This is the final episode of the 4-part series, 2 am Pep Talks. You can check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 by clicking these links. Today’s episode is all about hope! It is essential to understand that this season of early morning wake-up times will pass. Sleeping through the night again will happen for you, even though you may wonder now if you will ever sleep enough to feel like yourself again. A perinatal mood and anxiety disorder can increase the likelihood of thoughts filled with self-judgment, negativity, and hopelessness. Having to attend to the middle-of-the-night details of infant care can, even without PMADs, leave you feeling wrung out, tired, and isolated. It’s hard to maintain hope that this phase will shift when you are in the middle of it. Believe me, with time, practice, and support, everything will get easier, but it’s often difficult to see through to the other side. Join me for today’s discussion.

Show Highlights:

Identify one thing you are looking forward to in the morning–even if it’s just that first cup of coffee!

Nighttime care can feel monotonous and never-ending.

Look at all the things you’ve learned!

Take encouragement from other moms who can validate your experiences.

Learn to validate your own feelings.

Resilience and growth are yours to claim and honor.

Tips for that middle-of-the-night time:

Use visualizations and affirmations.

Assure yourself that you are learning, shifting, and growing.

Be gentle with yourself. You are doing better than you think!

Resources:

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov.

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. 

There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course. 

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! 

If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.

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