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Are you "beyond the book?"
Are you well-rested?
If the answer is no and your exhaustion stems from a child that is keeping you awake at night, then please know you can easily and quickly stop the madness.
Sometimes your child’s sleep struggles are “beyond the book.” In other words, no amount of research is helping solve the problem and now it’s time to talk to a REAL PERSON so you can explore your sleep struggles and get you and your family where you want to be: well rested!
Sometimes families with 2 or more children are stunned when they can’t “figure out sleep” with their 3, 4th or 5th child. However, the one thing I know is EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT AND NEEDS CUSTOM SUPPORT. For some families that means reaching out for one-on-one support. This is the story of a client who was actually also a Pediatric Chiropractor, who had exhausted all of his professional expertise trying to help his 5th child learn to sleep. These very tenured parents of 4 other children realized they were “beyond the book” and needed that customized sleep support.
Bounce Baby to Sleep
When his family welcomed their 5th child, no one expected she would present the ultimate sleep challenge. Yet, their 6.5 month old daughter required “around the clock” nursing, holding, bouncing, and rocking.
Parents Sleep Deprivation
Each parent was getting no more than 2–3 hours of sleep in a 24 hour cycle, and their lives were endless “tag teaming” as they managed a household of 5 children, plus a thriving Pediatric Chiropractic business. Life was BUSY and life was HARD. And they needed help.They had “tried all-the-things” but could not get any decent reliability in her sleep. Sometimes parents just need a little bit of help and perspective to get things on track. In which case, I always recommend my guide as it really lays it out very simply on what you need to be doing to make sleep better. Download the Free Guide: Guide for Better Bedtime: 5 Reasons Your Child Was Awake Last Night. However, it was totally evident they were indeed “beyond the book” and needed expert one-on-one coaching where I talked and worked with them daily.
Together, we worked through their sleep struggles and now their daughter is sleeping 12 hours a night and takes 3 naps a day…all HAPPILY in her crib. She is an entirely different baby…thriving and blissful!
You can hear this family’s story of how they went from ‘hot mess’ to blissful sleep.
Are you interested in an alternative to cry it out methods?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
The 4 hidden mistakes parents make when sleep training
We're thrilled to share some exciting news with you. Our journey into the world of sleep coaching has reached a new milestone, as we've recently been featured on the prestigious platform, SleepCoaching.com. This incredible opportunity has not only validated our expertise but has also given us a broader platform to reach those seeking better sleep and improved quality of life.
Often parents start sleep training in a very rash, reactionary manner without proper research and planning to create the right circumstances and environment for optional learning. This lack of knowledge and planning often leads to tears on the part of child and parent.
In these circumstances, parents believe they “failed” at sleep training or that their child “will never learn” how to sleep well. However, in reality, these “perceived failures” were actually a culmination of several mistakes that can be easily corrected with the following insight and suggestions.
In this article I explain: The 4 Hidden Sleep Training Mistakes Parents Make and ways to avoid them.
So, stay tuned as we delve deeper into the world of sleep coaching, our collaboration with SleepCoaching.com, and the profound impact quality sleep can have on your overall well-being. Let's embark on this journey together and explore the path to better sleep and a healthier, more rejuvenated life!
Talking To Your Kids About Tragedies
Our hearts are heavy with the recent Israel-Hamas War tragedies. We extend our deepest sympathy to all affected families.
I respect and appreciate Dr. Becky at Good Inside who took the time to create an appropriate conversation starters on how to talk to your kids about the Israel-Hamas War.
Here is her facebook post along with an active link to go directly to the conversation starters and appropriate replies:
As you navigate these tough times, remember that there's no script, no perfect words. What matters most is your love, your support, and your presence. You are doing your best, and that's always enough. Keep showing up for your kids, keep listening, and keep loving them. My intention is to offer resources that can be helpful during complex times.
Fall Time Change 2023
As the leaves start to change color and the air becomes crisper, we welcome the arrival of fall, along with one slightly less welcome change – Daylight Saving Time (DST). This year, on Sunday, November 5th, we'll set our clocks back by one hour, gaining an extra hour of sleep.
While this extra hour of sleep might sound like a dream come true for exhausted parents, it can be a bit more complicated when you have little ones at home. The time change can disrupt your child's sleep routine and leave you facing some early wake-ups or bedtime battles. However, with a little preparation and some gentle sleep coaching techniques, you can help your child adjust to the time change smoothly. As a Gentle Sleep Coach with over 13 years of experience, I'm here to offer you some valuable insights and tips to ensure a restful transition for your family.
When Is Daylight Savings 2023
Sunday, November 5th
Understanding the Impact of Daylight Saving Time on Your Child
Daylight Saving Time affects everyone's internal body clock, including your child's. Young children are especially sensitive to changes in routine and sleep patterns, so it's essential to prepare for the upcoming shift. Here's how DST can impact your child's sleep:
1. Sleep Schedule Disruption: The time change can lead to temporary confusion for your child's internal clock, which may result in changes in their sleep schedule. This could manifest as early wake-ups or difficulty falling asleep at bedtime.
2. Circadian Rhythm Adjustment: Your child's circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep and wake cycles, may take a few days to adjust to the new time. During this period, you might notice changes in their behavior, energy levels, and mood.
3. Naptime Challenges: Daylight Saving Time can also affect your child's daytime naps. If your child is used to napping at specific times, you may need to adjust their nap schedule to accommodate the time change.
Watch My Fall Time Change Tips Video
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Now that you understand the potential challenges, let's explore some gentle sleep coaching strategies to help your child adapt to the fall time change:
1. Gradual Adjustments: Begin making minor adjustments to your child's sleep schedule a few days before the time change. Shift bedtime and wake-up times FORWARD by 15 minutes every day until you've reached the new schedule.
For example, let's pretend your child's normal bedtime is 7:00pm. Shift their bedtime 15 minutes LATER each day. Here is what the change would look like over a 4 day period. It is important to shifts naps and meals by the same 15 minute increments.
Wednesday 7:15pm
Thursday 7:30 pm
Friday 7:45 pm
Saturday 8:00pm
Sunday is FALL BACK DAY TO 7:00 pm (This will be the time after the time change)
2. Maintain a Consistent Routine: Stick to your child's usual bedtime routine to provide a sense of security and predictability. Consistency is key during transitions.
3. Optimize the Sleep Environment: Ensure that your child's sleep environment is conducive to rest. Dim the lights in the evening and keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
4. Natural Light Exposure: Encourage natural light exposure during the day, especially in the morning before 10AM. Daylight helps regulate your child's internal clock.
5. Darkness: Do not expose them to light or food before 6am to avoid cementing early rising behavior. Click here to read my blog on early rising.
5. Be Patient: Understand that it may take a few days or even a week for your child to fully adjust to the new schedule. Be patient and provide comfort as needed during this transition.
6. Know your child’s daily sleep requirements. Children go through many stages of development and with that their daytime sleep goals change and same with night time sleep goals. The Fall Time change is a good time to re-evaluate your child’s age and stage sleep goals. Download the Free Guide: How Much Sleep Does My Child Need?
7. Offer Comfort and Reassurance: If your child has difficulty falling asleep or wakes up earlier than usual, offer comfort and reassurance. Gentle sleep coaching techniques can help them learn to self-soothe and adjust to the changes.
Daylight Saving Time can pose challenges for families, but with the right approach and a gentle touch, you can ensure a smooth transition for your child. If you'd like personalized guidance or have specific questions about helping your child adapt to the time change, don't hesitate to reach out to me. Here's to a restful and rejuvenating fall as we turn the clocks back and embrace the cozy season ahead.
I AM OFFERING FALL SLEEP TUNE UP SESSIONS IF THIS TIME CHANGE CAUSES HAVOC IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD
DO YOU WANT EXPERT SLEEP ADVICE FOR YOUR UNIQUE SITUATION? Please complete this intake form and I will be in touch within 24 hrs to send you the links to schedule ($150 for 30 min)
Are you struggling with your child's sleep?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Wishing your family peaceful nights and joyful mornings in the midst of this seasonal change.
Why won't they just grow out of it?
As a mom, can you remember a time when you were struggling with sleep and were told to "just ride it out, it will get better"?
But the bottom line is you are wondering...Why won't they just grow out of it?
My client Lisa felt this way when her 2nd child was born and they were struggling with the new baby's sleep demands.
"I thought at 12/14 weeks there would have been some progress regarding my child's sleep or that I would see some signs of him "figuring it out" by that point, but there wasn't any progress."
Mom's maternity leave was ending, life was hectic, sleep was broken and this family was not sure how to solve their sleep struggles. Luckily Mom trusted her intuition and went on the recommendation of a friend to reach out to Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching.
Lisa said: "I was at my wit's end trying to keep my family and professional life together. It's very intimidating when you're a person who has a lot of resources and you feel confused on why you can't solve a certain problem. I can remember watching Joanna's client video testimonials on her website and I was in tears because the testimonials made me feel less alone knowing this is a problem that other people have as well and it can be solved by asking for help."
I call my Gentle Sleep Coaching Process "guilt-free" because you can now say to yourself..."Well, I'm not a bad mom because I didn't figure this out on my own. I'm not a bad mom because I've asked for help. I'm not a bad mom because my child needed some additional support to learn their sleep skills."
Self-doubt and the guilt is often what keeps tired moms from taking action to ask for sleep support.
If we can eliminate those two things, we can solve the problem by getting into action.
This family did just that and now they are enjoying the freedom and flexibility after a Total Family Sleep Transformation!
They are enjoying:
Drinks with friends
Attending a wedding guilt-free
More patience
MORE SLEEP
Now a family vacation with the confidence that their child has the skills of sleep!
Lisa wants people to know:
"By doing this Gentle Sleep Coaching process with Joanna, you are giving your child a gift of restorative sleep that's going to transcend into them being a happier child. It made me a better parent because I now have more patience and more understanding for both my kids and also for myself and my husband."
Are you struggling with your child's sleep? Are you interested in an alternative to cry it out methods?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
Must-Read Book Recommendation: "Fair Play" by Eve Rodsky
I have some very important questions to ask you:
How do you determine who does what chores at your house?
Do you have a system?
Are there things that never get done?
Do you wish your partner would pick up the slack?
Have you heard the phrase "mental load"?
Mental load refers to the cognitive and emotional burden associated with managing and organizing various aspects of life, often involving tasks, responsibilities, and decision-making. It encompasses the mental effort required to plan, coordinate, and remember tasks, deadlines, and details related to both household and personal matters.
This concept is often discussed in the context of gender dynamics, as it's been observed that women frequently bear a disproportionate amount of mental load within households and families. This can include responsibilities such as planning meals, organizing schedules, remembering appointments, coordinating childcare, and managing household supplies.
Mental load can lead to feelings of stress, overwhelm, and burnout, as individuals constantly juggle multiple mental tasks, often without clear boundaries or breaks.
Globally, women spend approximately 4.1 hours per day on unpaid care work, compared to about 1.7 hours for men.
(Source: International Labour Organization, "Women at Work: Trends 2016")
In a study, 75% of women reported that managing the household was their responsibility, leading to lower marital satisfaction for both partners.
(Source: Drexler, P. T., & Floyd, K. "Perceived Equity, Marital Satisfaction, and Family Functioning.")
I wanted to share a book recommendation that I believe could make a significant impact on the way we approach household responsibilities and achieve a more balanced and fulfilling family life. The book is called "Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live)" by Eve Rodsky.
In "Fair Play," Eve Rodsky addresses the all-too-familiar issue of unequal distribution of household and family responsibilities within relationships. She introduces a practical system designed to help couples redefine their approach to managing their homes and creating a fair division of labor. Rodsky's approach is akin to running a household like a business, where tasks are assigned based on strengths and preferences, and open communication is key.
The book not only highlights the importance of achieving gender equality at home but also provides a step-by-step guide on how to implement the Fair Play system (who doesn't love real clear actionable steps to make progress)! She uses real-life stories to illustrates how couples have successfully transformed their relationships and created a more balanced and harmonious family dynamic.
To Learn More about Eve Rodsky:
https://www.fairplaylife.com/the-book
If you like the sound of Eve's process, but you can't get started because you are already sleep-deprived and overwhelmed because your child is not sleeping, I can tell you that is a solvable problem. Children between the ages 6 months and 10 years of age have the capability to learn sleep skills to achieve easy bedtimes, peaceful nights, reliable naps and more time for yourself and your partner to work on "fair play" in your household.
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
Maternal Mental Health: Postpartum Anxiety Conversation with Kathryn Tipton, LPC, PMH-C
Bringing a new life into the world is a joyous and transformative experience, but it can also usher in a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges for parents, especially mothers.
As a Gentle Sleep Coach with over 13 years of experience in helping families find their way to restful nights, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact that the postpartum period can have on a family's sleep routines and overall well-being.
Today, I'm honored to present a video interview with a seasoned therapist who specializes in postpartum anxiety, Kathryn Tipton, LPC, PMH-C, Co-Founder of The Houston Center for Valued Living. Together, we'll delve into the topic of postpartum anxiety.
In this interview we go over:
Postpartum Anxiety Disorder
Forms of anxiety such as OCD, PTSD, panic attacks & intrusive thoughts
When are intrusive thoughts problematic
Sneaky ways anxiety can show up in your life
Anxiety Statistics
Ways your life can be disrupted when anxiety is present
When are behaviors considered a disorder
What are the protective things I can do NOW to help reduce my risk of Postpartum Mood Disorders
Postpartum Anxiety Resources
Anxiety can be functional and problematic. Anxiety is a normal emotion like happiness and sadness. It can include bodily sensations like heart racing, sweaty palms, pit in your stomach, shortness of breath, shakiness, nausea, difficulty sleeping and/or tension.
Ways your life can be disrupted when excessive anxiety is present:
Are you having trouble with your relationships?
Are you not able to do things you want to do?
Are you having trouble concentrating?
Are you having disrupted sleep?
Are you having feelings of overwhelm?
How Long Does Postpartum Anxiety Last?
Anxiety can show up pre-conception until 18 months postpartum. Transitions can increase the likelihood of it showing up, such as, weaning or going back to work.
Postpartum anxiety is to not be confused with the "baby blues". In the days after giving birth up, through the first couple of weeks, mother's may experience a transient and mild emotional state with symptoms such as mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. It's important to note that baby blues are different from postpartum depression and/or anxiety, which are more severe and longer-lasting conditions that can appear several months after giving birth. Most mothers are "vulnerable" all the way until the child is 18-24 months, it doesn't have to show up right away.
It's crucial for new mothers to have a support system in place, including family, friends, and healthcare professionals. Talking about their feelings and experiences can be very beneficial.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, anxiety or struggling emotionally after childbirth, reaching out to a healthcare professional is important for a proper evaluation and guidance on managing these feelings.
Postpartum Anxiety Resources
If you think you are experiencing mental health challenges:
OBGYN- you can reach out to your OBGYN for support if you feel comfortable.
Postpartum.net has a warm line that will call or text you back and give you a list of providers in your area that specialize in this field.
Communicate with Dad. Often times Dad's don't know what mom is experiencing but want to help when they do realize it.
Support group for Postpartum- Isolation and shame are driving factors in tanking maternal health and support groups can bridge connection and hope. You can build friendships, commonality, and you can laugh because parenting is HARD.
What are the protective things I can do NOW to help reduce my risk of postpartum mood disorder:
Monitor your physical health- go to the doctor, gets your labs checked. Certain conditions can exacerbate symptoms you have and can put you at risk.
Sleep!- get yourself 5-6 hours of uninterrupted sleep. It reduces your risk of perinatal mood disorder.
Eating on a regular basis- This can have an incredible impact on stabilizing your mood and your blood sugar.
Move your body- get outside, move a bit, stretch your legs.
Time away from your baby- Give Dad or other caregiver opportunities to bond with baby!
Do activities that make you feel like YOU again- See your girlfriends, date night, take a walk, or enjoy some silence!
About Kathryn Tipton
Kathryn Tipton, LPC, PMH-C is a professional counselor and co-founder of The Houston Center for Valued Living.
After obtaining her master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Houston – Clear Lake in 2010, it didn’t take long for Kathryn, along with her classmate Christen Sistrunk, to start envisioning the growth of a group practice. In 2015, they co-founded The Houston Center for Valued Living (“HCFVL”). Together, they established a company with the mission of delivering consistent, high-quality therapy services through therapists possessing diverse and specialized skill sets.
Today, HCFVL offers treatment for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, body focused repetitive behaviors, depression, insomnia, and life transitions. Furthermore, their commitment extends to creating a work environment that offers women flexibility, professional autonomy, and competitive compensation, all aimed at fostering work/life balance.
As a certified perinatal mental health therapist, Kathryn focuses on reproductive mental health concerns like infertility, perinatal depression, anxiety, OCD, and birth trauma. Her therapeutic approach includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD/Trauma, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), and Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD and anxiety disorders.
For state of Texas residents. She offers one-on-one live or virtual/telehealth counseling and 2x a month Postpartum Support Group that is both hybrid so you can join in person or virtually.
Kathryn’s passion to carve out a perinatal speciality started with her own unexpected journey of postpartum depression. Her own experiences highlighted the isolated struggles often experienced for women and men in this stage of life. Kathryn embarked on her journey with the perinatal health community with a vision in mind: to provide support and a sense of community to new moms who may be facing challenges and feeling lost.
Being a mother herself, Kathryn understands the constraints that accompany the arrival of a newborn at home. In her pursuit of enhancing access to support, Kathryn established a no-cost biweekly virtual postpartum peer support group called "Houston Postpartum Peer Support."
Through this initiative, she seeks to cultivate social support networks for mothers in Texas, with the ultimate goal of reducing feelings of isolation and shame. In her professional endeavors, Kathryn is dedicated to enhancing the quality of care accessible to individuals in this life stage. She achieves this by establishing connections with fellow providers, including lactation consultants, infant sleep coaches, physical therapists, and other allied professionals. Through these collaborations, she effectively links her clients with the valuable resources they need.
To connect with Kathryn, contact her at 713-331-5538 ext 2 or at kathryn@hcfvl.com.
To learn more about Kathryn and the Houston Center for Valued Living:
Are you struggling with your child's sleep?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
Sleep is Bliss, Let's Get you more!
Struggling with Postpartum Mood Disorder? New medication can help!
The FDA just approved the first-ever medication that was designed specifically to treat postpartum depression with fast results. Although there is a long way to go in the battle to fully support all Moms, this great milestone is a great milestone for progress with postpartum mood disorders.
In this blog we'll delve into relevant statistics, offering insight into the prevalence of Postpartum Mood Disorders and its correlation with sleep deprivation, backed by credible references.
New Postpartum Medication
Here are some highlights of this new postpartum medication, Zurzuvae (zuranolone):
Oral pill that can swiftly improve depressive symptoms
Taken once a day for two weeks
Resets brain functions related to mood, arousal, behavior and cognition, and helps the brain cope with stress again.
Expected to release late 2023
Read more in the Huffington Post article.
Baby Blues vs Postpartum Mood Disorders
Baby blues, also known as postpartum blues, are common and transient mood changes that many new mothers experience shortly after giving birth. Baby Blues affects up to 80% of new mothers and is considered a normal response to the significant hormonal and emotional adjustments that occur during the postpartum period. It's important to note that baby blues typically occur within the first few days after childbirth and may last up to two weeks. Postpartum Mood Disorders cover the following: depression, anxiety, OCD and other mood disorders start to persist and can be relentless and get worse and last long.
Postpartum Mood Disorders cover the following:
Postpartum Depression (PPD): The most common postpartum mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in daily activities.
Postpartum Anxiety Disorders: A group of anxiety disorders that may occur postpartum, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A subtype of anxiety disorder characterized by distressing, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors or rituals related to the baby's safety or well-being.
Postpartum Panic Disorder: An anxiety disorder marked by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which can involve intense fear and physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.
Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Occurs when a woman experiences distressing or traumatic events during childbirth, leading to symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
Postpartum Bipolar Disorder: A condition where a woman experiences episodes of depression and mania (elevated mood, impulsivity) in the postpartum period, which can disrupt her ability to function.
Postpartum Psychosis: A rare but severe condition marked by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and rapid mood swings, often requiring immediate medical intervention.
Postpartum Adjustment Disorder: A milder form of emotional distress that may include symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and difficulty coping with the challenges of new motherhood.
How Common is Postpartum Mood Disorders
Postpartum Mood Disorders affects around 10-20% of women (American Psychological Association, APA).
Postpartum Depression how long does it last
Postpartum Mood Disorders is a form of clinical depression and anxiety that occurs after childbirth.
Onset of symptoms: PPD typically starts within the first few weeks to months after giving birth. However, for some individuals, it can begin during pregnancy or appear later in the postpartum period up to 3 years after birth.
Duration of symptoms: It's essential for women experiencing PPD to seek help and support from healthcare professionals, therapists, and support groups. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes and help shorten the duration of PPD. It's important to remember that PPD is a treatable condition, and with the right support, most women can recover and return to their normal functioning and well-being.
The Link Between Sleep and Postpartum Mood Disorders
Sleep deprivation is a common issue for new mothers, especially during the early months of their baby's life. The demanding schedule of caring for an infant can lead to disrupted sleep patterns and, in some cases, severe sleep deprivation. Emerging research has shown a clear connection between sleep and postpartum mood disorders.
Sleep Deprivation and Hormonal Changes: During sleep, the body undergoes critical hormonal processes, including the regulation of serotonin and cortisol levels. Disrupted sleep can interfere with these processes, impacting mood regulation and leading to depressive symptoms.
Circadian Rhythm Disruptions: The postpartum period can significantly disrupt a woman's circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. This disruption further exacerbates sleep problems and can contribute to the development of postpartum mood disorders.
Bidirectional Relationship: The relationship between sleep and postpartum depression is bidirectional. While sleep deprivation can contribute to PPD, the presence of depression, anxiety, OCD, etc can also lead to sleep disturbances, creating a vicious cycle that affects a new mother's mental health.
Postpartum Mood Disorders is a serious and prevalent condition that can affect new mothers regardless of cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds. Understanding the significance of sleep in the development of PPD is crucial for early detection and intervention. As society becomes more aware of the challenges faced by new mothers, it is essential to offer comprehensive support systems that encompass mental health care, sleep support, and understanding.
If you or someone you know is experiencing postpartum depression symptoms, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve a mother's well-being and positively impact her baby's development. Together, we can foster a supportive environment for new mothers and contribute to a healthier and happier postpartum experience.
The key take away, if you are not feeling "like yourself", please don't hesitate to ask for help. Here are some resources.
Blue Dot Maternal Health Resources and Overview of Mood Disorders
https://www.thebluedotproject.org/whataremmhdisorders
Postpartum National Support Hotline
https://www.2020mom.org/get-help
GREAT BOOK!!
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: Karen Kleiman
Over 90 percent of new mothers will have scary, intrusive thoughts about their baby and themselves. What if I drop him? What if I snap and hurt my baby? Mothering is so hard. I don't know if I really want to do this anymore. Gosh, I'm so terrible for thinking that! Yet for too many mothers, those thoughts remain secret, hidden away in shame that make you feel even worse. But here's the good news: you CAN feel better!
Author Karen Kleiman, coauthor of the seminal book This Isn't What I Expected and founder of the acclaimed Postpartum Stress Center, comes to the aid of new mothers everywhere with a groundbreaking new source of hope, compassion, and expert help. Good Mothers Have Scary Thoughts is packed with world-class guidance, simple exercises, and nearly 50 stigma-busting cartoons from the viral #speakthesecret campaign that help new moms validate their feelings, share their fears, and start feeling better. Lighthearted yet serious, warm yet not sugary, and perfectly portioned for busy moms with full plates, Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts is the go-to resource for moms, partners, and families everywhere who need help with this difficult period..
Success Stories
Clients have found Sleep Coaching their child has had an incredible impact on supporting Mom and their postpartum depression. Teaching your child the skills of sleep has benefits beyond "just sleep."
Mom had dealt with postpartum depression and anxiety was able support her own recovery while also having the the confidence and peace her children were sleeping well.
Mom felt she was unraveling mentally, physically, and emotionally after the birth of her daughter when her pediatrician referred her to Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching for support.
"Postpartum depression was one of the biggest challenges and I didn't see it coming. I was in that kind of a fog phase of just giving birth the hormones, the whole newness of it all, a newborn and then not sleeping. That's just a recipe for disaster and the depression, it just came on. It was pretty quick. After getting help and sleep coaching, I was able to get sleep and kind of rest. I woke up and I remember feeling like a new person, a completely new woman just because I got some sleep."
As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant, I work closely with sleep-deprived families and many of the Mom have also struggled with Postpartum Mood Disorders. As part of my Gentle Sleep Process, I assess families unique situation, history and goals when co-creating an individualized sleep plan. I want all families to feel supported, with "a village." The end result of my sleep coaching services is feeling good about sleep training AND a great night’s sleep for everyone because getting great sleep for your child creates the momentum and focus you need to feel more like yourself.
Are you struggling with your child's sleep?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
Please join my Sleep is Bliss Tribe in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so we can stay connected and you can continue to get amazing resources on sleep and family wellness.
New Baby is Home, BUT Now, the Toddler Stops Sleeping: What To Do Next?!
This is what sometimes happens after parents arrive home with a new baby:
Life was great with your family unit.
New baby comes home.
Things go haywire.
No one is sleeping.
Life becomes miserable.
This is the story of my clients, Ben and Nina, who were struggling after bringing home their 2nd child. Their 3 yer old son used to be was a "rockstar sleeper", all of a sudden, he started dealing with intense fear of going to bed, not wanting to be alone, needing to co-sleep, panicking at bedtime, screaming, crying, running around, and waking up multiple times in the night. It was an overnight change and got to the point where Mom & Dad were getting a little concerned for his safety because he starting to climb on furniture.
Ben and Nina's pediatrician recommended contacting me at Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching to help solve these sleep struggles. We approached this in a 2 part way. We first had to calm their son's panic and anxiety so that bedtime was no longer "scary," but actually relaxing. Then, we moved onto very gentle sleep training that was anchored in sleep science, behavioral modification and attachment theory. Dad appreciated the science-backed, customized process because they had a plan and each parent knew exactly how to respond their son to make progress each night. My "Hold-My-Hand" Stairway to Sleep Proprietary process lead them to sleep success.
Now, this family is enjoying the benefits of a Total Family Sleep Transformation: Look how many amazing outcomes they experienced beyond just helping their son learn his sleep skills.
Everyone is sleeping- In fact, they loved my sleep coaching process so much that now we are working on sleep training the new baby who is now 6++ months.
Eating better - Lunches are coming back empty!
Better mood- The teachers and parents both notice all around improved attitude!
Potty trained- He is now day and night trained and it is EASY.
Trust and confidence - Their son is happy, he loves bedtime now and there is no more drama, panic, or anxiety.
Fast results- Saw improvements by day 2 and within 3 weeks achieved all their sleep goals for nights and naps.
Ben wants exhausted parents to know:
"Call Joanna!! The thing that blew me away on the first Sleep Strategy call with Joanna was just the insane amount of science behind sleep coaching. Each kid is different and Joanna was able to dissect what is going on in our life and what it means. There is so much meticulous detail that goes into her process that, I can't imagine it being any better with another sleep trainer. Doing it on your own is traumatizing for you. There's a better way! Call Joanna! Do it now and do it early. Don't wait!"
Are you struggling with your child's sleep? Are you interested in an alternative to cry it out methods?
The first step to see if I can help you achieve beautiful, blissful sleep is to schedule a 60 minute ZOOM sleep strategy session. Go to this link and complete the contact me form and I will be in touch within 24 hours with directions on how to schedule your Sleep Strategy Session.
If you are still wondering if I can help, please know I do NOT advocate 'cry-it-out'. I am a Gentle Sleep Coach. If you want to learn about my guilt-free and gentle process, please go to these links.
The Blissful Baby Stairway to Sleep
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