Live Whole-Hearted
Looking for ways to stay balanced and at your best? Abigail Burd, LCSW, San Diego Psychotherapist blogs here to help new parents, educators and helping professionals help themselves and others.
September 2024
Clinical Hypnosis for Perinatal Mental Health
Hypnosis has a mixed reputation in popular culture. But what about Clinical Hypnosis? How much do you know about it? Recently, my colleague Dr. Kat Kaeni, outgoing president of the board of Postpartum Support International, interviewed me on her popular Mom & Mind Podcast. Her long running podcast (I was [...]
July 2024
Upcoming Training: Novel Approaches for Overcoming Reproductive Trauma
Reproductive Trauma Reproductive trauma is often kept secret, in the shadows. Infant death is a disenfranchised loss that our society doesn’t know how to properly grieve. Although miscarriage and pregnancy loss affect one in four women, we are told to keep it secret, leaving us to feel alone. Worse, those [...]
June 2024
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Inside Out 2 Reflective Questions: Tools for Navigating Emotions and Identity
Imagine being able to peek inside your teenager's mind, where Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and their new friends Embarrassment, Envy and Anxiety battle for control. Disney/Pixar’s 'Inside Out 2"gives us that chance. This downloadable guide features reflective questions inspired by 'Inside Out 2' to deepen discussions on emotions and identity. Remember [...]
April 2024
What is walk and talk (nature) therapy?
Living in a beautiful climate, such as San Diego, I've been taking advantage of the therapeutic benefits of walk and talk therapy sessions. So often we think psychotherapy is just sitting in a dark room. We picture two chairs facing each other (or sitting in front of two separate computer [...]
April 2023
Home/ Work for a Reproductive Psychotherapist
I met my friend Catie through the San Diego birth community. Back when I had my little ones and started my private practice focused on perinatal, or reproductive, mental health, Catie was one of San Diego's most sought after birth photographers. In addition, she was influential in co-leading a local [...]
January 2022
#BlackMomsMatter – Last Chance for the Online Courses
In case you missed it... Janisha Street and I recorded a video course for my online, on-demand school back in 2019. #BlackMomsMatter remains a relevant introduction into the disproportionate impact of perinatal mental illness in the Black and African-American community. More importantly, we cover practical ways to make things better. [...]
November 2020
Please Do Less
One of the more enjoyable topics of 2020 has been “silver linings.” In what unexpected ways are you benefitting from the life changes and disruptions of social distancing? (Not a rhetorical question. Drop it in the comments.) Personally, I am grateful for being able to work from home. I can [...]
October 2020
Giveaway and First Reviews: The Postpartum Depression Workbook
Hello friends. The Postpartum Depression Workbook starts shipping on Tuesday! The process of writing a book becomes very solitary, with many late nights and early mornings working alone. Having spent the pandemic pouring my years of experience into a book, I can't tell you how exciting it is to imagine [...]
September 2020
Announcing “The Postpartum Depression Workbook” – Presales Open Today
It has now been six months since Californians closed schools, stayed home and went remote. No surprise, but I haven't posted a blog update in all that time. Granted, I've had early elementary school learning, canceled summer camps, my own losses/grief, and applying for and starting a new full-time job [...]
February 2020
Relationships After Baby [E-course]
My second online course launched yesterday (Valentine's Day), this time focused on "Relationships After Baby." The course costs less than one session of couples therapy! ($149 as a one time fee, and lifetime access to the self-paced psychoeducational material.) Similar in format to my first course "Prevent Postpartum Depression," the [...]
September 2019
Embrace Motherhood Giveaway, Panel and Launch
I recently shared beautiful photos from our party last month to celebrate the launch of the Prevent Postpartum Depression course. Please visit the Prevent PPD blog to see. I also had the pleasure of participating on a panel on the Fourth Trimester a few weeks ago with my friends at [...]
June 2019
Tips for Preventing Postpartum Depression
I have been sharing a little bit on social media about my latest venture, an online course to prevent postpartum depression and anxiety. I haven't really announced it here yet, but yes, it's live! The beta testing round filled up quickly after I shared on Instagram and Facebook. Happily, preliminary [...]
ColorWalk 2019: Bringing Color Back to Motherhood
Most of you know that I am a mother myself. So I know firsthand how easy it is to focus all of our energy on raising our children. One of my current goals is to start to reclaim some of the color I enjoyed in my life pre-kids. My friends, [...]
May 2019
Forbes Fourth Trimester Article [Press]
Forbes recently asked me what new moms, like Meghan Markle, can expect in the fourth trimester. Other experts, like Harvey Karp, also shared about the physical and emotional changes. I was happy for the opportunity to discuss the social, emotional and mental changes that await many new parents. You can read [...]
February 2019
Preventing Perinatal Depression [TV News Clip]
Here's some big news for perinatal mental health: a national panel just released a report that depression during pregnancy and postpartum can be PREVENTED with evidenced-based counseling. KSWB-TV brought me back for a sixth time to explain. You can watch a clip here. Perinatal depression is a big problem [...]
January 2019
The Fourth Trimester and the Birth of a Mother
My friends at Ergobaby have asked me back tomorrow, Thursday, at noon PST, to talk about the fourth trimester. You can catch our conversation live on Instagram, either @burdtherapy or @ergobaby. We will cover the fourth trimester, what it means to moms, mental health, and self-care. In the meantime, you [...]
October 2018
My New Office (Same Building)
Hi everyone! My San Diego psychotherapy practice has been busy through the summer and the start of the school year. I've moved to electronic charting, which means everything is paperless. Now, when new clients start, we don't have to waste any trees, and they can easily complete questionnaires on a [...]
July 2018
[Video] Postpartum Anxiety and How to Help
In case you missed it, you can catch my conversation about Postpartum Anxiety with Christina Soletti of Ergobaby here. We broadcasted live from their downtown LA headquarters on the Ergobaby Facebook page last week. Christina opened up about her personal experiences with anxiety after her baby was born. She never [...]
March 2018
Giveaway: 180 Reversible Stroller from Ergobaby
Here's something for all the new and expecting parents: a chance to win a brand new 180 Reversible Stroller from Ergobaby. As the name suggests, the 180 switches easily between baby facing the world and baby facing you. Sometimes your kid is inquisitive and wants to see everything, and sometimes they are overstimulated [...]
February 2018
All Teens Should Be Screened for Depression [TV News Clip]
The American Academy of Pediatrics announced this week that all adolescents, ages twelve and up, should universally be screened for depression. Yesterday, KSWB in San Diego had me on the morning news again to break down the recommendations on teen depression. Live tv goes fast, so I had one big [...]
January 2018
Why I’m a Feminist Therapist
I'm coming out as a feminist therapist. But it might not be what you think. I do not have an agenda to push in therapy. At least not mine. I want to hear your voice. Your story. I'm here to empower you. Do you have a desire or agenda you [...]
December 2017
How a Motivational Interviewing Approach to Therapy Can Help You
Hi all! In this dispatch from the Evolution of Psychotherapy, I spent the morning hearing from the founder of Motivational Interviewing, one of my go-to approaches since 2002. I wrote this post to introduce potential clients to a great way to get unstuck and move forward. Blog readers might recognize MI [...]
Sue Johnson, EFT and Dance: Why Couples Therapy is a Tango
Hi all! Another dispatch from the Evolution of Psychotherapy. This time, Sue Johnson shares how attachment science can shape corrective emotional experiences in couples therapy. When she is not training 3,000 people each year in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Sue Johnson is dancing. Specifically, she dances the Argentine tango ten [...]
Helping Couples Recover From Infidelity
Hello everyone! I’m at the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference this week. I'll be sharing some of the best things I’ve learned here. In this post: Infidelity. If you are a therapist or therapy student, I hope you will pick up a few skills. If you are a prospective therapy client [...]
When Holiday Stress Gets You Down, Turn It Around
Sometimes the most wonderful time of the year is anything but. Today, writer Jennifer Scott shares a guest post on how to get through holiday stress and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Ah, the holidays. That delightful time of year when we all put aside our differences and peace on Earth prevails. [...]
November 2017
How to Use Pixar’s Coco to Teach about Death [Cinematherapy Guide]
“The word death is not pronounced in New York, in Paris, in London, because it burns the lips. The Mexican, in contrast, is familiar with death… jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it. It is one of his favorite toys and his most steadfast love." -Octavio Paz [...]
My Concern with Wine Mom Memes
There’s something about the “wine mom” memes and Pinterest posts that have always made me uncomfortable. As an addiction specialist and a postpartum specialist, I have been curious about the intersection for some time. In fact, a recent op-ed on CNN looks at the coinciding rise of the "wine mom" [...]
September 2017
[Giveaway] Carry Baby Close to Your Heart
Win a new Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier New babies take just about everything out of parents. They need to be cared for around the clock. Then how do you manage to do everything else you need to do? I always recommend babywearing. A good baby carrier is much more [...]
June 2017
Mothering the Mother [Video] with Maternal Mental Health Expert Abigail Burd
Today I am excited to share for free the in-depth video "Mothering the Mother" I recorded as part of the More than Milestones video summit. You can watch it on YouTube or below. Many thanks to Wendi of Move Play Grow for asking me to be a part of the [...]
Noisey (Vice) “Asked a Smart Person” (Me) about Sad Music
I love talking to journalists and reporters about mental health. For one, it helps get the word out that YOU ARE NOT ALONE and likely, YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE FEELING THE WAY YOU DO. Most recently, Sammy Maine from Noisey, which is the music side of Vice media, [...]
May 2017
Living a Life Consistent with Your Values (What ARE My Values Again?)
I just finished recording an episode of the Messy Middle Podcast with Maring Higa. Update: the podcast is up now --> find it here. Our conversation got me thinking about values. She asked questions like how do you manage social comparison? How do you find self-worth? How do you find your [...]
13 Links to Help Talk about 13 Reasons Why and Prevent Suicide
The Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" has been in the media plenty. The show depicts a teen suicide. High school and middle school students especially have been engrossed with the show. The show also depicts sexual assault and bullying. Not surprisingly, many find the show triggering. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center, [...]
April 2017
Afraid You’re Doing the Parenting Thing All Wrong? Watch This.
My friend and colleague, Pediatric Physical Therapist Wendi McKenna, is offering More Than Milestones: Understand Your Baby, Nurture Development Confidently, and Raise a Thriving, Happy, Healthy Child … with a Village of Support, a complimentary online training and video summit that brings together more than 20 child development, maternal, and family health [...]
Abigail Burd, LCSW Now Accepts Cigna for Therapy
I am happy to announce that I am now an "in-network" psychotherapist for Cigna. What does this mean for YOU? If you have Cigna for behavioral health insurance, it means that I can now bill Cigna directly for therapy sessions and you only need to pay the copay at [...]
March 2017
What is a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work? (Or why is a BCD a BFD?)
First, an announcement: I am now a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work! What is Board Certification in Clinical Social Work? From the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work: "Board certification at a high level of practice is essential to every healthcare profession—uniquely, it establishes the standards by [...]
February 2017
Abby Burd, LCSW, San Diego Psychotherapist Talks with New Moms March 3rd
Catch Abby in a free speaking engagement on March 3rd. Abby is honored to speak to new moms in San Diego on Friday, March 3rd, at the Maiden to Mother group at Nature's Whisper. Abby is an LCSW and psychotherapist specializing in maternal mental health, which includes postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and adjustment [...]
December 2016
TV News Clip: The “Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act” Passes the House
Update 12/8/16, 9:00am: The bill passed the Senate and Obama is expected to sign within two weeks! KSWB Fox5 San Diego invited me back yesterday to talk about some exciting news in Postpartum Mental Health policy. Last week the US House of Representatives passed the "Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the [...]
November 2016
Post Election Stress
According to a Harris Poll conducted in October on behalf of the American Psychological Association, 52% of American adults reported that this Presidential election was a significant source of stress. Following last Tuesday’s election results and expected significant political change, post-election stress has set in for many Americans, Republicans and [...]
June 2016
Paternal Postpartum Depression [Video Clip – News]
Yesterday Fox 5 San Diego brought me back for a third time to talk about Depression. This time they wanted to hear more about Paternal Postpartum Depression. They were surprised to know that dads and partners are at risk for PPD, too. Many thanks to co-anchor Shally Zomorodi for helping [...]
Postpartum Health Alliance Update
The other night I enjoyed an evening of catching up with the executive board and members of the Postpartum Health Alliance. PHA is a San Diego non-profit that provides resources and support to new families and to the providers and agencies that serve them. The members and volunteers also happen [...]
March 2016
Better Body Image
Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC, of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center, has been a wonderful influence in the lives of many, many San Diego women. She asked me to share some thoughts on how her clients can have better body image, especially after having a baby. In a guest post on her [...]
January 2016
Abby on TV Today Explaining the New Depression Screen Recommendations
The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated their 2009 recommendations on screening adults for depression on 1-26-16. In a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, they detail how ALL adults should routinely be screened for depression, and made particular mention throughout of the importance [...]
Interview on Nutrition Instincts
As I mentioned briefly in my New Year's Newsletter, Lindsay of Nutrition Instincts recently interviewed me about Postpartum Wellness. Lindsay is a sweet individual as well as a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified eating disorder specialist and certified intuitive eating professional. Here is a sample of the interview: "Abby, can you [...]
November 2015
How to Prevent Postpartum Depression
The Ergobaby blog featured a recent article of mine on how to prevent PPD in both moms- and dads-to-be. Please visit the Ergobaby blog to read the full article, including the difference between the "baby blues" and postpartum mental illness, easy steps to include in a postpartum plan, and how [...]
Abigail Burd, LCSW Receives 2015 San Diego Award for Best Psychotherapist
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Abigail Burd, LCSW Receives 2015 San Diego Award San Diego Award Program Honors the Achievement SAN DIEGO November 6, 2015 -- Abigail Burd, LCSW has been selected for the 2015 San Diego Award in the Psychotherapist category by the San Diego Award Program. Each year, [...]
September 2015
Suicide Prevention Outreach for College Students Will Expand with Federal Award
So happy to see local media pick up the story of my department at San Diego City College being awarded a Federal grant for suicide prevention outreach from SAMHSA. I talked to Univision today. It will air at 6 pm today on channel 17 (in Spanish.) The Union-Tribune featured the story [...]
Breathing Underwater: How to Overcome Being Overwhelmed
School is back in session. For me this means my kids are getting back into their morning routines and my part-time work at a local college is at its busiest point of the year. Our new interns are still being trained and the students are pouring in, requesting mental health [...]
Reframing Motherhood: The Photo That Doesn’t Get Posted
New moms don't put sad pictures up on social media. I was honored when Katie Contrera, a graduate student in the Science/Medical Writing program at Johns Hopkins University, reached out to me for a therapist's perspective on Postpartum Depression. Chatting on the phone with her, I loved hearing her passion for reducing [...]
August 2015
What is Adolescent Therapy?
Yesterday we shared about play therapy and how it can help children. Today's post introduces adolescent therapy. No matter what your teen’s behavior looks like, there maybe times when, as a parent, you become concerned and want to seek out help for your child. One of the best ways to do that [...]
What is Play Therapy?
The act of bringing your child into therapy can often be accompanied by guilt and shame of the parent. Thoughts about being able to handle family conflict and problems within the family are common, especially for families who are unfamiliar with the therapeutic process. No matter what your child’s behavior [...]
Preparing to Go Back To School
A note from Abby: My new associate Briana, shares her top tips for preparing kids (and parents) for the start of the school year. Briana Kilian, MFTI, is a registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern (IMF81364), and offers low-cost individual, couples' and family therapy for children, teens, and adults. Please [...]
Big News: Expanding with New Marriage and Family Therapy Intern Briana Kilian!
I'm excited to announce that I have hired a new Marriage and Family Therapy Intern to work in my private practice! I've had the opportunity to work closely with Briana this summer and became impressed with her clinical skills, dedication and reliability. She is also a fun and lovely person [...]
July 2015
4 Ways to Help Kids Understand Emotions with “Inside Out” (Disney/Pixar)
My recent "Inside Out" Study Guide for helping teens and adults understand emotions has been getting positive feedback on Pinterest. Today I'm sharing some ideas for helping younger kids and tweens (grades K-8) use the Disney/Pixar movie to better understand their feelings. 1. An emotion pie chart To be honest, I can't [...]
An “Inside Out” (Disney/Pixar) Study Guide: Understanding Emotions
UPDATE: Activities, art therapy, and questions for helping children (K-8) understand emotions with "Inside Out" is now available (click here.) "Inside Out" by Disney/Pixar is in theaters now. As a therapist, I loved seeing emotions brought to life. I loved seeing concepts such as personality, memory and depression illustrated. I [...]
May 2015
Press: Women Magazine
AWoman'sHealth.com (Women Magazine) recently quoted my article on cell phone use in their look at three reasons to step away from the phone by Maryann Hammers. She writes: You’ll get more out of life When you’re gazing at your phone, you’re missing out on everything else. “[Your phone use] robs [...]
Fox 5 TV Appearance: Preventing Postpartum Depression
Watch Abby talk on the morning news with Fox 5 morning anchor, Shally Zomorodi. It was my privilege to talk a little about postpartum depression in moms and dads and how to prevent it. In case you missed it, watch below:
Chula’s Mission: Helping Girls without Mothers
My daughter and I had a unique opportunity this past Mother's Day weekend. We received an invitation to attend a fundraiser called "Once Upon an Apron" for the non-profit Chula's Mission. The mission of Chula's Mission is mentoring and nurturing motherless girls. They provide free services to girls during the [...]
Important Parking Notice
Attention all clients: there has been an update to the parking policy at my building. Previously, clients of 5252 Balboa were able to park either around the building, or in the Rite-Aid lot. However, Rite-Aid has decided to start restricting their lot to Rite-Aid customers, as of this week. They [...]
Sublimating and Sharing
I am proud of my daughter and of myself. Last week, I saw a flier at my work for a stuffed toy drive in honor of National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4th - May 9th). The toys will be delivered to children who have experienced trauma. When I [...]
Positive Parenting Can Save the World
Helping Society at a Population Level through Positive Parenting: A lecture by Dr. Matt Sanders, founder of Triple P. “The most powerful agents of change are parents.”Tweet I had the privilege of attending a lecture today by Dr. Matt Sanders, the Developer of Triple P, and Professor of Clinical Psychology, [...]
April 2015
May Campaign: Depression and Anxiety are the #1 Complication of Pregnancy and Postpartum
Did you know that depression and anxiety are the number one complication of pregnancy and postpartum? One in seven women suffer from either postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety or both. Symptoms can start either during the pregnancy, after, or last through both. Despite how common mental health symptoms are, many women [...]
Feature on Reach, Connect, Uplift Women
I've had the pleasure of meeting a lot of supportive people online since starting a business. One Southern-California woman with whom I connected, Lany Sullivan, has made it her mission to support and uplift others. She started a website and a community focused on helping other female entrepreneurs. I was completely [...]
March 2015
March is National Social Work Month
The United States commemorates March as Social Work Month every year. It gives social workers the rarely used turn to toot our own horns. Social workers create meaningful positive social change, and improve the lives of individuals, families and communities. This year's theme is "Social Work Paves the Way for Change." [...]
How to Get Involved with the Postpartum Health Alliance
This coming Wednesday the Postpartum Health Alliance is hosting the Annual Meet and Greet at Gordon Biersch in Mission Valley. The happy hour is an opportunity to find out about how to get involved with PHA, chat with current members and meet the 2015 executive board. (Spoiler: Yes, I’m on the [...]
February 2015
Sharing, Mindful Kids through Sportscasting
I took my youngest (now 16 months) to a playdate at a park the other day, which she doesn’t get to do nearly as much as my first baby did. She loved playing with other babies and toddlers and I got to chat with other moms. Sharing toys is always [...]
You Are Beautiful Just the Way You Are
As I started my January/February Newsletter, I began by compiling my best tips for achieving goals and change in the New Year. Sure, I believe it is good advice. But, somehow, it didn’t quite feel right. I kept procrastinating writing, feeling unmotivated. Then it hit me… People may come to [...]
January 2015
How to Make SMART Goals (and How They Differ From Resolutions)
Has anyone broken a New Year’s Resolution yet? I shared recently why I believe New Year’s Resolutions don’t work. I also promised to write about SMART goals. What are SMART goals? Like self-care GRAPES, SMART is an acronym. S = Specific How many people choose broad goals that aren’t specific [...]
3 Reasons Why New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work
Every year we make New Year's Resolutions. And every year most of them are never met. Why is it that New Year's Resolutions don't work? I made one myself a month ago... and it's easier said than done. 1. We have just barely survived the holidays and need a little [...]
Envision the Year You Want – and my free gifts for you
My Gifts To You: 1. Free Yoga To start 2015 off right, I am offering a free yoga class to anyone who books a session with me. I have partnered with several yoga studios around San Diego and North County. Classes available include prenatal, mom and baby, and adult-only classes. Schedule a [...]
December 2014
Why I Want to Look at My Phone Less around My Baby
I have found my New Year's Resolution for 2015. I want to consciously avoid using my cell phone around my young children. Specifically, checking email, social media, and all those other things I do with my smart phone other than talk. My motivation is not fear of radiation. (Although I [...]
November 2014
16 Free Restaurants for Veterans on Veterans Day
Every single day, all day, every day, for days and months on end, military families make incredible sacrifices. The service of our active duty military and veterans forever change their lives and the lives of their families. I am incredibly grateful to veterans and their families. Please help me in [...]
October 2014
Older First Time Moms at Increased Risk of Depression
A recent study showed an increased risk of postpartum depression in women of advanced maternal age. Specifically, first time moms between the ages of 40-44 had statistically higher rates of depression than women ages 30-35. The MGH Center for Women's Mental Health reported on the article, which was published last month [...]
Culture and Language in Therapy with New and Expecting Parents
Recently I attended a lecture sponsored by the Postpartum Health Alliance on “Cultural Considerations when Working with Expecting and New Parents.” The lecturer happened to be an old friend of mine, Dr. Mariela Shibley, Psy.D. She shared with a group of maternal mental health practitioners, First Five home visitors, and [...]
September 2014
A Mother’s Unprocessed Childhood Experiences Can Decrease Her Ability to Respond Appropriately to Her Baby’s Cries
A study released last week¹ in Child Development provides new evidence that a mom's ability to respond appropriately to her baby's cries depends on her level of depression and her own childhood experiences. Image source The healthiest way to respond to an upset baby (quickly, consistently and warmly) was associated with mothers [...]
Win the Ultimate New Parent Prize Pack Worth Over $800
A new carseat, a baby carrier, a wrap and a swaddler: really the only products you need for a new baby. I believe in keeping it simple and being prepared. So I have teamed up with the super sweet folks at Ergobaby and Orbitbaby to offer an amazing package of [...]
August 2014
Social Change on a Policy Level is Needed to Ease Pressures on New Moms and Dads
The American Sociological Association recently released a paper: "Nature and Culture: Lay Accounts of Perinatal Mental Health Disorders." In it, Carrie Wendel-Hummell, a University of Kansas doctoral candidate in sociology, reports that it is not just hormones playing a role, but societal factors. She presented her study on perinatal mental [...]
Some GRAPES a Day Keep the Psychiatrist Away: A Self-Care Checklist
Everyone knows that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. The vitamins and fiber are great for our physical health. But what about our mental health? Is there something simple to keep the psychiatrist away? Why not try some "grapes"? I am not referring literally to the fruit, although [...]
Is Suicide Preventable? Is it 100% Preventable??
Suicide has been in the news a lot this week with the sad passing of Robin Williams. People from all walks of life have been surprised to learn how much the death of an actor has affected them. This week, and perhaps for another week more, the media will talk [...]
Natural Family Fair Ticket Giveaway!
I'm excited to be a vendor at the 5th annual Natural Family Fair. And I'm very excited to have tickets to giveaway. Just for subscribers of my monthly newsletter, I have four tickets to the fair. Not a subscriber, yet? No problem! You can still sign up and enter! (Don't worry, I [...]
July 2014
Save the Date: 9/14/14 Natural Family Fair
I am honored to be accepted as a vendor at this year's Natural Family Fair. I have enjoyed the Natural Baby Fair in years past, but this will be my first year having a table and representing my own therapy services. This year will be the best ever as Natural [...]
Postpartum Anxiety is More Common Than Postpartum Depression, But Rarely Screened
Most people have heard of postpartum depression. With good reason. It affects 1 in 7 new mothers. But what about postpartum anxiety? Most studies document that this "other postpartum" mental health concern is even more common than PPD, with as many as 1 in 5 new moms struggling with postpartum anxiety. [...]
Postpartum Couples: Keeping a Strong Relationship After Baby
The postpartum stage is not just a vulnerable time for mothers, but for couples and their relationships. Baby changes EVERYTHING. The bad news is that relationship satisfaction tanks for over two-thirds of couples after a baby. * Worse, 50% of marriages end in divorce after 7 years. The good news [...]
June 2014
Giveaway: Ergobaby Wrap for Babywearing
I am very excited to host a great giveaway! In partnership with my Baby Birds Farm and Cocina, I am raffling off an Ergobaby Wrap. I believe firsthand in the benefit of keeping baby close and wearing a them in a hug. Babies that are kept close to parents (both moms and [...]
May 2014
Helping Parents Overcome the Trauma of the NICU Experience
Thanks to my association with the Postpartum Health Alliance, I recently attended a lecture by Dr. Krishelle Marc-Aurele, of UC San Diego/Rady Children's Neonatology Division, on "Coping with the NICU experience." Dr. Marc-Aurele is board certified in pediatrics, internal medicine, neonatalogy, and palliative medicine. She has been a Medical Director at [...]
March 2014
Natural Baby Pros
I am lucky to live and work in San Diego, California, where there is a vibrant community for pregnant women and families of babies and young children. Recently I have been networking with Natural Baby Pros. Natural Baby Pros produce an annual event called the Natural Baby Fair and have [...]
Postpartum Health Alliance Member Provider
I am proud to support the Postpartum Health Alliance. The PHA has supported women in San Diego since 1998 by focusing on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Also known as "Maternal Mental Health," Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), which include Postpartum Depression, affect 1 in 8 pregnant and new mothers. And [...]
7 Ways To Find Your Circle of Support When Pregnant and Postpartum
Pregnancy changes many things. One thing you may find is that your old circle of friends no longer understand what you are going through. Just when you need more support. So how can you find or create support when pregnant or a new parent? 7 ways to find your circle of support when [...]
February 2014
Free Yoga Class This Sunday for Parents Who Have Experienced Loss
Once a month, including this Sunday, Nature's Whisper School of Yoga, offers a community yoga class for parents, especially mothers, who have experienced the loss of a baby. This free class is available for mothers who have experienced the loss of a child; offering a place for mother’s to move, [...]
Traditional Family Roles Contribute to Maternal Isolation and Depression
I recently read Julie M. Smith's article on "The Anthropology of Providing and Nurturing." She challenges the notion of a "traditional family" consisting of a father who works and a mother who stays home to nurture the children. As an anthropologist, she examines the roles historically taken by each parent. [...]
Mental Health Starts in the Womb
You take your folic acid up to a year before conception... You take your great-aunt's advice to eat carrots while pregnant so the baby will have good eyesight... But have you thought about your unborn baby's mental health? Relax! I don't mean to pile on more things to worry about. Please [...]
Online Test for Depression During Pregnancy and Up to One Year Postpartum
Pregnancy and the postpartum stage are times of major changes: physically, emotionally, socially, professionally, hormonally.... you get the idea... just about everything is shook up. Anxiety and the blues are common. But when is it more than just baby blues??? When is it time to reach out to a mental [...]