Welcome!

Hello and Welcome to my blog. I am glad that you are here.

I am a mom who has experienced Postpartum Depression/Postpartum Mood Disorder/Perinatal Mental Illness. I now advocate for awareness of, support, and stigma removal.

I entitled my blog "It Takes A Village" in reference to the African proverb that is so commonly known. I feel very strongly that we as a society have set very high standards and expectations of new mothers to take care of their children on their own, without support or help after the first week or so.

I think we have it backwards: New Mom's need respite and support whether they are well or not. We need support and encouragement, and someone to relieve us so that we can get some sleep and time to rejuvienate.


My aim with this blog is to bring awareness to the world, and support to other Moms (and Dads) that are going through this experience. I am passionate about reducing stigma as it creates the barrier that keeps women silent and suffering. I want Moms to feel safe enough to share their story and get the support and help they need to get better.


I encourage you, if you believe you may be experiencing more than the "baby blues" to seek out help. You will not be judged or criticized. The goal of all list here on this blog are to support you and help you heal so that you may live the life you dreamed of with your child.


This blog is a work in progress, please check in often to see more updates and new information!


Thursday, September 16, 2010

Freedom: A New Perspective

It has been nine months now since my son was born. My biggest challenge from the beginning until now has been the acceptance of how things have changed in my life. I have been in resistance to change my entire life, but that has not stopped change from happening. It actually seemed to make more change happen!

Growing up I moved almost every single school year to a new town and I hated it. When I finally got out on my own, I stayed put for eleven years. I had control of where I lived then, but change of having a baby is not a change I had any control over.

I love my freedom. My husband and I were together six years before we got married and this year is our 9th wedding anniversary. Our first with a child. That is 14 years together doing whatever we wanted when we wanted. (His life hasn't changed that much, if you know what I mean!) Now, every move I make, I put my son first. Once he's in my husband's arms, I run, and I notice my husband does the same thing. We love our son madly but this is the reality for us. Adjustments are still being made. Resistance is still present.

So, where does my new perspective on freedom come from? Being able to do things WITH my son. Recently we all got bikes and began to go out together pulling Aidan in the trailer. I am not as restricted as I thought I was. There is joy in being with him, and the feeling of freedom comes from the gratitude I have to be blessed with our little golden-haired boy.