Check out my Guest Blog Post

Roaming about the internet the other evening, I found a really cool blog – Hilltown Families.

I submitted my blog for consideration under their Parenting Blogs section and much to my surprise (and delight) was asked to write an entry about PTSD & my experience with having another baby after Postpartum Depression. (ahah! Now I know why she’s been on this PTSD kick you’re saying to yourselves!)

Here’s the link to my guest entry. Check out the rest of the blog/site as well. It’s family friendly and awesome!

Daily Perinatal Mood Disorders Fact: PPND

Did you know that PMD’s aren’t just limited to women?

Yup, Dads can suffer too – it’s not a commonly know fact and there’s even more isolation for Dads who have problems.

PSI has recently added Dr. Will Courtenay to their field of volunteers – he serves as the Fathers w/Depression Coordinator. (Watch for an interview with Dr. Courtenay coming in June!)

If you know a Dad having issues with the postpartum period and is exhibiting signs of depression please Click Here for information about PPND. (Paternal Postnatal Depression)

The Little Things

This morning for breakfast, I had a muffin delivered and unwrapped by a three foot tall princess in a beautiful purple gown. That muffin was the best muffin I’ve ever eaten!

I am so blessed to be able to appreciate the little things each and every day in spite of all that is going on.

Speaking of everything that’s been going on, Chris has achieved 30 days of sobriety. Today marks day 31. He has been going to two meetings a week now and we have been doing devotionals and praying together each night. We have no secrets from each other and frankly, I’m relieved everything is out in the open which I know is one of the reasons I am doing so well with everything.

I bought Chris a cross necklace for his 30 day mark. I’m so proud of him.

Two new studies about Postpartum Traumatic Disorder

I wanted to share these with you. I am participating in both and if you or someone you know would be willing to share with these researchers, please take the opportunity to do so. Thank you!

 

Subsequent Childbirth after Previous Birth Trauma
In order to help clinicians provide better care to mothers who are having a subsequent childbirth after suffering through a previous traumatic birth, Cheryl Beck (Professor at the University of Connecticut) and Sue Watson (chairperson of TABS) are now conducting a research study on this topic. Women who have had another child after having experienced birth trauma are invited to participate in this research study. Just like Professor Beck’s previous studies on birth trauma and PTSD after childbirth, this study will be conducted over the Internet. Mothers will be asked to describe their experiences during pregnancy, and labor and delivery after having suffered a previous traumatic childbirth. If you are interested in participating in this research or wish to find out more about this study, please contact Professor Cheryl Beck directly at the University of Connecticut.

Investigating women’s memories of childbirth
Have you given birth recently, or suffered from a traumatic childbirth experience? If so, can you spare a few minutes to help with the following on-line questionnaire: Rachel Harris is undertaking the research study at Sussex University with the help of Dr Susan Ayers who has undertaken a great deal of the leading research into PTSD in the UK. The current study is investigating women’s memories of childbirth, to try to better understand what makes some birth experiences traumatic. These research studies are contributing enormously to our understanding of birth trauma so your help is really appreciated.