ML Interest Tag: mood-swings

Can Seed Cycling Help Imbalanced Hormones?

By Amy Beckley

Photo: Seed Cycling via Healthline

Editor’s note: Any medical advice presented here is expressly the views of the writer and Red Tricycle cannot verify any claims made. Please consult with your healthcare provider about what works best for you.

Are you in tune with your hormones? Sure—maybe you know what they are and that you have them. Many women even have more in-depth knowledge about how hormones impact their cycles and fertility. But did you know that hormones can affect everything from your skin, hair, and mood to sleep quality, sex drive, weight, and general wellness? That’s a lot of important things!

All the more reason why you should want to maintain a healthy hormone balance. However, our hormones don’t always play nice. If you experience heavy or irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, irritability, breast tenderness, or just generally feel off, you may have a hormone imbalance. 

For many women with hormone imbalances, PMS, or PCOS, seed cycling can help balance hormone levels and can also potentially reduce symptoms. Seed cycling is a natural and healthy way to help balance hormones!  

Before you go buying up all the seeds, you need to know that while seed cycling isn’t harmful, it’s important to understand your hormone levels before attempting to treat imbalances. The last thing you want to do is make an existing hormone imbalance worse! Luckily, there are plenty of at-home hormone testing options available to give you insight into your cycle. Of course, if you have specific questions or are looking for where to start, I recommend consulting your doctor.

What is seed cycling?

Seed cycling involves eating certain types of seeds during certain phases of your menstrual cycle to promote a hormone balance. In a typical menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise during the first half of the cycle (the follicular phase) and progesterone levels rise during the second half of the cycle (the luteal phase). Promoting the production of these key hormones during their respective phases leads to a healthy hormone balance.

When seed cycling, you’ll want to track your menstrual cycle so you know which phase you’re in and which hormone you should be boosting. The next step is adding the seeds!

During the follicular phase, estrogen is the star. For days 1-14 of your cycle (for those new to cycle days, day one is the first day you have your period), you’ll eat 1-2 tablespoons each of raw flax and pumpkin seeds per day. These seeds, which contain lignans and zinc, naturally support estrogen production.

After day 14, progesterone takes over for the luteal phase. On day 15 of the cycle, or after ovulation day, you’ll want to make the switch to 1-2 tablespoons each of raw sunflower and sesame seeds per day. These seeds promote progesterone production, thanks to their zinc and vitamin E contents. 

You’ll continue eating sunflower and sesame seeds daily through day 28 of your cycle—the last day before your period. Once Aunt Flo is in town, you can break out the flax and pumpkin seeds once again.

I’ve found that seed cycling works best when the seeds are raw and freshly ground, as it’s easier for your body to absorb the nutrients. If you’re wondering what the heck to eat seeds with, here are a few options:

  • Seed-based energy bites 

  • Fresh seed butter (sunflower butter is a fave!)

  • Seed-based granola

  • Sprinkling seeds on a salad or mixing them into salad dressing

  • Blending seeds into smoothies

  • Topping other dished with seeds, such as chia pudding, oatmeal, or yogurt parfaits

I’ve had low progesterone throughout adulthood, which caused my infertility challenges and continued to make for unpleasant periods, headaches, and low energy each cycle. I started seed cycling as a natural way to help my body naturally balance hormone levels and I’m a huge fan! Since starting, I’ve noticed fewer headaches, shorter and lighter periods, longer luteal phases, and overall increased mood and energy levels. I recommend it to all my friends!

It can take about three months for you to see the benefits of seed cycling. I recommend keeping a journal to keep track of your symptoms through the cycle so you can look back to see impacts over time. As always, if you have any concerns it’s best to consult your doctor. Happy cycling!

 

I'm Amy Beckley. After my experiences with pregnancy loss and IVF I used my PhD in Pharmacology to create MFB Fertility, Inc. and invented the Proov test in my basement, which now allows women to confirm successful ovulation by tracking PdG in 5 minutes, at home. I want to empower women.

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The Top 10 Ways to Make a Pregnant Woman Angry

By Jamie Johnson

I had my first day of this pregnancy where I completely and totally lost it this week. Pretty much everything that happened made me mad or made me want to cry. When I realized how ridiculous I was being, I decided I needed to write about it. That’s logical, right? Ha!

Really it was because I know all you other pregnant women have felt the same way. And sometimes it’s nice to share the irrational crazy that happens while forming a child in your womb. And by irrational crazy, I mean, I know I am acting like a complete and total lunatic but I could care less.

Disclaimer: Before my first pregnancy, I had no idea the mood swings that came with pregnancy. I really thought women were embellishing their stories. Then it happened. I apologize to any woman that I ever said was overreacting. And I now understand if you wanted to punch me.

So here is a list of some of the easiest ways to make a pregnant woman angry, sad, pissed off, extremely emotional and/or full of rage.

1. Get her fast food order wrong. How dare you short me a chicken nugget AND forget my honey mustard! If I wasn’t in a hurry, I would march straight up in that Wendy’s and raise hell. Or cry and really scare the s**t out of the poor teenager at the cash register.

2. Tell her how to parent her toddler. Yes, I know my toddler should be wearing a coat. No s**t. But after trying to wrestle it onto him this morning I just gave up. I fight my battles and outerwear wasn’t on the list this morning. Lucky for you, I won the pants battle.

3. Tell her that she looks much further along in her pregnancy than she is. Yes, I promise I am only 18 weeks. And yes, I am POSITIVE it’s not twins. I am growing a human in my uterus. Give it a shot and try to look trim and fit while doing it.

4. Ask her why she isn’t wearing her wedding or engagement ring. Maybe because my fingers resemble those Vienna Sausages that come out of a can and they were cutting off the circulation. I can promise, I didn’t want to take them off but I would rather go without jewelry than lose an appendage.

5. Ask her how many times she has been to the taco bar in the last hour. I LOVE TACOS AND SO DOES MY BABY! Stop harassing me. I need sustenance.

6. Not do something that she asks you to do immediately after she asks. I know this is extremely irrational but my bossy reaches a new level of crazy while pregnant. When I ask someone to look at an email when they get a chance, I really mean to look at it now and I was trying to be polite and ask nicely.

7. Drink her favorite alcoholic beverage in front of her and talk about how good it tastes.  That is just mean. Yes, I miss drinking beer and wine. It is much harder to handle a two-year-old’s temper tantrum without the crutch of alcohol. Stop judging.

8. Tell her that she is overreacting. She knows she is overreacting. But she doesn’t care. And nothing will change her mind. Just agree with her and move on with your life.

9. Tell her the name she picked for her child reminds you of your ex-stepmom’s vet’s receptionist that went to prison for money laundering. And no, I don’t need to see her mugshot.

10. Touch her belly without asking. Where are your manners people? Hands off! Just because there is a baby in there doesn’t mean you can touch! I’m going to start rubbing people’s stomachs after they eat a large burrito and see how it makes them feel.

So there you go. The top ten ways to make a pregnant woman want to punch you in the face. So please, avoid doing these things at all costs. You can thank me later.

Until next time,

Jamie

This post originally appeared on Hashtag MomFail.

I am a full time working mom with two little boys, Henry and Simon. I write about real life and real life gets messy. Contributor for Motherly, HuffPost Parents, Scary Mommy, Today Parents, Love What Matters and Her View From Home. 

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Don’t Ignore These Signs of Postpartum Depression

By Sarah Daren

Welcoming a new baby is a happy occasion—but the aftermath of giving birth can be unexpectedly challenging, especially when problems like postpartum depression occur. Postpartum depression is a serious issue in the United States. The condition affects 10% to 20% of new mothers and often new mom feel ashamed of experiencing postpartum depression.

Some feel the stigma associated with the condition or feel that they’re failing their child. For this reason, many mothers hide their symptoms and suffer far longer than they should. Or, they just don’t know that what they’re experiencing is postpartum depression.

It’s not always possible to prevent the condition, but studies show that a longer maternity leave reduces the risk for postpartum depression. It’s possible that moms returning to work too quickly can lead to feelings of guilt and other negative self-talk about leaving their baby in the care of someone else, combined with the stress of balancing a new baby and the demands of the workplace.

Becoming a mother initiates a huge shift in a woman’s life and sense of identity. Normal routines change, priorities are different, and lack of sleep can cause many new parents to experience mental health challenges. With all the emotions and challenges involved with raising a newborn, it’s no wonder some women find themselves experiencing depression, despite the joy of a new child.

And while many women experience temporary “baby blues” after giving birth, this typically subsides quickly. A smaller percentage of moms develop postpartum depression, which can last for much longer and be much more intense. Whether you’re a new mom, a concerned partner, or a friend or family member, it’s important to keep an eye out for the almost invisible signs of postpartum depression.

Coping With Postpartum Depression

To cope with postpartum depression, it’s crucial to know what to look for. Many women dismiss or hide their symptoms, and their partners and family members may not know what to look for. What’s more, many of the symptoms of postpartum depression are nearly invisible, as they mimic many of the difficulties new parents face naturally.

According to Dr. Mariea Snell, assistant director of the online doctor of nursing practice program at Maryville University, it is very normal to have a change in your mood just after having a baby.  

“The concern comes in when after about 2-3 weeks these feelings don’t change or get worse. Some red flags for postpartum depression are: feeling uninterested in activities that you normally enjoyed, being tearful, feeling guilt, expressing fear of being a bad mother, having difficulty with making decisions and change in eating and sleeping patterns.”

Classic symptoms of postpartum depression are sadness, hopelessness, feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, issues with self-esteem, and trouble connecting or bonding with the baby. New moms may have anxiety or cry frequently, withdrawing from loved ones.

Women with postpartum depression may also face severe exhaustion and difficulty sleeping. As many new parents are sleep-deprived, it can be hard to determine whether depression or middle-of-the-night baby needs are to blame.

Moms who are struggling with postpartum depression may be feeling hopeless, but there are ways to cope with the problem. Lifest‌yle changes, including getting more exercise, cutting down on caffeine, and practicing meditation are just some of the ways to reduce postpartum depression. If these modifications don’t work, antidepressants may be the best option.

Women should never feel ashamed about seeking treatment for postpartum depression. It’s time to break down the stigma. By taking care of their own needs, new moms will not only feel better, but they’ll be able to better enjoy their baby’s first years.

Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

Several factors can increase a new mother’s risk of developing postpartum depression. Not surprisingly, a history of anxiety and depression is a risk factor. Unbalanced hormone levels also play a role in postpartum mental health. New moms and mothers with babies who have health problems or are very fussy are also more likely to develop postpartum depression, as are women who do not have a strong support system and feel isolated from other adults.

Many of these risk factors can be mitigated by a caring and attentive partner or the support of friends and family members. Women need to feel like they’re not alone and they need time to take care of themselves and have a break.

More Than Baby Blues

Postpartum depression is much more serious than the “baby blues” many women get soon after giving birth. Mood swings, crying, anxiety, and other symptoms are short-lived during the baby blues and usually last only a few days or weeks.

“If these symptoms do not get better or get worse around the 3-6 week point it could be time to consult with a provider. Telehealth can be a great way to connect with someone. You can get advice or care without having to disrupt your schedule,” says Dr. Snell.

Everyone needs to contribute to making sure a woman feels supported postpartum. Even simple gestures that allow new moms to eat healthfully or take a shower contribute positively to her mental health and well-being. Postpartum depression is a serious issue, and it’s crucial to recognize and cope with it.

Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach. 

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6 Ways to Help a Friend through Postpartum Depression

By Give InKind

Photo: via Unsplash

For those who have never had a baby, it’s difficult to imagine the emotional (and physical) rollercoaster associated with growing a person, giving birth to them, and caring for them as a helpless infant. Yes, people do it every day, (and have for some time), but many underestimate the difficulties and unexpected side effects that can occur from having a child. One of the most invisible, yet devastating side effects is postpartum depression, and as a new mom’s friend or loved one, there’s a lot you can do to help.

What is Postpartum Depression?

While “Baby Blues” are universally common for a short time after giving birth, Postpartum Depression is something more severe and typically more lasting, often requiring treatment. One in seven people who give birth experience postpartum depression.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms Include:

  • Depressed mood or severe mood swings
  • Difficulty bonding with your baby
  • Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
  • Intense irritability and anger
  • Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
  • Hopelessness
  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms Can Also Include:

  • Excessive crying
  • Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
  • Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
  • Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
  • Fear that you’re not a good mother
  • Restlessness

If you think your friend, family member, or loved one is experiencing postpartum depression, here are some ways you can support them.

1. Help Her Coordinate Her Community: While everyone offers “to help” after a new baby is born, it is often overwhelming to ask after a few sleepless nights, when life becomes a blur of caring for the baby and dealing with postpartum depression. Visit with your friend and help her set up a system of care through a service like Give InKind so she can schedule and ask for the exact kind of help she needs.

2. Announce You’re Going on a “Store Run”: Tell her you’re going to the store this afternoon, or tomorrow morning, and ask her what kinds of diapers she wants you to pick up (as well as any formula, wipes, clothing, etc). Have her be specific, and make a list.

3. Plan a Weekly “Helping Hands” Visit: If your friend is open to weekly help, let your friend know that you’ll be there to help clean, talk, cook, etc. every Wednesday at noon (or pick a day that works for both of you), for the next 8 weeks (or however long you can). During this time, do whatever it is that she needs help with; laundry, dishes, changing the baby, babysitting while she gets out of the house for an hour. Whatever it is, be consistent, and supportive. If you live in another state, consider purchasing a gift card for a house cleaning service to visit weekly.

4. Help Her Find a Babysitter: Mama needs a break now and then, and not everyone has someone else at home to watch the baby if she needs a night off. Help your friend get some time to herself now and then by helping her find a qualified local babysitter.

5. Help Her Find a Support Network: Talking with other parents who have just gone through birth and are in the pangs of late-night feedings and 24/7 baby care can be helpful and therapeutic.

6. Offer to Help Your Friend Find a Therapist in Her Network: Taking some of the research off of your friend’s plate can be helpful if your friend is open to therapy. Resources like Psychology Today have contact information of therapists in every state, and let you sort by therapist specialty, insurance provider, etc.

Should They See a Doctor?

Postpartum Depression (and Postpartum Psychosis) are very real and should be monitored and taken seriously for the health of parents and babies and other family members. There is no shame in getting help if you need it.

If a parent’s symptoms are getting worse, or if the symptoms don’t go away after two weeks, an appointment should be made with their doctor. If the parent finds it hard to complete everyday tasks, or care for their baby, or themselves, they should see their doctor. If they are having thoughts of harming themselves or the baby, get help right away.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available for those who need it, at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

Support Your Friend

Your friend may be reclusive and withdrawn at this time, but check in on them, and help them get the support, love, and care they need as they work through postpartum depression and, hopefully, into a better mental state.

How Give InKind Can Help

Give InKind is an intelligent social support platform that helps friends and family coordinate tangible, financial, and emotional support for those who need it. Everyone goes through major life events, and everyone needs a little help sometimes. From the birth of a baby to loss of a family member, to medical crisis and disasters, people need more than just money and lasagna. Every individual or family in need is different. Give InKind helps people coordinate help with things like dinner dropoffs, walking the dog, picking kids up from school, buying groceries, and watering plants. Give InKind lets givers provide or send specific services or assistance that helps those they care about focus on what matters. Article contributed by Jennifer Jacobson for Give InKind.

This post originally appeared on Give InKind.

Give InKind is an intelligent social support platform that helps friends and family coordinate tangible, financial, and emotional support for those who need it. Our custom Care Calendar + Wishlist + Fundraising in one free tool is making support simple. From new babies to cancer support, Give InKind.

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5 Ways That Helped My Child with Autism Sleep Better

By Annabelle Short

While I was pregnant, most of my friends would say, “Enjoy your sleeping nights while you can,” as a parental rule I would learn soon. But, turns out, they didn’t know what they were saying, and neither did I. It was not until my autistic daughter started to have trouble to sleep that I would know what sleep deprivation truly meant.

Unlike other kids that might just have a couple of rough nights, my daughter was struggling every night. We had a hard time trying to put her to sleep, she would fight us, throw tantrums, get agitated, and leave the bed a few hours later. I couldn’t tell if making her sleep the first time was worse than making her go back to sleep in the middle of the night.

A few years after the autism diagnose and a lot of research and tests, I have found a few things that help us through the day and especially at bedtime. It is well-known what sleep deprivation can do to a person’s life, and we could clearly see it on our daughter (and on ourselves!). She would have drastic mood swings during the day, frequent meltdowns, and a hard time at school. As a parent, we would do anything to see that our child wouldn’t suffer, and I can tell we have tried almost everything!

Here are the five things that have helped us so far:

1. Establish a daily routine, including bedtime: This is one of the first things we’ve learned about autism. Routine is reassuring for kids, and especially for those within the spectrum. I created a daily schedule for her and turned it into a visual timetable in our kitchen, where she can look anytime. It took us some months of training, but with time she got used to it. I can tell she is less stressed about when she has to eat, take a shower or sleep because she knows what is expected of her.

2. Explain what sleep is, in a visual manner: I used some comics to show her the importance of sleep and explained to her what it was about. At first, it felt like she was not paying attention, but I was later surprised by seeing she was putting one of her toys to “sleep.” I recommend picking up Carol Gray’s books that help children picture and gather information about everyday tasks. 

3. Reduce the teeth grinding: The first night I notice she was clenching her jaw, I got worried. Her pediatrician would later explain to me that this is a very common situation for children and adults with ASD. I took her to the dentist for a check-up, and they recommended for her to use a night mouth guard. At first, I didn’t like the idea, I thought that even having a fitted one would be uncomfortable to use during the night and she wouldn’t keep it. So, I tried everything. Relaxation techniques, stretching massages, avoid some types of food, and so on. Although some of these activities helped a little, I finally gave up and decided we should have a mouth guard. We introduced it slowly in the routine, and we can tell the difference by now.

4. Reduce stimulation slowly before bedtime: When it’s close to going to bed, I usually start by slowing reducing everything that might agitate her. It usually takes me one hour before bedtime after dinner. We turn off the TV, (although my husband sometimes sneaks to our bedroom to watch a game on mute), reduce any house noises and lights. I usually make her a calming massage for about five minutes or read a part of her favorite book. She gets to pick what she prefers on the day. This is a task that requires the entire family to be on board, but it is way better than having another five hours trying to calm her down enough to fall asleep.

5. Provide extra comfort with weighted blankets: Weighted blankets are amazing! I have mentioned this in another post, about getting and staying asleep, but it is worth repeating. The soft weight makes her calm and comfy, even helping when she is having a meltdown crisis. Before we acquired the first one, it would take longer to make her stay in bed to sleep, and she would probably wander around the house during the night. Specialists say weighted blankets promote a Deep Pressure Therapy (DTP), recommended for reducing anxiety and stress.

Every kid is different, and it took us a long time to find the best ways to cope with sleeping issues. I also started a sleeping diary, which helped me a lot into noticing positive and negative factors influencing her sleeping pattern. I hope these tips might also help you find the right ones for your child.

I'm Annabelle Short, a writer and seamstress of more than five years. I love making crafts with my two children, Leo (age 9) and Michelle (age 11). I split my time between London and Los Angeles and write for Wunderlabel. 

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The One Thing I Won’t Give Up During My Pregnancy

By Deepali Jamwal

When it comes to dancing during pregnancy, there’s often a ton of mixed opinions. My opinion is – don’t stop! It’s not hurting your pregnancy. And if anything, you’re celebrating your body and taking control of your image. That’s not negligence, but a revolutionary act of claiming your fitness, your body, and your passion.   

I mean, honestly, there’s so little you can control when you’re pregnant (including your mood swings) that at least you can feel like you’re doing your best to stay healthy and happy. I am sitting at 34 weeks today and my hips are numb from rolling side to side trying to find a comfortable position to sleep. My feet have swollen to the point where I can’t wear any of my shoes except my house slippers. My lungs are compressed thanks to my growing uterus pushing against it, and I can’t take five steps without running out of breath. And oh! Don’t even get me started on morning sickness and midnight cramps. I hear of these women who have had these sublime, serene pregnancies, and envy grows deep in my chest – or maybe that is heartburn from last night’s dinner still (I’m not sure!).  It is such a hard burden to bear, when you feel trapped in your own house or job and must limit all of your activities because you are not sure when the next wave of nausea will strike. So, the least you can do for yourself is anything that’ll keep you happy.  

The one thing that has kept me sane for the past 34 weeks is, that’s right: Dance! It brings immense happiness to me. I’m blessed to be surrounded by a very loving and encouraging community who understands the positive effects that dance has had on my pregnancy and they couldn’t have been more supportive. However, every now and then I come across a few people who like to pass their judgment and troll me for “not being responsible” or for “potentially harming my baby.” 

I’m breaking all the myths surrounding ‘dancing through pregnancy’. Dancing (or staying physically active) is great, in fact, recommended during pregnancy. And even better, researchers say that it has multiple benefits including (but not limited to):  

  • easing common pregnancy-related problems like backache, posture issues, and constipation
  • increases the supply of oxygen in you and your child 
  • helps you handle the strain of giving birth
  • strengthens your cardiovascular system, making you feel fitter and more resilient
  • prevents blood clots and varicose veins
  • improves the quality of your sleep
  • reduces your risk of gestational diabetes

For me, the main benefit of dancing through pregnancy is – I’d be lost without it. I like to believe that I haven’t had any mood swings so far (you should ignore my husband if he tries to tell you otherwise), and I credit that to dancing. The estrogens that are being released while dancing, certainly seem to be working for me. And if I’m happy, the world around me is happy and that makes this a happy pregnancy. Otherwise, how would you explain this – with my swollen ankles and weight unevenly distributed, scratching an itch at ankle level is a feat of flexibility. However, as soon as the music goes on, my mobility is restored, and doing knee drops is no biggy. I forget about the constant joint aches and nausea is far from my mind.  

Gone are those days when pregnancy was often treated as a condition that should be greeted with as little activity as possible. Dancing through pregnancy is not a taboo anymore. As long as you have clearance from your doctor, you shouldn’t fear to slid into a pair of stilettos and twerk away the medicalized bias that views active pregnant bodies as unorthodox. Okay, maybe I went too far! Fitting into stilettos is going to be at least an hour-long hustle in itself. But you get my point!       

Growing a baby is such an amazing thing our bodies do, but I don’t see it as a time to sit back, relax and eat. In fact, the whole, ‘eating for two’ theory is a myth! But that’s a topic for another day. Studies have shown that staying fit during pregnancy can help you have a more comfortable pregnancy. And who wouldn’t want that right? Certainly not the people who’re trolling you. You should ignore the ignorant minds and do what makes you happy. Thankfully the strong community at fittamama.com  understands the need to stay fit during pregnancy and have the most comfortable clothes that feel custom made for you, giving that perfect support to your bump. Also, they’re super cute! Do check out their collection.   

Check out my series of ‘dancing through pregnancy’ on the Live2DanceSeattle Youtube channel.  And while many people believe that dancing with a baby bump must be very different, honestly, if you are dancing already, the growth of your belly is so slow (remind me to tell you how I feel like I’ve been pregnant for a year) that it doesn’t feel very different. Just keep it up! Your body will tell you when something is becoming too much, so always listen.  

Finance graduate, MBA in Marketing, Project Manager by profession, dancer by choice, mom to a gorgeous boy, and blogger to keep that funny bone alive. My blog is an attempt to find a humorous side to parenting and other stuff. Expect to read and laugh over parenting, dance, travel, and life in general

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How to Overcome These 7 New Mom Challenges

By Samardeep Sood

Being a mother is a blissful experience, and sometimes daunting! If you are a new inexperienced mother, life becomes thrilling cum challenging.

The good part, these challenges will help you learn a lot at the same time. A new mommy is usually overprotective and goes an extra mile to ensure the best for her kid. Maybe, that is why mothers are always deeply attached with their kids and cannot let anyone throw shade on them.

Are you a new mother? I understand, how you are being up all night and still going through the day, ensuring that your baby sleeps in peace. Worry not, here are some tips to make your motherhood more ecstatic.

Given below are the 7 problems that every new mother faces and some tips of how to cope up with the same.

1) Sleep Deprived

I know I know! You are sleep deprived. You are making sure that your baby sleeps with a smile. But when you try to hit the sack, you suddenly hear baby cries. You need to get up and sing a lullaby to your baby. Sweet enough for the onlookers, this repetitive cycle can be very tiresome and might even take a toll on the mother’s health.

If being a mother is a bliss, then getting solution to the related challenges is a boon. You must seek help. Not sleeping is not possible and might lead to abrupt mood swings. Continuous lack in sleep can also lead to mental and emotional disturbances. You need to make sure to ask for help.

Ask your friend, a family member, or trustworthy neighbour to spend some time with the baby and till then you must sleep. Sleeping in bits and snatches can also make up.

2) Breastfeeding Problems

You are not used to it! You never had a baby and the baby doesn’t know anything either. What to do now? Breastfeeding is one of the most common problems every new mother goes through. Many problems like generation of milk, baby not latching, painful feeding, and others arise. But, you simply cannot stop the process.

In this case, you need to see a latching consultant or should ask an experienced mother for help. You must talk it out and call them when trying to breastfeed the baby. They’ll be able to notice the flaws or the problems and can help you. Take your time in excelling in this and let the experts guide you. Sometimes, you just more time to get used to it.

3) Lack of ‘ME’ Time

After giving birth to a baby, you are going to miss your ‘ME’ time with your friends and family. And, you must get prepared for the same. Do not get scared! You can still have the time of your life with a baby besides you.

Try inviting your friends home. They are your friends, so they should better understand your state. If you want to go out, look for places you can take your baby along. A lot of mothers do this and this doesn’t let your ‘ME’ time go in waste.

Also, ask your husband or a family member to babysit for sometime. There might be lesser occasions than before, but you won’t regret it. Also, you must consider meeting friends who already have kids or are about to. They’ll understand your part and won’t press you down for anything.

4) You Feel Out of Shape!

Stretch marks and the stubborn fat! You do not feel like being in your own skin. You feel like an unknown person altogether. And, watching television and celebrities with the perfect body shape after giving birth to babies adds a lot more to existing breakdown.

But, it is okay! It takes around a year to get back in shape with mild regular workout. Prior to that, you need that extra fat, to be true. You need it to be energetic and keep the baby healthy with all the proper nutrition.

Even a personal trainer and full-time babysitter can’t fetch those luring results instantly, but that doesn’t mean you lose hope and stop try. Do whatever you want even; what if you’re the mother of a toddler? Just keep following the tiny bits and you’ll be there.

P.S. Do not forget the motherly glow that you’ll get on your skin!

5) It Pains

After going through an extensive pain, everything seems uncontrollable. You feel that you won’t be able to get out of the pain and it’ll stay with you forever. After going through c-section, surgeries, vaginal stitches, etc., you barely feel in a good state. That hurts.

However, you’ll be fine. All this is temporary and the pain will go away. In case of extreme discomfort, visiting your gynecologist is recommended. Also, ice packs and medicinal pads are prescribed for initial days; they can bring relief.

6) “Baby Blues”

You are hormonal which making you low every now & then. This feeling is termed as “baby blues”. You’ll feel like being stuck in something that doesn’t seem to end. Progesterone levels will decrease and you will be acquainted with mood swings.

And, all this with lack of sleep will mess up things.

Don’t worry it’s a matter of a couple of weeks. With support of family and friends, you can get through. There are many online & offline communities and forums too that help new moms feel good. Do not worry, you are not alone.

7) Ambiguity About What the Baby Wants

You’ll have to deal with this one, but again, just for sometime. Your kid won’t say thanks to you every time you are cleaning his face or wiping his poop. The baby won’t tell you whether he/she needs food or wants some warmth. Baby will just cry & you’ll have to figure out the reason. This might sound so difficult to you, doesn’t it?

“It gets better,” they say. Yes, It will. You’ll ultimately know what your baby wants for the moment. You get to know some fixed expressions and conditions that help you get through it. After all, you have gave birth to the baby so you’ll eventually get acquainted with his quirks and expressions. That’s why, it is said that mothers know their kids the best.

Your baby will smile when happy and no feeling will be better than that. Trust me! When your baby will smile at you for the first time, you’ll feel that all the hardships have paid off.

Then, the long due acknowledgements won’t matter. As, the connect will finally be there!

Take a Note

New mother? Have a newborn besides you being all cranky and crying every now and then? I hope this helps to make you feel tad bit relaxed.

Do not worry! In some time, you’ll be back to pavilion with the best version of yourself and a blessing in your hand. Don’t bother if your night parties are being missed for changing diapers. Trust me, you’ll find the worth.

Samardeep Sood is an experienced lifest‌yle writer who loves contributing to parenting blogs. The 26 YO blogger studies human psychology and loves sharing views on the same.

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13 Things Every Mom Wishes She Knew Before Her First Baby

by Suzanna Logan

Becoming a parent is one of a kind. You can read every baby book on the planet and still not be fully prepared for the experience of bringing a new human into this world. Here are a few things you probably wish you had known before you brought your baby home.

Photo: Suzanna Palmer

1. You can trust your gut.
Everyone – your mother-in-law, your bestie, the cashier at the grocery store – will have an opinion about the “right” way to do most everything when it comes to baby. Don’t second-guess yourself, and do what works for your family.

2. Babies are not a competition.
You’ll be tempted to compare e-v-e-r-y-thing baby with other moms. We’re talking sleeping schedules, timing of the first tooth and when baby rolls, crawls, walks, etc. Resist the urge. Your baby will do everything in his own sweet (and perfectly healthy) time.

3. A few newborn outfits are all you need. 
In those early newborn stages, you’ll be too bleary eyed to change baby into all those cute newborn outfits anyway, so stick with the easy stuff: onesies and footie-pajamas. Also, buttons are the devil during middle of the night diaper changes. Zippers for the win.

4. You will sleep again.
It may feel like the merry-go-round of feedings and diaper changes will never end, but sleep will come again. Eventually.

Photo: Tom Piowaty Photography

5. Poop will become a “regular” topic of conversation. 
It happens. You’ll talk about it a lot – and not just to your pediatrician –  to your husband, your best friend, your childless friends. You won’t discriminate when it comes to Baby’s number twos.

6. Mom Bod is Real. 
Reaching your pre-pregnancy weight does not mean your body will look the same as it did before baby. All the parts will be the same, but they’ll wiggle and jiggle in a whole new way. Hello, tiger belly and banana boobs.

Photo: Jennifer Chong via Flickr

7. It takes a village.
Surrounding yourself with other mamas who you can share this journey with you and offer support doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re smart.

8. Baby is #1.
It sounds obvious, but when you have to turn down an invitation to an event that will throw off baby’s schedule, ask Grandma to wash her hands before holding baby, or remind visitors to take off their shoes, things can get awkward. Baby’s well-being always come first. No apologies necessary.

9. Everything is a phase.
Feeling like a hot mess as baby works his way through teething, sleep regression and every other challenging phase? Hang in there. Those tough days feel like an eternity, but they’ll be over soon.

Photo: Suzanna Palmer

10. Dad still needs loving, too.
When you’ve got a tiny human relying on you every. second. of. the. day, it’s easy to forget about the big human who helped you create her. Be as intentional about loving him as you are about caring for baby. (Okay, maybe even half as intentional will do.)

11. Postpartum love-making is scary.
When doc gives you the “all-clear” at your six-week appointment, you probably won’t be anxious to rush home and jump in the sack. When you think about what came out of there a few weeks ago, sticking something else in just isn’t that appealing. Getting back to a pre-delivery comfort level takes time.

Photo: Ian D. Keating via Flickr

12. Feelings can’t be trusted.
Post-delivery mood swings are legit. That voice telling you to run away to some remote island in Bermuda isn’t.

13. You don’t need a lot of “stuff.”
A wipes warmer, changing table, bouncer and swing can make parent life a whole lot easier, but the only true essentials are milk, diapers, warm clothing and a whole lot of love.

Join in the conversation: What are some things you wish you knew before having your first baby? 

-Suzanna Logan

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10 Embarrassing Pregnancy Problems — Solved!

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. But we’d be the biggest liars on the planet if we said that bearing a child for nine months doesn’t come with its fair share of aches, pains and not-so-pretty moments (hello, heartburn and zits … at the same time). Read on for some genius (and fast!) fixes to your most embarrassing pregnancy woes.

#1 Mood swings.
If biting someone’s head off feels like the right thing to do, a chill pill may be in order. And since a huge glass of red is out of the question, turn to tea to put your attitude in its place. Birds & Bees Peaceful Pregnancy Tea is made with Raspberry Leaf, Nettle Leaf, Alfalfa Leaf, Rosehips, rose petals, Hawthorne Berry and orange peel — a combo that instantly imparts a sense of peace and calm. Bonus: You can sip a cup a day.

#2 “The Waddle.”
Nip the postpartum duck walk in the bud with Mama Strut‘s Pelv-Ice, a comfy biker shorts/girdle get-up that comes with pockets for ice packs or heating pads and adjustable Velcro for a super secure fit that helps brand new moms walk with less pain in the groin and tummy area.

#3 Mask of pregnancy.
Sprouting spots? Disguise melasma — the official term for dark spots and patches that pop up during pregnancy — with full coverage cover-up (like Illuminare) during pregnancy. Simply apply it where you need it, blend out the edges completely and continue with your regular makeup routine.

#4 Swollen schnoz.
Pregnancy can cause the vessels in your nose to swell, giving your sniffer a larger-than-life look. Until it shrinks back to its original size, you can fake a slimmer nose with contouring. Using a cream or powder concealer three to four shades darker than your natural skin color, draw two straight parallel lines down the sides of your nose (the closer they are the thinner your nose will look). Next, use your finger or a brush to blend the lines until they look like a shadow. Voilà!

#5 Itchy boobies.
Bellies aren’t the only thing that gets bigger with pregnancy. Breasts grow too, and as the grow they itch. It’s never to early to start using Lansinoh Lanolin (what breastfeeding mamas use for chaffing) to relieve the itch. Or, slather on moisturizer infused with cocoa butter or Vitamin E like Palmer’s Coca Butter Formula.

#6 Heartburn + man burps.
Popping Tums like it’s going out of style? Try taming a fiery chest with an apple (or banana) a day — they both act as a buffer for acid reflux.

#7 Another headache.
For some women, first trimester headaches are as common as chocolate-dipped pickle cravings. Whether you blame it on the hormonal free-for-all or the increased blood and circulation, the bottom line is that pregnancy headaches are annoying. One easy self massage technique: Place the pads of your thumbs under your brow bone, facing upwards. Press and hold for 10 seconds and wait for the migraine to melt away.

#8 Pregancy brain.
It’s not a myth. According to a 2010 study, during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, women perform significantly worse on spatial memory tests than men. One proven way to boost memory is to turn random words into images. Say, you leave your cell phone on the kitchen table; imagine your phone eating all the food on the table. Later, when you’re wondering where your cell went, you’ll have an image stamped into your brain.

#9 Acne like a teenager.
The rush of hormones is to blame for all of those extra blemishes. Experts warn against using acne products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Instead regularly slather on a pore-clearing clay mask, let it dry a little and rinse it off. The clay draws out dirt and oil from pores so you have few breakouts in the long run. One to try: Freeman Feeling Beautiful Avocado and Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask.

#10 An overzealous bladder.
Darting to the potty every half hour may feel like a workout in itself. To slow the stream, so to speak, try another kind of exercise. Kegels are one of the most effective ways to strengthen pelvic muscles and control the need to pee. Start by pretending you are trying to stop the flow of urine by pulling in and squeezing those muscles. Hold the squeeze for 10 seconds and then release for 10 seconds. Do the kegel 10 times for three sets.

Did we forget any embarrassing pregnancy situations? Tell us about it in the Comments section below. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Photos courtesy of Illuminare via Facebook, Stephanie Lange, Birds & Bees via Facebook, Mama Strut via Facebook,  Palmer’s via Facebook, Gummy Piglet via Flickr, eilidh_wag via Flickr, Pierre Pattipeilohy via Flickr

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The Newest Resource for Special Needs Kids

by allison ellis

Your pediatrician offers same day appointments. The nurse line is open 24 hours a day. Heck, Web MD is always there when you need it. So why is it, when it comes to your child’s mental health, you have to get in line for an appointment that might be months away? Behavior issues, developmental delays, potential Asperger’s, ADHD or even Autism… these are things you want to have assessed ASAP. So here’s a tip: Cadence Family Therapy, a group practice that just opened up in Kirkland, can see you now.

Say your preschooler is falling apart on a daily basis. How do you know if those tantrums or mood swings are “normal”? Ditto for the tween years – is it pre-puberty moodiness or something more serious? What about the life changes your kiddos may have recently experienced – a death in the family, divorce, or a serious illness? Perhaps you suspect that your child is extremely gifted – what then? With an estimated 20 – 25% of children with diagnosable emotional or behavioral disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health, you’re not alone in your search for the answers.

 

Here is what Cadence offers: Mental health services for kids ages 2 – 21 and their parents, addressing everything from disruptive behaviors to family relationship and parenting strategies; learning disabilities, giftedness, and autism spectrum, plus issues related to depression and anxiety. Services include individual and family therapy, testing, in-home or school consultation and support, group classes, and team-based wraparound support for intensive needs. Evidence-based methods such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family therapy are incorporated in the process.

Led by clinical director Ronnie Cunningham, PhD, with a team of psychologists and masters-level therapists, Cadence has coordinated support through alliances with Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington, local pediatricians, and many public and private schools in the Seattle and Eastside areas.

 

Cadence Family Therapy
5210 Carillon Point
Kirkland, Wa 98033
425-629-3581
cadencefamilytherapy.com

Are you the parent of a special needs kid? What local resources have worked well for you?

— Allison Ellis

Photo 1 courtesy of Allison and photo 2 courtesy of Clarkston SCAMP via Flickr

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