Embracing the journey of motherhood can be an exciting yet anxiety-ridden experience for many expectant and new mothers. With the welfare of their baby at the forefront of their concerns, it’s natural for new parents to worry about potential health risks and complications. Health anxiety about the baby, both during pregnancy and postpartum, can become a significant challenge, impacting the mental well-being of the mother and her overall experience in navigating motherhood. In this article, I explore the concept of health anxiety surrounding a baby’s well-being, discuss how it can manifest du ..read more

Postpartum anxiety, like other maternal mental health issues, can have far-reaching effects not just on new moms but on their families as well. When partners are knowledgeable and ready to offer support, they can significantly impact the emotional well-being of the entire family unit. I am dedicated to raising awareness, offering prevention methods, and providing guidance for the treatment of postpartum anxiety and other maternal mental health issues. In this article, I am going to focus on understanding postpartum anxiety and the crucial role partners can play in helping moms cope with this ..read more

Are you frequently caught in a loop of negative thoughts? Do you find yourself constantly dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about what might happen in the future? If so, you might be struggling with rumination. Rumination, which can also be called “Overthinking” is a common maladaptive thinking pattern that can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. It’s important to understand the signs of rumination and learn effective strategies to break this cycle and move forward. This blog will discuss various approaches and techniques to help you stop ruminating and move ..read more

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized, evidence-based therapy technique that has been shown to effectively treat anxiety, depression, eating disorders and trauma. It also works well to help manage stress and insomnia and physical issues such as migraine, IBS and chronic pain. CBT is very user-friendly and focuses on identifying and challenging the unhelpful negative thoughts and beliefs we have that are keeping us stuck emotionally. Cognitive = thought and Behavior = the things we do, typically subconsciously, that keep us trapped in unhelpful patterns. By understanding t ..read more

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 aft ..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 impleme ..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 ..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 sur ..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 the ..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 ..read more