The Importance of Maternal Mental Health

Motherhood is often portrayed as a time of joy and fulfillment, but the reality is that it can be a challenging, stressful, and sometimes traumatic experience. One of the biggest challenges that mothers face is maintaining good mental health. In this blog post, I will discuss the importance of maternal mental health, the common mental health issues that mothers face, and strategies for promoting good mental health during and after pregnancy.

Maternal mental health is critical for the well-being of both the mother and her child. Research has shown that maternal depression and anxiety can have negative effects on child development, including cognitive, social, and emotional outcomes. Mothers who struggle with mental health issues may have difficulty bonding with their children, providing adequate care, and responding to their children’s needs. Additionally, maternal mental health can have a significant impact on the physical health of both mother and child, as stress and anxiety can lead to a host of physical health problems.

Common Mental Health Issues in Mothers

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health issues that mothers face. Postpartum depression affects up to 20% of new mothers, and symptoms can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and guilt, as well as difficulty sleeping, eating, and caring for the baby. Postpartum anxiety is also common and can manifest as excessive worry, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. If you experienced anxiety in depression before pregnancy, you are at risk of developing postpartum depression or worsening existing mental disorders.

Other mental health issues that mothers may face include bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. It is essential to recognize that mental health issues can occur at any point during motherhood, from pregnancy to the postpartum period and beyond. Personally, I have experienced postpartum depression but also I had been previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD before having children.

Strategies that worked for me in promoting better maternal mental health

There are several strategies that moms can use to promote good mental health during and after pregnancy. These include:

1. Seeking support: One of the most important things that moms can do is to seek support from family, friends, and healthcare providers. Joining a support group or talking to a therapist can also be helpful.
2. Practicing self-care: Mothers should prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep. It is also important to set aside time for hobbies and other activities that bring joy and relaxation. Self-care isn’t always bath salts and pedicures.
3. Managing stress: Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and yoga, can be helpful in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
4. Building a support network: Moms should work to build a support network of other mothers, as well as friends and family members who can offer practical and emotional support. There needs to be boundaries and confidentiality. Be mindful of who you confide in.
5. Knowing when to seek professional help: It is important to seek professional help if symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues persist or interfere with daily life or if you begin to have thoughts of hurting yourself or others. If you are prescribed meds, take the damn meds and fuck what other people think about it.

In conclusion, maternal mental health is essential and moms should prioritize self-care, seek support from healthcare providers and loved ones, and know when to seek professional help if needed. I know what it is like to not have support, and also what it is like to have amazing support. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Just know that by taking steps to promote good mental health, you can better enjoy the joys of motherhood and provide your child(ren) with the care and support they need to thrive and that in itself is something to be proud of on top of putting yourself first.

I am rooting for ya mama!

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Setting up a home office

A Step-by-Step Guide that will have you ready for your first day in no time!

Working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to Covid destroying everything in its’ path. Today in 2023 more and more companies offer their employees the flexibility to work from anywhere. Some companies however have forced their employees to return back to the office. If you’re one of the many people who are now working from home or interested in working from home, you’ll need to set up a dedicated workspace in your home. Here’s a super easy peasy step-by-step guide on how to do just that:

1. Choose a space. The first step is to choose a space in your home that will be dedicated to your home office. This could be a spare bedroom, a corner of your living room, or even a closet. If you have limited space, you may need to get creative with how you use your space. For example, you could use a writing desk or a corner desk if you are limited in space.
2. Clear out the space. Once you’ve chosen a space, you’ll need to clear it out and make it ready for your home office. This means getting rid of any clutter, furniture, or other items that don’t belong in your office space.
3. Set up your workspace. Once the space is cleared out, you can start setting up your workspace. This includes adding a desk, chair, and any other necessary furniture. You may also want to add some shelves or cabinets to store supplies. Get an affordable ring light because the lighting is important especially if you will be on Zoom and Teams calls frequently. It is also good to invest in a long ethernet cord in case you are required to be docked in or if you have wifi issues. Test out any company-provided and personal equipment ahead of time to avoid disruptions during the first week which is always shitty and hectic.
4. Add some personal touches. Once your workspace is set up, you can start adding some personal touches. This could include adding plants, photos, or other items that make you feel comfortable and productive that are tasteful. Try to avoid distracting items and the rule of thumb you may think something is cool as far as decor, but everyone else may not so opt for blurring your background for video calls.
5. Get organized. One of the most important things you can do to set up a successful home office is to get organized. This means creating a system for storing files and supplies and keeping your workspace tidy. There are many different ways to get organized, so find what works best for you.
6. Set boundaries. It’s important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life when you’re working from home. This means establishing regular work hours and sticking to them as much as possible. It also means not working from your home office on weekends or after hours. Try to have a space that isn’t located in your main living space if possible to avoid being tempted to log on or work later.
7. Take care of yourself. Working from home can be a great way to have more freedom but can also get lonely. However, it’s important to take care of yourself when you’re working from home. This means making sure you take breaks, get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly. It is okay to step away for a moment when things are challenging or you have had to deal with someone unpleasant.

Following these tips will help you set up a successful home office quickly and help you be productive and efficient.

Tips for being a successful WFHM (work-from-home mom)

Being a work-from-home mom can be a rewarding and challenging experience. There are many benefits to working from home, such as the flexibility to set your own hours, the opportunity to spend more time with your family, and the potential to save money on childcare. However, there are also some challenges, such as the need to stay organized and disciplined, the potential for isolation, and the difficulty of maintaining a work-life balance.

If you are considering working from home, there are a few things you can do to make the transition easier. First, it is important to create a dedicated workspace in your home. This will help you stay focused and productive during your work hours. Second, it is important to set clear boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This means establishing regular work hours and sticking to them as much as possible. Third, it is important to find ways to stay connected with other people. This could involve joining a work-from-home mom group, taking online classes, or simply staying in touch with friends and family.

Working from home can be a great way to achieve a work-life balance and spend more time with your family. However, it is important to be prepared for the challenges that come with it. By following these tips, you can make the transition to working from home a success.

Tips for Being a Successful Work-From-Home Mom

1. Create a dedicated workspace. This will help you stay focused and productive during your work hours. Even if you have a small space, you can create a functional workspace by decluttering a corner of your living room or bedroom.
2. Set clear boundaries. This means establishing regular work hours and sticking to them as much as possible. It also means not checking work emails or taking work calls outside of your designated work hours.
3. Find ways to stay connected. This could involve joining a work-from-home mom group, taking online classes, or simply staying in touch with friends and family.
4. Be patient with yourself. It takes time to adjust to working from home. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get everything done right away. Just keep at it and you’ll eventually find your groove.
5. Take breaks. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air.
6. Don’t forget to have fun. Working from home can be a great way to have more flexibility in your schedule have more time for other things, and meet new people from different backgrounds. Don’t forget to enjoy the benefits of working from home even on the bad days, lonely days, and days that you feel like giving up.