The Overlap Between Miscarriage, Perinatal Loss, and PPD: 13 Things to know about Grief

A number of months ago, my dear friend and colleague, Claudine Radford, LCSW, contributed to this blog with a fabulous interview on preterm and neonatal loss.  Since that time I have worked with countless women as their make their way though this type loss, grief, and healing.  Today, I am talking at Postpartum Progress about things to consider if you are a mom who is or has endured such tragedy… Come on over.

Talking to Other Moms About PPD: Do You?

Its a tricky question.  You are a mom who has struggled with a postpartum mood and anxiety disorder like PPD and you have a ton of info to share.  But how do you do this and is it always appropriate?  We are discussing these questions over at Postpartum Progress- Come on over!

A Breathing Meditation for New Moms

Breath is a magnificent thing.  Really.  Of course we need to breathe to exist, but we often forget how important breath is for mental health and  stress management.  Our brains need oxygen to thrive and breath is also a pretty simple tool in practicing mindfulness.   And when we are most present and mindful we are also usually our most grounded.

Cassandra Vieten, PhD, author of Mindful Motherhood, offers a fabulous audio breathing meditation on her website.  Please take a listen here.  This 25 minute guided meditation and focus on breath is a gift to new moms who are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or simply in need of a quiet moment.

Psychotherapy Options for Treating PPD

Are you wondering about what types of psychotherapy are useful in treating PPD?  Come on over to Postpartum Progress and I’ll fill you in.

The Well Mom Checklist for Postpartum Health

We talk a lot on this blog and Postpartum Progress about what it is like when a mom is NOT well.  But let’s pause for just a minute and focus on what might be included in the lives of moms who are.

Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders can happen even when the below are maintained, but fact is that the below decrease one’s risk of developing (and certainly exacerbating) a PMAD.  So, here you go.

The Well Mom Checklist:

1. Healthy nutrition including adequate amounts of protein (required for brain health and the synthesis of Serotonin).

2. Adequate sleep (think about a minimum of 4 hours of un-interupted sleep at least 4 nights a week… with much more whenever possible).

3. Regular daily exercise (walking, stretching, yoga included)

4. Adequate water intake (dehydration and anxiety have been linked)

5. Full, deep, belly breathing (our brains need oxygen to thrive)

6. Community support (family, friends, neighbors, therapists, postpartum support, spiritual community, etc)

7. Humor

8. Fresh air and sunshine

9. Breaks and time for self care (it is a myth that the “good mom” is one who always wants to be with her children)

10. A strong and communicative relationship with a co-parent or partner

11. Understanding (and forgiveness) of one’s self, needs, and emotional triggers

12. A willingness to make mistakes 

 

Many of these things are difficult to achieve, I know, and often the way to obtain these things is through reaching out for help.  Which is the final addition to this list.  Moms who are willing to ask for and receive help are usually the ones who have their needs met at a time when a focus on needs can be monopolized by that little being in their arms.  But moms need to be well, too.

Here’s to health…

 

 

 

 

Do You Feel Like Someone is Holding Your Postpartum Depression Against You?

Have you felt as though the people in your life are unable to let go of your Postpartum depression diagnosis?  Do you feel like others don’t treat you as they once did?  If so, come on over to Postpartum Progress and join our discussion…

Making the Choice to Get Pregnant if you Struggle with Severe Mental Illness

These can be hard questions to negotiate for folks.  If you, or someone you know, is thinking through the option of becoming pregnant while struggling with a mental illness like bipolar disorder, this post over at Postpartum Progress is for you.

*Quick answer?  yes, you can…