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!


Sunday, October 31, 2010

A Day for Reflection

Happy Halloween!
Crisp fall air greets me as I open my front door. My nose is brushed with it, turning it rosey. I breathe it in and say thank-you to nature for being there to renew me. I am alive, I am well, and I am grateful.
It is snowing. The first fall of the year. The wet flakes twirl and spin and then melt away, a counter of time; one flake is one second of life, here and then gone.
I used to be a person who hated the cold, but now I embrace it as it somehow makes me feel more alive.
     It wasn't so last December; when my son was born. I have come a long way since then.


Aidan will  be 11 months, in 11 days, on November 11th of this year.  Eleven months of healing, of growing, of learning.

OMEGA 3'S NEEDED FOR HEALTHY BRAIN/HORMONE FUNCTION

"Omega-3s are known to be particularly crucial constituents of the outer membrane of brain cells. It is through the fat-rich cell membrane that all nerve signals must pass—think of it as a kind of gatekeeper of the mind.



In addition, as learning and memory forge new connections between nerve cells, new membranes must be formed to sheathe them. All brain cell membranes continuously need to refresh themselves with a new supply of fatty acids. A growing amount of research suggests that the omega-3s are best suited for optimal brain function.


Yet, here is one of the central ironies of the American diet: While consuming too much fat overall and too much saturated fat, many North Americans fail to consume enough omega-3s."

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200402/brain-mighty-omega-3s