Health & Wellness
Hi friend. I love you. I may not know you personally, but I’m taking time to write this because I see you, I’m with you, I love you, and I’m here to offer support that I hope will be of value.
There’s no easy way to experience or discuss such large and hard topics. Give yourself grace, space, and time. The emergency has already happened, and while your body is likely still in a state of emergency, you and your children have T-I-M-E to process. There’s no rush to address every thought, fear, or worry today, however here are some things to support you through this time:
You Don’t Have to Hide Your Sadness
You can be sad and stable. In a time of such instability, stability will be one of you and your children’s greatest needs. Finding stability means facing your sadness. Many of us were taught to hide our sadness, you don’t have to hide it; you have to manage it.
You can show your stability by saying things like, “Yes, I’m sad right now. This was a sad thing that happened. I’m going
What is an On-the-Move Sleep Bag?
As your toddler grows, so do their sleep needs. Traditional sleep solutions might no longer provide the same comfort and convenience they did during infancy. That’s where Ergobaby’s On-the-Move Sleep Bag comes in—a versatile solution that serves as both a sleeping sack and a romper for your active toddler. Designed for comfort, mobility, and convenience, this product makes it easy for toddlers to transition from sleep to play, offering the best of both worlds.What makes this toddler sleep sack unique?
- Dual Functionality: The On-the-Move Sleep Bag stands out because it’s more than just a sleep sack for toddlers. It’s a 2-in-1 product that works as a traditional sleep sack with legs for bedtime, but also converts into a romper, perfect for playtime. This unique design ensures your toddler stays comfortable while sleeping and active while playing, making it one of the best sleep sacks for toddlers who are constantly on the move.
- Convertible Design:
When we think of postpartum depression (PPD), images of new mothers grappling with mood swings and anxiety may come to mind. However, this mental health challenge does not discriminate by gender—dads can and do suffer from paternal postpartum depression too. In this blog, we are going to shed light on the overlooked struggle of dads facing PPD, offering support and understanding to help break the harmful stigmas associated with men's mental health.
Understanding Postpartum Depression in Dads
Postpartum depression in dads, often referred to as paternal postpartum depression (PPD), can occur due to hormonal changes, psychological stress, and lifestyle adjustments following the arrival of a new baby. Unlike mothers, whose PPD is often connected to hormonal shifts during and after pregnancy, fathers' depression is more likely linked to external stress factors such as changes in their relationship, financial pressures, and lack of sleep.
Why Postpartum Depression and Fathers Often Goes Unrecognized
The arrival of a new baby is often portrayed as an unendingly joyous time, but the reality for many parents can be far more complex. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that casts a shadow over this transformative life stage, affecting a significant number of new parents each year. Recognizing the postpartum depression signs, understanding its symptoms, seeking appropriate treatment, and knowing where to find help are critical steps in the journey towards recovery.
Postpartum Depression Definition
Postpartum depression is a severe, debilitating condition that can occur after the birth of a child. It's characterized by profound feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness that last for two weeks or more, significantly interfering with a parent's ability to function daily. Unlike the mild and short-lived "baby blues," PPD requires professional intervention and support.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
The symptoms of postpartum depression can vary widely among individuals but
Dr. Raquel Martin is an experienced licensed clinical psychologist, devoted professor, acclaimed researcher and scientist who believes deeply in the power of Black mental wealth – an affirming, lifelong journey that encourages Black people to center mental health practices as integral and intentionally linked to success and wellbeing.
Dr. Martin is on a mission to radically reimagine Black possibility by promoting Black mental health as key to legacy-building and longevity for generations to come.
As a mom, partner, mentor, and a Black woman navigating racism, gender bias and oppression, she embraces the importance of protecting mental health. Dr. Martin is publicly transparent with her own experiences and vulnerabilities because she knows that “healing in public helps those who need to heal in private.”
I got to chat with Dr. Raquel over zoom, and let me tell you, I could've talked with her for hours. As a mother of two young girls (7 and 4) who struggles with anxiety and depression, it'sIt’s not uncommon for expecting parents to consider (ruminate over, perseverate on, agitate in…?) how their identity will fare when “me” becomes “we.”
At LUMO we’ve had thousands of conversations with clients about this very topic. And, while we can’t promise we’ve heard it all, we’ve definitely been privy to quite a mélange. We’ve heard: “I’m going to stay exactly the same. People have been having babies for thousands of years. It’s fine.”
“I see my friends with kids and they’re so ensconced. They’re not even the same person. Will that happen to me?”
“I’m worried that parenting is going to be so demanding that I won’t have enough energy for work and I’ll lose my professional footing.”
In short, many new parents worry that their managers, family members, coworkers, friends with kids, friends without kids… basically everyone will see and treat them differently. That feels scary. Another concern that emerges for people in partnerships is that their dynamic with their partner will change
- Reduces the incidence of c-sections
- May shorten the length of labor
- Reduces epidural and analgesic requests
- Increases breastfeeding initiation and continuation
- Increases mother’s satisfaction of birth experience
- Can reduce the incidence of postpartum mood disorders
- Increases new parents’ confidence in the care of their newborn