Originally posted April 10, 2014. In Part One, we looked at the hormonal-neurotransmitter feedback loops in a woman’s body and how they relate to mood during the menstrual cycle. (the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Cortex Loop and the Ovarian-Hypothalamus-Pituitary Loop) In Part Two, we looked at a woman’s hidden hormonal shifts during pregnancy and birth. Today, we look at the hidden postpartum hormonal shifts. Postpartum and hormonal shifts: A vulnerable time of life

Originally posted April 7, 2014. Relaxation practices are great during pregnancy as perinatal mental health is influenced by the nervous system In Part One, we looked at the hormonal-neurotransmitter feedback loops in a woman’s body and how they relate to mood during the menstrual cycle. (the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Cortex Loop and the Ovarian-Hypothalamus-Pituitary Loop) Today we look at a woman’s hidden hormonal shifts during pregnancy and birth. Pregnancy and ho

Originally posted March 26, 2014. This article originally appeared in Postpartum Progress. Cristi Motto Comes of Motherhood Unadorned are over at Postpartum Progress today talking about past sexual abuse and how it can affect the emotions of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. As I teen, I experienced a date rape. It was a one time incident, but it rocked my mental health in ways I never knew possible. In fact, its the event that brought my chronic mental illness to the surf

Originally posted February 26, 2014. This is a guest post from Jessy Troy, a healthcare activist whom I met on the blogosphere. She ...

Originally posted February 5, 2014. Puff, the magic dragon, Lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist In a land called Honah Lee....

Originally posted February 3, 2014. Pregnancy can be extremely demanding on its own. There are many things to learn about and keep track of, from nutrition to acceptable exercises. Despite this it should be regarded as a joyous occasion. Breast cancer is, of course, equally demanding and a very serious matter. It is important to understand the dangers specifically related to the scenario where these two meet, but also to remember that the joy of recovery and bringing a ne

Originally posted January 22, 2014. What’s the best method of infant feeding? Boy, have I been afraid to dip my toe into this arena! ...

Originally posted January 10, 2014. A recent study about finding a link between postpartum depression and fear of childbirth has been getting a lot of press . The press I read reported the study showed a prevalence of .03% of postpartum depression. I felt like the public was being fed bits and pieces of the study, so I read the whole article and wanted to bring out a few key facts. The researchers, led by lead study author Dr. Sari Raisanen, an epidemiologist and visiting

Originally posted December 2, 2013. My colleague, Dr. Christina G. Hibbert, has been a leader in Maternal Mental Health for many years. From the outside, her life looks kinda like a modern day fairy tale! Before she turned thirty, she married the love of her life, had three children, earned her doctorate, produced her DVD about Postpartum Couples, founded the Arizona Postpartum Wellness Coalition and started her own clinical practice! A dazzling list of accomplishments, es

Originally posted November 18, 2013. Negation of Pregnancy or Denial of Pregnancy: Is it real? I was busy over at Science and Sensibility this week with a guest post as a Perinatal Mental Health contributor. I’ve had a some denial of pregnancy or negation of pregnancy cases in my clinical practice, and I wanted to share the research about this under-studied condition. I thought that this condition only occurred in younger teenage women, but more recent research shows that

Originally posted October 8, 2013. Yup, It’s Me: The Face of Bipolar Today I am humbled to share a guest post from Heidi Koss, LMHCA....

Originally posted July 29, 2013. This is a love letter to all of you hard-working women who fill so many various roles in your family...

Originally posted June 24, 2013. Guest Post: Today I am pleased to have Leighann Adams of Multitasking Mumma guest posting here today. Leighann is a mom and a self-identified Postpartum Depression blogger. She says the Postpartum Depression blogging community helped her a whole lot when she needed information and support. She found blogging to be therapeutic for her; now she gives back to others via blogging and awareness campaigns. Leighann’s post is about her inner pr

Originally posted June 17, 2013. Mom’s voice is perfection to her baby Today I am pleased to have Matt Logan, MA, MT-BC, a board-certified...

Originally posted June 7, 2013. Behind the Scenes Spotlight: Leslie Butterfield, Ph.D. Biography: Leslie Butterfield, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist specializing in pre and perinatal psychology and women’s health. She also works tirelessly in several not-for-profit organizations. She is on the Board of the Prevention and Treatment of Trauma in Childbirth (PaTTCH) and volunteers in various capacities for Postpartum Support International (PSI), including serving as the

Originally posted May 27, 2013. Guest Post! PSI’s Valerie Rudiak! Today I have the honor of hosting a story that looks at postpartum...

Originally posted May 20, 2013. Spring was a great time for Women’s Reproductive Health events in New Jersey. I was fortunate enough to...

Originally posted May 1, 2013. April was a great month for Women’s Reproductive Health events in New Jersey. I was fortunate enough to...

Originally posted April 23, 2013. As a practicing professional counselor, I want to positively share what I’ve noticed over the years...

Originally posted April 21, 2013. An Invitation to YOU! Please Join Us! Postpartum Support International’s 2013 First Maternal Mental...