Providing Care and Support in a Time That Can Hold Such Polarizing Emotions

Antepartum, pregnancy, and postpartum are seasons often painted with society’s rose-colored glasses. We see images of glowing mothers and perfectly swaddled babies, but for many women, this season is far more complex.

As a mom of nearly two under two and a survivor of both traumatic pregnancy and birth, I know firsthand how challenging this journey can be. I am passionate about opening conversations around the real, often unspoken experiences of pregnancy and postpartum.

The Realities Many Women Face

Many women face infertility struggles, unwanted pregnancies, prenatal depression, medical trauma, or life circumstances that overshadow what is often expected to be a joyful season. The reality is, your experience is uniquely yours, and it doesn’t have to feel positive all the time.

You might feel:

• Excitement and fear at the same time

• Joy mixed with guilt

• Peace followed by waves of sadness or frustration

• Loneliness, even when surrounded by others

Some women have prayed, manifested, or deeply hoped for this season, while others find themselves mourning the life they had or the identity they have known. All of these feelings are valid.

Why Talking About It Matters

There is so much pressure on mothers to be grateful and happy, which can silence the real struggles happening underneath. Open, judgment-free conversation is essential during this season.

As a mental health provider, I am committed to creating a space where you can show up exactly as you are. Whether you are ready to process your birth story, explore your fears, grieve your old identity, or simply say out loud, “This is really hard,” you deserve a space to be seen and heard.

Support Is Available

While medication can be a valuable tool for some, many women benefit from non-pharmacological support, education, and consistent resources throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey. Therapy, somatic practices, mindfulness, and community connection can help you feel supported while honoring the complexity of this season.

Holland Stidham Counseling Intern

Breaking the Silence: Navigating Maternal Mental Health Wellbeing

Maternal Mental Health is a topic not talked about enough and often misunderstood, yet it's a reality that countless women face every day. I have the honor of helping women by understanding, supporting, and empowering them as they navigate the complexities of motherhood. 

I wanted to take this opportunity during Maternal Mental Health Month to discuss this topic further, educate people, and break the stigma. 

First, let me define Maternal Mental Health(MMH): the emotional well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It encompasses a range of mental health symptoms that affect mothers. The range under that MMH umbrella are postpartum depression, anxiety, psychosis, OCD, and PTSD. And Baby Blues, which is commonly used for what a mother is experiencing but tends to minimize it.  

 Here are some common signs to watch for and an excellent time to seek help: 

• Persistent Sadness

• Excessive Worry 

• Difficulty Bonding with the Baby 

• Changes in Sleep or Appetite

• Fatigue or Exhaustion

•  Irritability or Anger

• Intrusive Thoughts or Fears

• Social Withdrawal

• Loss of Interest or Pleasure

Maternal mental health is essential for mothers' and babies' well-being. Untreated issues can affect maternal bonding, infant development, and family dynamics, but seeking help from a healthcare provider specializing in perinatal mental health to get support can help. 

As a therapist, my foremost goal when working with my clients who are mothers is to create a safe and supportive space where they feel understood and validated. I want them to know that they are not alone. Throughout our therapy journey, I help them navigate their thoughts and emotions, teaching techniques to manage intrusive thoughts and regulate their emotions. Grounding exercises and other behavioral strategies become tools they can use daily to cope with challenges. I aim to destigmatize the use of medication for mental health issues, especially during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Drawing from my own experience as a mother who used medication during pregnancy and beyond, I emphasize the importance of informed decision-making. I am very grateful to my healthcare providers, who approach these decisions with empathy and understanding. Thank You! 

I hope we can continue to advocate for breaking the stigma surrounding maternal mental health, encouraging open conversations and acceptance of mental health challenges as a normal part of the motherhood journey with less guilt and shame!

Resources:

• Call or text Postpartum Support International Helpline at 800-944-4773

• Download the Connect App by PSI

• Call or Text 988

• Call or text the Maternal Mental Health Alliance Hotline 833-852-6262

Caitlin Hart LCPC NCC

Don’t let COVID-19 be your Grinch

Holidays are already a time of high stress, then sprinkle in Coronavirus, and we have ourselves a Bad Moms Christmas Special. Christmas 2020 is filled with so much: concerns about family gatherings, stress of package arrivals, financial struggles, family health, and the “normal” high expectations of delivering a perfect Christmas. So with that, this blog is speaking to all parents whose mental health check engine light is on. Here are some tips for enjoying this holiday season no matter what it looks like: 

• Set Boundaries- It is essential to be aware of your limitations and what you are comfortable doing this year. Just because you have done something in the past does not mean you must keep doing it. Let go of guilt because it is a paralyzing emotion. It blocks out the joy you deserve to feel celebrating in your home with your household family the way you feel most comfortable.  

• Be Flexible -  No holiday celebration is perfect and certainly not during COVID. View all the changes as opportunities to be flexible and resilient, create some new traditions. If the package doesn’t arrive in time, breathe in the frustration but let it go. It’s paramount to keep everything in perspective. 

• Ask for Help- You are not alone. These are not ordinary times, how many commercials have played that line. But it is true. Your mental health can only process so much at a time so call a friend and vent. 

• Do Something for You- As always, It is not selfish to take care of yourself first. With a little one glued to your side or breaking up a sibling conflict while having racing thoughts on the stress of the holidays, you need to take some time to relax and be kind to yourself. 

During this holiday season, remember to be present and find happiness in the moments, as different as they may look. Find time to relax, reflect, and recharge. I wish all a happy healthy holiday season. Goodbye 2020 and cheers to 2021 and may it bring good mental health..insert Frasier voice there.

Caitlin Hart LCPC, NCC