again!).But, I refused to go see this psychiatrist, as I was nursing my son. My nursing times with him were the best times of the day, it was soothing to relax, sit down, and just feel the love between us! And I did not want to expose him to any form of medication through my breastmilk, especially not daily antidepressants!

Back then, 17 years ago, there wasn’t much perer-reviewed research literature published regarding the risks and safety of different psychotropic medications for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Now,  you can easily access accurate, succinct, and professional consumer information about pregnancy, breastfeeding and psychotropic medications on the Mother to Baby website , which is a website run by teratogen specialists. There is a mountain of information, plus free, live counseling with a teratogen specialist,  that can help you make an informed decision with your doctor.

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Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, Psychiatrist at with the UNC Chapel Hill Mother -Baby Psychiatric Care Unit in the US

I was a guest writer once again over at Science and Sensibility this week! Take a look below and then mosey on over to Science and Sensibility to read the rest!

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Istock/Bosca. Do you feel disconnected from your partner?

Losing a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth leads causes an increase in suffering, including disbelief, grief, shock, denial, anger, sadness and anxiety. These strong and primal emotions can take a toll on your marriage relationship. Recent research published by Dr. Katherine Gold and her colleagues in the journal, Pediatrics, indicates that couples who experience miscarriage or stillbirth have a greater chance of divorce than couples who experience the live birth of a child.

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Istock/PelageyaKlubnikina

It’s October 10, 2013 and I’m again honored to be participating in PsychCentral’s World Mental Health Blog Day.

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Yup, It’s Me: The Face of Bipolar

Today I am humbled to share a guest post from Heidi Koss, LMHCA.

Many of you know Heidi Koss from her professional persona. She was  featured on this blog in April, 2013. She runs a busy psychotherapy practice in Washington state and is an activist in the area of Maternal Mental Health. She has volunteered for Postpartum Support International for sixteen years and is the Postpartum SUpport International Washington State Coordinator. Her passion for helping others is rooted in her own personal experiences with perinatal mood disorders. 

I invite you to read her moving personal story.

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Women’s Social Circles Bursting with Support
Istock/Ridofranz

Because these women and their stories are so extraordinary, for me personally, this is the most meaningful article I ever researched and wrote up.

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In 2012, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer, the founder of Organic Baby University. As a mental health professional specializing in Maternal Mental Health, Jennifer’s story has both personal and professional interest for me. During her first pregnancy, Jennifer experienced a health crisis which resulted in great personal growth and maturation. Jennifer created Organic Baby University from the need to take care of her health and also a deep desire to strengthen other women by sharing her research. Jennifer also knows the pain of miscarriage and the joy of a second pregnancy.

So, pull up a chair and sit with us as Jennifer and I talk about her experiences with a chronic condition, how she coped emotionally during pregnancy & birth and how the transition to motherhood changed her forever.

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Photo:Leighann Adams of Multitaskingmumma

Guest Post: Today I am pleased to have Leighann Adams of Multitasking Mumma guest posting here today. Leighann is a mom and a self-identified Postpartum Depression blogger. She says the Postpartum Depression blogging community helped her a whole lot when she needed information and support. She found blogging to be therapeutic for her; now she gives back to others via blogging and awareness campaigns.

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Guest Post Today! Megan Daley!

Today I have the honor of hosting Megan Daley’s deeply felt and informative story about her experience with postpartum depression and anxiety. Megan discusses the circumstances surrounding her children’s births and how her postpartum depression expressed itself as sadness and rage. She talks about how she was proactive enough to seek professional help. She is an inspiration to us all and a shining light in our world!

Please join me in welcoming Megan’s contribution to the Postpartum Support International’s 2013 Blog Hop! Speak Up When You’re Down!

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