May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month ~ I am so happy to celebrate with all of the moms out there!
Postpartum Support International has started a Blog Hop!! Visit the websites and learn from other moms and experts about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
This year is special for me because of the birth of my son. Becoming a mom was the most overwhelming event of my life. I was filled with so many emotions. My anxiety and worries were racing through my mind day and night (well, mostly at night when I sat in the rocking chair just dwelling). His crying seemed inconsolable, his mood shifted in seconds and I was exhausted! I had an allergic reaction to the pain meds, so I had to stop them ~ which meant I was in a great deal of pain after delivery and coping with new health symptoms while my body flushed the medicine out. How could I possibly care for this little person who had no instructions manual?! Heck, when others were over and he would cry, they would say “Oh here, go to your mommy, she knows what you want.” Um, no, I don’t! But somehow, as if my eyes (well, ears actually) were opened, I started to notice that he had different cries, indicating different needs. As he reached 2 months old, he seemed to calm with my intervention, well, most of the time. And those little successes helped me to build my confidence. And I asked for help, as much help as I could get! I needed to rest and to get out of this house! The more I allowed others to help, the more I could gain strength. And I took it one hour at a time. So, today as he cooed and smiled at me on the changing table I was thankful for each moment with him ~ we have learned a lot about each other so far!
My name is Kathryn Gardner, I am in private practice in Palos Heights, IL as a Family Therapist. I have been in practice since 2001 and working with women on reproductive mental health since 2004. I learn everyday from the women I work with and enjoy what I do. It is my goal for you to feel hope again! www.kathryngardner.com
• If you need immediate help, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• If you are looking for pregnancy or postpartum support and local resources, please call or email us:
Call PSI Warmline (English & Spanish) 1-800-944-4PPD (4773)
Email support@postpartum.net