1 03, 2015

How to Get Involved with the Postpartum Health Alliance

By |2019-11-18T14:30:40-08:00March 1st, 2015|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health, Postpartum Health Alliance|Tags: , |2 Comments

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 board this year.)

As my grandpa used to say, “Food is very unimportant,” (usually while going for a fourth or fifth helping.) The PHA will host heavy appetizers and there will be drinks available for purchase. I’ve also found the company to be friendly, diverse and interesting.

The Postpartum Health Alliance is a San Diego non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about postpartum emotional disorders and providing support and treatment referrals to women and their families who are struggling with them.

We are a volunteer driven group and help is ALWAYS needed. Here […]

31 10, 2014

Older First Time Moms at Increased Risk of Depression

By |2019-11-18T14:30:57-08:00October 31st, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health|Tags: , , , , , , |0 Comments

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.

older mom and baby from freedigitalphotos.net and hyena reality

The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health reported on the article, which was published last month in a Canadian journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The researchers did not uncover WHY older mothers are at an increased risk for postpartum depression, but they did have two theories. One, they believe it is possible that first time moms over 40 may have more difficultly during pregnancy and a more difficult adjustment to motherhood. Another possibility is that older moms may feel less […]

15 10, 2014

Culture and Language in Therapy with New and Expecting Parents

By |2019-11-18T14:30:57-08:00October 15th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health, Postpartum Health Alliance|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |6 Comments

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 other professionals interested in helping pregnant and postpartum women. As I focus on helping women of childbearing years in my psychotherapy private practice in San Diego, I always look forward to learning more and connecting with other practitioners at the PHA lectures. You can see more posts inspired by the PHA lectures here: Postpartum Couples and the

30 07, 2014

Save the Date: 9/14/14 Natural Family Fair

By |2019-11-18T14:31:00-08:00July 30th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |1 Comment

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 Baby Pros has teamed up with our family’s favorite band, Hullaballo, and Reproductive Wellness to present three events on one occasion.

natural family fair

I am looking forward to sharing with the Natural Family Fair attendees how I can help families trying to conceive, considering having a baby or adjusting to pregnancy. My mental health background gives me a solid expertise in helping adults overcome anxiety and depression and I specialize in the particular challenges […]

29 07, 2014

Postpartum Anxiety is More Common Than Postpartum Depression, But Rarely Screened

By |2019-11-18T14:31:00-08:00July 29th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health|Tags: , , , , , , |2 Comments

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. 1 in 5!

postpartum anxiety is common but we can make it better photo credit: sunset girl via unsplash

 

When suddenly a parent for the first time, there is much to worry about. I remember watching my first baby as a newborn sleep at night, worrying she would stop breathing in the middle of the night. And then there is breastfeeding… is baby getting enough milk? Is she gaining enough weight? Does he […]

17 03, 2014

Postpartum Health Alliance Member Provider

By |2019-11-18T14:31:01-08:00March 17th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health, Postpartum Health Alliance|Tags: , , , |2 Comments

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 I am very proud to have been approved as an official provider, or psychotherapist approved by the Postpartum Health Alliance. And I can now share that the PHA is very careful in screening therapists before recommending them to pregnant and new parents. The PHA provides support and referrals for treatment through their “warmline,” which is staffed by trained volunteers.  The warmline takes messages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be reached at 619-254-0023.

Want to know if you may be at risk for postpartum depression or depression during pregnancy?

3 03, 2014

7 Ways To Find Your Circle of Support When Pregnant and Postpartum

By |2019-11-18T14:31:01-08:00March 3rd, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health|Tags: , , , , , , , |3 Comments

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 pregnant and postpartum

 

 

1. Birth education classes

 

Challenge yourself to strike up a conversation with at least one interesting woman during one of your birth education classes.

2. Consult existing friends who already have kids

 

Parents love to give advice to those following their footsteps!

3. Online support

 

Find a Facebook group of local women going through the same thing. Google+ can be a great place to find communities with common interests. And Babycenter and What to Expect have “birth month clubs” that can be […]

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