#RealMotherHood #NoShame #TheBlueDotProject #StigmaFree

Raising awareness April 30th - May 6th, of how motherhood can be different for each woman who takes on the role of motherhood is the goal of The Blue Dot Project, #RealMotherhood #NoShame photo campaign. i shared a photo of me caring for my one of my grandson's to help him develop and not in the postpartum environment. Speaking out on the topic of real motherhood with no shame is past due, no reason we should not be able to routinely have such life experience discussed openly and resources shared.

Motherhood is unique because our hormones are unique to each of us. When do we learn about the chemical changes that childbirth can take our bodies through? When i was growing up, i learned how to sew, cook and care for a house but never a class on motherhood outside of the environment classroom. A woman's hormones factors changes that are sometimes not for seen and can cause shame when not properly addressed aka cared for. In our world where mothers are discharged so fast after having birth, advocating for more conversations that lead to connection of resources and proper care is also past due. Could help prevent teen pregnancy if we had more real motherhood conversations in our homes and communities.

#StigmaFree when you see a mother who may be struggling, like i was at the laundromat last week with three of my grands, and they where a bit wild until an older woman got the remote control and turned to the cartoon channel. All three of my grands sat in the chairs and enjoyed watching Arthur go to Africa. i thanked the woman and she said i know how things can be, glad to help!! No judgement with the assistance is what #StigmaFree is all about.

Maternal Mental Health Month: Let’s Talk About It!

by Alisa Fulvio on April 30, 2018 in Health and Fitness, Mental Health, Mom-to-Mom

What Are Maternal Mental Health Disorders?

Maternal Mental Health Disorders include Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Bipolar Disorder, Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PPTSD), and Psychosis. The most common of these disorders are Depression and Anxiety. 

The Reality

Believe it or not, mental health disorders are the #1 complication of childbirth. Yes, you read that correct. Maternal Mental Health Disorders are the number one complication of childbirth! Statistics report that 1 in 7 moms will suffer from a Perinatal Maternal Mental Health Disorder. For women of color, that number rises even more. And it’s not just moms that are affected by mental health disorders. The whole family can feel it’s impact.

What Causes It?

Maternal Mental Health Disorders can be caused by a combination of psychological, genetic and social stressors which put a mother at risk for developing a mental health concern.

The Issue

Of all the women who develop a maternal mental health disorder only 15% will receive treatment. Despite the alarming numbers of women affected, these disorders are not commonly or universally screened for. And even when mothers are screened, not all women are honest about how they are really feeling due to shame and/or stigma around mental health. There is that pressure to make it seem like we “have it all together.” Bottom line: moms are suffering in silence. 

If you are in Philadelphia you can connect with #HealthMindsPhilly for resources. If outside of Philadelphia please visit Postpartum Support International to find resources close to you. Perinatal Mental Health Professional is a great group on facebook if you would like to connect with a professional in your area.