Stigma

stig·ma

/ˈstiɡmə/

noun a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

It’s time to end the stigma of how we define and address perinatal mental health. The time to start openly talking about these disorders begins NOW.

As a postpartum doula I am here to speak to you and help you find the resources you need. Your mental health is a huge part of your postpartum recovery and routine maintenance therapy for mom and dad will only help start these conversations and break down guarded walls. Many women are concealing these feelings due to the stigma others create. Postpartum depression? Anxiety? OCD? Isn’t that when you want to hurt your baby? I’m not depressed I just had a baby and its baby blues. Perinatal mental health has many different layers. It doesn’t always look as "extreme" as the next mom and the comparison of another’s mothers struggle should not identify your own. Are you feeling anxious, down, depressed or isolated? Please reach out and talk to your provider About your options or contact me for local referrals and programs. It’s time we come together to provide you these necessary resources and start the conversation that many need to hear.

You are not alone. You do not love your baby any less.

This too shall pass with the correct education and support. Let’s do this together!

smiles,

Jan