Dark Winter Days

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is triggered by the changing seasons and reduced light exposure. We are slowly starting to warm up here in NY but it has been a long cold winter so far and we are just starting to have some longer days. Even if you do not have SAD, we can all benefit from some more sunshine. Even though it is cold, try to get outside during the day while the sun is still shining. For those suffering with SAD it is also worth considering a light box to start light therapy.

IV Ketamine for Postpartum Depression

I recently attended an event by Ember Health around the use of IV Ketamine infusions for postpartum depression. I was able to hear from a former patient who had success after her first treatment. It is an interesting alternative to more traditional medications used. There is more to learn about this treatment but it seems they are getting some good results from the research they have done so far.

Mom and Mind podcast

Mom and Mind podcast is hosted by a psychologist, Dr. Katayune Kaeni, who has both personal and professional experience in perinatal mental health. Her podcast features both personal stories and experts on the topic.

Mom and Mind Podcast

Benefits and Safety of Acetaminophen

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) President Dr. Stephen J.  Fleishman states that:  

“In more than two decades of research on the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy, not a single reputable study has successfully concluded that the use of acetaminophen in any trimester of pregnancy causes neurodevelopmental disorders in children.”

ACOG has also published FAQs on acetaminophen; read them HERE.  

Back-to-School

Fall means back to school for many children and with this can bring some anxiety. Often this goes away after a few days of getting used to the new routine but good to be aware of when to reach out for more help and things you can do as a parent to help with the transition. This article from The Child Mind Institute has some useful tools to consider.

Hotline

There is a National Maternal Mental Health Hotline available 24/7. This is a good resource to be aware of for anyone in need. It is free and confidential.

1-833-TLC-MAMA

text or call

Hold Me Tight

I recently completed an externship training in Emotionally Focused Therapy to better apply the model when working with couples. If weekly couples therapy doesn’t feel like the right fit, there are also workshops to help gain new understandings in your relationship. Utilizing the EFT model, Hold Me Tight workshops help couples understand and develop new patterns of communication.