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Episode 20: Postpartum Expectations vs. Realities
For many families, the expectations for how the postpartum period will unfold is vastly different than the reality. Social media often shows beautiful nurseries, blissful moments with a newborn, and a perfectly well-kept home and family. However, for most families, their reality is vastly different. It’s difficult to remember that social media typically only shows the best moments of someone’s life. What these images fail to show is the postpartum reality for many, including the pile of laundry in the corner, the sink full of dishes, and wearing the same clothes for three days that might be stinky and covered in body fluids. Life at home with a new baby…
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Episode 16: Maternal Mental Health Awareness
May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. This month we direct awareness and recognition to those affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. When discussing maternal health, the conversation tends to focus on postpartum depression. However, mood disorders can happen well before the post-birth period. For some, depression and anxiety may begin during pregnancy. Those with a history of depression and anxiety before pregnancy are at an increased risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Approximately 20% of those who have given birth recently, or 1.3 million individuals each year, will suffer from a postpartum mood disorder, according to Postpartum Progress. In fact, postpartum anxiety may be more common than…
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Episode 12: Postpartum Planning
As you prepare for the birth of your baby, a lot of your focus is on creating a plan for labor and delivery. What is often overlooked is developing a plan for your recovery and transition into life with your new baby. Postpartum planning is the process of assessing your needs and resources during the days and weeks after birth. This process goes far beyond who will be responsible for doing the dishes or walking the dogs. This in-depth process can help growing families turn a time of exhaustion and confusion into a time of nurturing, bonding, and intentional recovery. From meal planning and housekeeping. Prepping your home to facilitate…
