By Jennifer Ashdown

May is Peri-natal Depression Awareness Month in California. You might wonder why a mother of a six year old and a 2-1/2 year old is thinking about the baby blues. Well, there two reasons. One is that a goal of mine is to help support other moms and Chicks-n-chickens gives me the opportunity to do this. The other reason is that I was recently going over my medical history with a new doctor and that got me thinking about two of the major milestones in my medical history- the birth of my daughters.

My first pregnancy had it’s moments including a car accident and a post-partum hemmorrhage, but it was my second pregnancy, or maybe the miscarriage in between, that would cause lasting changes in my health. During my second pregnancy I was diagnosed Hypothyroid which is closely linked to depression. It is kind of like a chicken and the egg thing, which came first?

When my first born daughter was an infant I remember feeling isolated, angry that I was not getting enough support with the care for our fussy baby, and boy did I cry a lot. I tried going to a mother’s group but it wasn’t a fit and I felt like I didn’t fit in. Anyone who has ever been depressed can relate. In hindsight I think I would have benefitted from some help. Luckily when my second daughter was an infant things were different. I was so happy not to be pregnant and I got to know my now close friend Darcy. Not only did she offer support, she also taught me how to catch my groove through Lullaby Exercising. The routine and exercises she developed helped me get back in shape, I felt great and my daughters loved it too. We all wanted to Lullaby Exercise and I felt more secure in my bond with both girls.

New babies are stressful, first time mother-hood is stressful. If you think you may have the “Baby Blues” get help. Join a mother’s group, even if you don’t feel like you fit in. I guarantee there are other moms at the meeting who feel just like you do. Catch your groove, Lullaby Exercises is fun and we are real moms who get it! Go for a walk, the sunshine will improve your mood as well. Try to get enough rest, there are no prizes for having the cleanest house. Eat right, you and your baby will benefit. Most importantly talk to your doctor about how you are feeling.

Resources to check out:

About.com

Lullaby Exercises by Chicks-n-chickens, Inc.

Join a “Mother’s Group” in your community

Take a Stroller Strides or Baby Bootcamp Class