Favorite Blog Posts

• Preparing for a positive postpartum experience after surviving a PMAD Part Two
• Preparing for a positive postpartum experience after surviving a PMAD Part One
• It's okay; I love you.

What advice would you give to moms who are struggling with PPD?

You ARE NOT alone. You will get better; PPD and related disorders are 100% treatable. Reach out for support. Don't just rely on medication alone- take the time and effort to couple meds with therapy- it will help facilitate your healing and recovery. If you and your healthcare provider choose to use a medication-free approach, be sure that you are doing everything you can otherwise to get well...don't drag out the process- it doesn't benefit you or your family to do so. Find a support group, in person or online, and utilize it. There are so many resources now and women who are willing to be there for you. It is a gift and blessing for them to do it, so don't feel guilty about taking their time- feel good about helping them to use their experience for good! Look for small accomplishments and joys daily. It takes a lot of effort to notice the good things at first, but if you train your brain to do that from the beginning you will quickly find yourself doing it naturally. PPD is not your fault and it stinks, but you can and will get better...in the meantime, fight the guilt and fear that will creep in and work to love yourself and your family...you are all worth it!!!

When you're struggling with a physical or mental illness, how do you keep up with all the demands of motherhood?

Self-care is the most important priority when you have a demanding lifestyle like being a mother. Putting yourself first is actually putting your family first because when we are not our best we offer our children less than we potentially can. If you are well-rested, hydrated, eating healthy and balancing childcare and housework with time to yourself everyone wins!

What's a mood booster that helps you get through a bad day?

Yoga is the best outlet and release/natural anxiety treatment for me. It allows me to busy mind my with moving my body into specific and challenging poses so that I do not have the ability to worry or ruminate. It also provides physical exertion, a stress reliever and time for me to intentionally take just for me. To boost my mood, I go outside and let the sun shine on my face, listen to the sounds of nature and breathe in fresh air, hoping to breath in a new attitude.