Tag Archives: postpartum depression

If You Missed Them: Link Roundup (11/18/12)

Posted on by
Reply
Shenandoah Getaway

This baby carrier supports baby’s legs from bum to back of knee, promoting proper hip and spinal development.

Another roundup of links that first appeared on Williamsburg Mothering’s Facebook page – “LIKE” Williamsburg Mothering on Facebook to get the latest links as soon as they’re up!

  • Seasonality in Postpartum Depression. Mothers who give birth October-December are at highest risk for developing postpartum depression within 6 months of delivery, likely due to changes in brain chemistry that accompany the diminishing sunlight during that dark season. (The safest months to give birth, postpartum-depression wise? April-June.) Mamas and their caregivers, keep a close, kind eye out for PPD symptoms this fall and winter, and know where you can find help for postpartum depression and anxiety locally. Postpartum mood disorder resources in Williamsburg, Hampton Roads, and Richmond are listed here. (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2011 May;204(5):413.e1-6.)
  • Is Erythromycin Eye Ointment Always Necessary for Newborns? Know the evidence, which indicates: “Erythromycin eye ointment can be reasonably declined if the mother is not infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea and if she is in a mutually faithful relationship with an uninfected partner. A baby that is born by C-section does not need erythromycin if the mother’s membranes were intact at the time of surgery.” (Evidence Based Birth)
  • Hip Health in Baby Carriers, Baby Seats, and Other Equipment. Moms often ask about Baby Bjorn-style baby carriers (sometimes called “crotch danglers”) versus other types. While Bjorn-style baby carriers are popular (especially now that they incorporate back support for the wearer), the safest carriers for baby’s hips and spine are those that support baby’s leg from bum to the back of baby’s knee. This article explains more and provides helpful images. (International Hip Dysplasia Institute)

A Resource Guide for Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and PTSD

Posted on by
Reply

Image via UNC Center for Women's Mood Disorders

Announcing a special addition to Williamsburg Mothering’s list of local pregnancy, birth, and mothering resources: a new guide to local sources of support for Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and PTSD!

The guide includes two sections: Essential Reading and Local Resources.

The Essential Reading section provides information on symptoms, diagnosis, proven non-drug treatments (Omega-3 fish oil, exercise, bright light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and others), drug treatments (Paxil, Zoloft, and others), and drug safety while breastfeeding.  If you are experiencing postpartum symptoms, be reassured that you have many ways of helping yourself feel better!

The Local Resources section includes contact information for local therapists and postpartum mood disorder specialists.  Sadly, the nearest PPD specialists seem to be in Richmond, but there are Williamsburg psychologists who may provide support to mothers who cannot travel for specialist help.

The Essential Reading section was compiled by me, but the Local Resources section was compiled by a Williamsburg mother who experienced PPD, did extensive research into local PPD specialists and support, and shared her findings with us all!  Our sincere thanks to her for her hard work, our congratulations on her recovery, and our well-wishes for her continued good health!

Links for Thought (Nov 14-20)

Posted on by
Reply

A weekly roundup of helpful and thought-provoking links for mothers and mothers-to-be!

::  Peaceful Revolution: Motherhood and the $13 Billion Guilt.  A tale of two births — one in a hypothetical, ideal United States, and one in the real United States — illustrating how institutional and workplace barriers prevent so many U.S. women from having a positive breastfeeding experience.  Eye-opening!  (The Huffington Post; Melissa Bartick, MD)

::  Postpartum Support Virginia.  Resources for Virginia mothers with postpartum depression.  Help includes telephone and e-mail support; social support from peer-led groups; and information and suggestions for further reading.  Their message: You are not alone.  You are not to blame.  With help you will be well. (Postpartum Support Virginia)

::  Nighttime Breastfeeding and Maternal Mental Health.  On a related note: growing scientific evidence that for a majority of mothers, nighttime breastfeeding (compared to formula- or mixed-feeding) improves sleep and subsequently lowers risk for depression.  (Science & Sensibility; Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PhD, IBCLC)

::  Beautiful Cervix Project.  Fascinating!  Any woman trying to conceive, thinking about trying to conceive, or simply wanting to better understand her monthly cycle and fertility should explore this site!  It features a photo sequence of a 25-year-old woman’s cervix across her cycle, along with graphs of hormonal changes and basal body temperature, plus descriptions of how her cervical position, opennness (of os), mucous, emotions, and libido vary with the cycle.  Also: additional galleries of women of other ages and vaginal states (pregnant, IUD, postpartum, menopausal).  (Beautiful Cervix Project)

::  How the Stats Really Stack Up: Cosleeping is Twice as Safe.  A worry-banishing article for parents wishing to co-sleep with their babies.  Satisfying for folks who like statistics, too! (Mothering Magazine; Tina Kimmel, MSW, MPH, PhD candidate)

::  Top Ten Reasons You Should Hire A Doula.  Right-on!  You can view a list of local doulas here, at The Williamsburg List!  Most area doulas offer a free initial meeting to provide you an opportunity to discover whether  the two of you are a good match. (Babble)

::  Testing, Testing… A brief, thoughtful perspective on various tests given during pregnancy, with an emphasis on increasing the chances that the tests are truly just offered — not mandated — and that mothers are informed and responsible for deciding which tests are and are not done.  Includes a link to a helpful chart with an overview of common tests and how their outcomes may affect your prenatal care.  (Midwife Thinking)

::  No Sugar: 20 Tips to Curb Sugar Cravings and Kick the Addiction.  Not a maternity article per se, but helpful to moms diagnosed with gestational diabetes and also to moms just wishing to eat less sugar during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  (The Huffington Post; Frank Lipman, MD)