Recent Articles
Overcoming Overwhelm
Recently, I found myself in San Antonio due to a family emergency. One practice that has been incredibly helpful during this time is a meditation technique called SEE: Separate, Embrace, Evaluate. I'd like to share this with you, hoping it might bring you some comfort and clarity as it has for me.
When Joy is Overshadowed: Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a formidable opponent, but with the right support and resources, it is one that you can overcome. By acknowledging your feelings, seeking help, and embracing the support of loved ones, you can start to reclaim the joy that belongs to you and your journey through motherhood.
A New Way to Navigate the Contradictions of New Motherhood
Motherhood is full of unknowns. It's a constant juggle, from figuring out feeding and sleep schedules to balancing family and work life. Dialectical thinking allows us to explore these uncertainties with a more open and adaptable mindset. It's about understanding that sometimes there's no single 'right' answer, and that's perfectly fine.
Bonding Takes Time: Understanding A Feeling of Disconnection in Pregnancy
The uncertainty of what lies ahead is a significant factor for first-time mothers. The human brain is wired to generate a certain feeling of tension and even some nervousness when facing that is unknown to us, and pregnancy epitomizes a profound leap into new experiences. It’s natural for this uncertainty to affect the bonding process as you’re preparing for a life-changing event without a clear roadmap.
Healing Through Baby Blues: Although common, the emotional toll can't be ignored.
It's completely normal to feel the baby blues after giving birth. In fact, Johns Hopkins University reports that about 85% of new moms go through this emotional rollercoaster. It's easy to brush these feelings aside as just part of the journey, thinking they don't really need attention or support. But here's the thing: even the so-called "normal" baby blues can significantly affect those precious early weeks with your newborn.
Embracing The Unknown: A Journey Of Growth, Curiosity, and Connection
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth as you delve into the empowering message of embracing the unknown. This article highlights the significance of curiosity, encouraging you to step outside your comfort zone and explore new horizons. Uncover the transformative power of challenging assumptions and embracing life's unexpected turns. Keywords: embracing the unknown, curiosity, personal growth, overcoming fear, self-discovery, challenging assumptions, new experiences
An Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol, And How It Pertains To You
Recently, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine released its protocol for “Managing Nighttime Breastfeeding in Young Infants”. Here at Leva, we are firm believers in supporting mothers, and evidence-based practice. So, what does this lengthy protocol say, and how does it apply to you?
What Parents Need To Know About Twin Fascination
As interpersonal and transpersonal issues have come into the mind’s eye of social and clinical psychologists and psychoanalysts, twin attachment has become a way of understanding balanced and unbalanced / harmony and disharmony in day to day relationships between twins, siblings and other intimate persons.
Reimagining Infant Feeding: Prioritizing Maternal Mental Health as the Path to Success
The traditional "breast is best" message has been harmful to many mothers who struggle to breastfeed. The "fed is best" philosophy, on the other hand, recognizes that every mother's journey is unique and that feeding decisions should prioritize both the mother and child's overall health and well-being.
Women Supporting Women
Countless women around the world face unthinkable horrors on a daily basis. They fight to keep their freedom in the face of devastating challenges. You can just click on any news channel and witness stories of gender bias, shameful neglect, and horrific abuse. What is even more frightening is just how many women in my vicinity still suffer in silence.
We all need as much support from our “sisters” who know and understand the depth of our struggles.
Breastfeeding and Mental Health
If you've experienced anxiety or depression in the past, you may have learned coping skills and be better prepared for dealing with postpartum depression. Unfortunately, sometimes mothers who have never experienced anxiety or depression find themselves in the depths of postpartum depression when their babies arrive. It has been found that up to 80% of women experience "baby blues" postpartum.