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 […]

8 02, 2014

Traditional Family Roles Contribute to Maternal Isolation and Depression

By |2019-11-18T14:31:02-08:00February 8th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Maternal Mental Health|Tags: , , , |8 Comments

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.

What’s more, she discusses the risk to maternal mental health in continuing this model. She writes:

“It’s unusual cross-culturally and historically for mothers to go it alone in the isolation of a single-family household while dad goes off to work. It’s very difficult to figure out how to be a mother for the first time, without someone more experienced there to coach you along the way and give you lots of breaks. The isolation and the overwhelm contribute to maternal […]

6 02, 2014

Online Test for Depression During Pregnancy and Up to One Year Postpartum

By |2019-11-18T14:31:02-08:00February 6th, 2014|Categories: Blog, Giveaways/Free Resources, Maternal Mental Health|Tags: , , , , |2 Comments

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 health professional for postpartum depression?

 

postpartum depression

Take this ten question online test* and see. A score of 10 or more (out of 30 possible points) is usually an indication to talk to a professional therapist or doctor.

–> Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale <–

*The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely used, 10 question questionnaire, to help screen for postpartum depression. It can also be used during pregnancy.

–> If you are having thoughts of […]

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