Hope in the Valley: One Mother’s Story of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

A “Warrior Mom” is a woman who has survived a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder who is working hard to take care of her baby while also fighting her own struggle. As part of my blog series on maternal mental health I thought I would ask one amazing warrior mom to share what her experience was like with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. As each person’s struggle and road to recovery with a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder is different, it is both our hope that you will find strength and encouragement in Christ through the telling of Sarah’s story. All ...

Yes, Christian Women Struggle with Postpartum Disorders Too

You are reading the second post in a series on Maternal Mental Health. Read part 1 here. Why am I feeling so angry? How come everything my husband and children do make me so irritated? It’s not like me to scream at my loved ones. Why am I not totally in love with my new baby? I feel so overwhelmed with taking care of my baby, trying to stay on top of laundry and struggling with insomnia. What’s wrong with me? I feel so alone. What am I supposed to do? A Christian woman shouldn’t have these thoughts, right? Have you ever ...

Maternal Mental Health 101

Maternal mental health has come into greater light the past few years as many celebrities have openly shared their experiences with Postpartum Depression (PPD). Some of the most recent to share their experiences include actresses Hayden Panetierre and Tamera Mowry-Housley. As the #1 medical complication related to childbearing, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) are temporary and treatable with the appropriate combination of care. If you or someone you know has or is currently experiencing some form of PMAD, this blog series is for you. I begin with a brief write up on a great introductory webinar, Maternal Mental Health 101, ...

Teaching Kids About Sex and Personal Safety: CCEF Webinar Highlights

This August The Christian Counseling Education Foundation (CCEF) began a new initiative of offering free 1-hour webinars taught by their amazing instructors. I chose to attend the session led by Julie Lowe because I have benefitted much from her articles in the past and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to hear her teach. For many parents, talking with our kids about sex is anxiety producing to say the least. Our parents may not have experienced real talk in their childhoods, let alone “the” talk on the topics of sex and sexuality, leaving many feeling ill equipped to approach the ...

Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full: Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms [Book Review]

Let’s face it; whether you have one child or four, parenthood is hard. Sleepless nights, runny noses, a moody or unruly child, challenges beyond our control (did I mention sleepless nights) make it difficult. We know Scripture says that children are blessing from the Lord, but in the reality of our flesh, in our tired weary states of parenting, “blessed” is not always how we feel or think about our children. Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full: Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms by Gloria Furman is a refreshing take on the challenges, humor and sanctifying moments of motherhood. Composed with ...