You do not need to suffer

If you do not like the way you are feeling and are wondering if you are too anxious or too depressed, it is important to seek help. Moms often think it is supposed to be hard, but that is not the same as suffering. There is a lot of help out there and it is important to find the right help. Social media is NOT the place to start. Try asking friends and health care providers until you find the right fit. No mother or father should ever have to suffer through parenting.

Mid-Winter Blues

As Winter drags on, it can feel hard to motivate to get out of the house. While some hibernation at home can be nice, it is still important to get out to see people and enjoy some sunshine on those cold sunny days. Brooklyn Bridge Parents can be a good resource when looking for stuff to do as a family. Here is a list of options for the month of February.

Talking to Healthcare Providers

If you are pregnant, it’s important to pay attention to your body and talk to your healthcare provider about anything that doesn’t feel right. Remember that you know your body best and it is important to not ignore something that is feeling unusual. With so many doctor appointments, it can feel hard to remember questions you want to ask. Write things down in between appointments so you feel prepared. Visits with the pediatrician can also feel distracting with the baby there. Take notes so you can review the information afterward. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you didn’t understand. Make sure your concerns are being heard.

Holiday Season

Navigating this time of year as a new mom can feel especially hard if the holiday season tends to bring on added stress. It is important to manage expectations if this is a first holiday as a mother. Learn to say no so you can really think about what makes sense for you and your baby during this time. It may mean less guests, less present shopping, less cooking, but also asking for help in ways that make it feel festive without being stressful. May all my new moms find some joy and happiness in this new year.

Talking to Children About War

For those of you with elementary age children, it is important to think about how your children may be taking in some of the news right now with war breaking out in the Middle East. Here are some tips from the American Psychological Association for how to talk to them and help them feel safer and more secure.

New Medication for Postpartum Depression

Last month the FDA approved the first oral medication treatment for postpartum depression. The medication is taken for 2 weeks to target specifically the impact of postpartum depression symptoms. Here is more information from the FDA news release.

Postpartum Depression in the News

There was an article this week in the NY Times on How to Treat Postpartum Depression. It describes the benefit of therapy and medication. There is a new medication that has come out specifically for postpartum depression. We are finally seeing funding and research going to maternal mental health which is a step in the right direction for something that has historically gotten very little attention.