I expect you are reading this article because you, or a person close to you, experienced a miscarriage or still birth and you have found out that you are pregnant again. Or maybe you are thinking about getting pregnant again? Getting pregnant after a previous loss can be both challenging and emotionally overwhelming. Women have to balance the grief of their previous loss with the hopes and dreams of a future pregnancy, all the while navigating the typical anxieties and endeavors that accompany any maternal journey. However, with the proper support, understanding, and self-care, pregnancy afte ..read more

Becoming a parent to a newborn in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be emotionally and mentally challenging. The rollercoaster of emotions, fears, and uncertainties accompanying this phase can strain your mental health and cause immense stress. It is essential to prioritize self-care and establish effective strategies for coping with the impact that NICU admission may have on your emotions and mental wellbeing. As you embark on the NICU journey with your newborn, it’s vital to remember that setting aside time to nurture your mental health is not a luxury but a necessity. By implemen ..read more

There has been an increase in awareness about Postpartum Depression in recent years, and a growing awareness of Postpartum Anxiety, but women who experience Postpartum OCD often suffer silently and don’t talk about their experiences because their thoughts are often shrouded in shame and fear of harming their baby. Postpartum Obsessional Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a subset of postpartum anxiety disorders,  and includes a range of intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Unlike general postpartum anxiety, which can manifest as pervasive worrying, postpartum OCD is characterized by obsessive r ..read more

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mental health condition that affects many new mothers after giving birth. With hormones in flux, lack of sleep due to caring for a newborn, and the enormous responsibility that comes with parenthood, it’s not surprising that PPD can be a common occurrence. However, it’s essential to understand the risk factors, recognize the signs, and know where to turn for support to ensure the well-being of both the mother and her loved ones. PPD is experienced by an estimated 15% of women during postpartum, making it essential to address the topic and break the stigma surro ..read more

Pregnancy is a life-changing and transformative journey that brings a mix of emotions, ranging from joy and excitement to sadness and anxiety. As a woman takes the monumental step towards motherhood, it’s not uncommon to experience an overwhelming range of emotions, which may develop into pregnancy anxiety or depression. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available, like Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), that can help expectant and new mothers navigate these emotional challenges and provide essential support during their transition. Today, I am specifically focusing on a type of thera ..read more

The transition to parenthood brings with it a myriad of emotions and experiences, as well as the challenge of balancing the demands of family life with those of our professional careers. When we navigate the new role as a parent, establishing a healthy work-life balance becomes crucial in order to maintain your mental well-being and create a nurturing environment for our growing families. Achieving this equilibrium requires careful planning, open communication, and flexibility as we adjust our routines and expectations. In this blog article, I will explore some simple steps for successfully ma ..read more

Sleep is an often underestimated yet crucial aspect of overall health and well-being, playing a vital role in numerous physiological processes, including cognitive function, emotional regulation, and stress response. For expectant and new mothers, adequate sleep and rest become even more critical. Pregnancy and early motherhood bring about significant physical and emotional changes that can directly impact sleep patterns, potentially exacerbating mental health challenges during this transformative life stage. In this blog article, we will delve into the link between sleep and maternal mental ..read more

Katy remembers a time when she experienced what she now calls ‘mom rage’. “My kids were young – one was a toddler, and the other was an infant. I was sleep-deprived, overwhelmed with the growing list of chores, and felt like I was losing myself in the process. One day, after a long night with the baby, I found my toddler spreading diaper cream all over the baby’s bedroom floor, in her hair and on her clothes. I snapped, screaming at her louder than I ever had. The look of shock on my little one’s face was my wake-up call”. Katy decided to seek help and learned to identify her triggers and man ..read more

A guide on how to comfort and support someone who has experienced a miscarriage, including expressing condolences, offering support, avoiding insensitive remarks, encouraging self-care, and providing ongoing practical help.   Understanding Miscarriage Miscarriage is a profoundly impactful experience that is much more common than people often believe it to be. Statistics indicate that 10-15% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, highlighting how widespread miscarriage is. The emotional and physical toll of miscarriage can be extensive, and women often grapple with feelings of grief, lo ..read more

  Expert Beacon approached me to write an article for them about postpartum depression (PPD) in their 5 Do’s and 5 Don’ts series. I wanted to widen the topic to also include postpartum anxiety and mood disorders that can occur during pregnancy as they are just a common as PPD. and the final article I wrote for them can be either read below or on their website. Visit Expert Beacon and read the full article 5 Dos and Don’ts for the Prevention and Treatment for Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Disorders or read it below. I hope you find it useful! We have this image of a smiling pregnant mom ..read more