THE FOURTH TRIMESTER: PERSONALIZED POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
While pregnant, you are likely used to tons of attention from family, friends, and the medical community. Unfortunately, the way our society is set up, mothers are often left by the wayside after having a baby, while the little one becomes the focus of attention. The postpartum period is a time of major life transitions - becoming a mom, a changing relationship with your partner and other children, a healing body, and huge emotional shifts. Without the proper support, women are at high risk of postpartum mood disorders. In fact, the United States boasts THE HIGHEST maternal mortality rate of any modernized country in the world. This is not a statistic to be proud of. This is glaring data that our system needs to change.
My 4th Trimester Package is my way of battling this statistic.
FINDING BALANCE IN A BUSY WORLD
Finding balance is about more than just juggling our daily tasks; it’s about making intentional choices to create meaningful moments with the people we care about most. Balance means having time for your family, yourself, your interests, and your work. It involves carving out space to connect deeply with each of your children (and your spouse!). This isn't easy, and it certainly isn’t something I claim to have perfected. However, I’ve learned that it’s incredibly important to strive for.
WHEN BREASTFEEDING ISN’T GOING WELL
Breast milk is the optimal nutrition source for babies. We know this. Despite this being the case, breastfeeding can be difficult for a million different reasons, and many struggle with this alone because they don't know where to turn, or they are embarrassed that they are "failing." There is no failure in breastfeeding or motherhood! The postpartum period is exhausting even if breastfeeding is going well. Throw lactation problems into the mix for parents of a newborn baby and you've got a recipe for overwhelming exhaustion and even postpartum mood disorders. Read on to learn what you can do if you find yourself as a new parent struggling with meeting your feeding goals.
What's it Really Like to Be a First-Time Mom?
Expect the unexpected. This is my best advice going into the experience of being a first time mom. Knowing that things may not look how you picture ahead of time can make a world of difference in how you feel about your new parent journey.
ARE YOU STUCK IN TRIPLE FEEDING PRISON?
Triple feeding can be a complex and exhausting routine. The postpartum period is hard no matter what. When you add on extra steps to already exhausting newborn care, your breastfeeding journey may start to feel untenable. It's essential to have the support of a lactation professional, your pediatrician, and/or a perinatal mental health professional to monitor your progress, provide YOU with support, and make necessary adjustments. They can provide guidance tailored to your unique situation and personal experience, ensuring both you and your baby thrive.
5 Things Everyone Should Know About Postpartum Depression: An Interview with Jake Frankel in Authority Magazine
I recently had an interview with Authority Magazine about Postpartum Depression. Check it out here and share widely.
Navigating the Challenges of Motherhood: Understanding and Overcoming 'Mom Guilt'
Motherhood places an enormous responsibility on your shoulders. You're tasked with nurturing, caring for, and shaping a tiny human being into a well-rounded adult. This journey is fraught with decisions, and often, I am asked by my patients about the "right" way to handle certain situations. It's important to understand that parenting isn't about right or wrong methods; it's more about finding what works best for you and your family. Each family is unique, and so are the solutions to the challenges they face. Let's remember to be gentle with ourselves and understand that self-judgment is often our harshest critic.