Pregnant with Anxiety

Posted on June 29, 2015 by llpitlwp

Pregnancy and Anxiety… by Adrienne Lavine

Wedding Day October 2014

Be proactive. Be proactive. Be proactive.

Less than a year ago this was me getting married last Fall in Newport, Rhode, Island. We were nervous as newlyweds but now we are about to become parents and it is a whole kind of nervous.

I have had especially high anxiety during this time in my life.

My brain and mind are always on the go. Falling asleep at night is not a problem because I am just so tired but I usually wake up at least once for an extended period of time. I lie awake usually up for about two hours or so. Sometimes I even wake up gasping for air and other times have erupted into full-blown panic attacks. Sometimes I know what caused the panic attack and other times I have no idea.

Women and Infants Hospital has a very specialized program that caters only to women who are pregnant or new moms who suffer from anxiety or depression. Having either one of these conditions during pregnancy increases the chance of having problems postpartum. I am trying to avoid these issues. Wanting to be as physically and mentally healthy as possible inspired me to call and make an appointment for an evaluation of my anxiety. I was not looking for medication so I was set up with a clinical social worker. My initial meeting with the social worker was for about an hour. Together we reviewed my medical history and talked about my anxiety and certain aspects of my life that maybe relevant to my anxious feelings.

Truthfully, there are so many things that I am anxious about when it comes to becoming a new parent. I worry about finances, being a good mother, labor and delivery, the change in my lifestyle (all common things for a pregnant woman). We also discussed feeding, birth control after delivery (it seems a little early but I realize it is all important stuff) and it is all cumulative when it comes to disrupting my sleep.

The social worker decided that I did not need to attend the Day Program offered at Womens and Infants. Instead, she referred me to two therapists who were closer to where I live. Both of who are clinical social workers.

I am not ashamed to say that I’ve been seeing a therapist on a weekly basis with whom I really connect. I am proud that I’ve taken control of the situation to better myself. I know that I did myself a favor by getting help as soon as possible. Talking with someone who is objective works for me and I couldn’t be more grateful to be surrounded by such a wonderful network of support during this important time in my life as I get ready to be a parent.

TGIF-Weekend Reading

Posted on May 22, 2015 by llpitlwp

Weekend Reading

Martha’s Vineyard

Are you getting ready for a long weekend and the beginning of the Summer season by finding a beach read?

I do love the beginning of summer. But, in my opinion, anytime is a time for reading, especially when you have a few extra hours to devote to relaxing and catching up.

So here are some short articles for you to peruse in the next few days when you get that minute!

Music

Do you hate listening to all those kid CDs in the car or even at home? Then this article might help make your music more appealing to your children. It may come in handy if you are taking a road trip this holiday weekend.

You don’t have to listen to kiddie tunes even though you have a kid. Check these out.

Source: Top 10 albums that help your baby sleep (without destroying your hipster cred) – The Washington Post

Depression News

Having depression is serious. Most of us, at sometime in our lives, have experienced a feeling of being down or depressed. The recent findings from a study done in England are quite astounding. Depression can cause a shorter life expectancy due to changes in our DNA.

The good news is this, the process is more than likely reversible. There is evidence in studying mice that were stressed and showed the same DNA changes as humans who were depressed. The mice improved when they were removed from the stressors. The mice actually recovered from the stress. The mice cells literally returned to health. This is wonderful news about depression and its possible treatments.

Depression has always been seen as a mood disorder to those who haven’t experienced it and sometimes, even those who have don’t understand the science behind the way depression affects your brain. New research has come to light showing that depression can change your DNA and change the way in which your cells generate energy.

Source: Depression Can Change Your DNA, Study Claims

Working Moms

It seems that everyone has an opinion over what is better for kids, a working mom or a stay at home mom. It is one of the topics that continues to ignite the mommy wars. This is an interesting article discussing the positive side of having a mother who works.

Nearly three-quarters of American mothers with children at home are employed. That fact doesn’t necessarily make it any easier for mothers to drop a toddler at day care or miss school plays. The mommy wars might seem like a relic of the 1990s, but 41 percent of adults say the increase in working mothers is bad for society, while just 22 percent say it is good, according to the Pew Research Center.

Source: Mounting Evidence of Advantages for Children of Working Mothers – NYTimes.com

Memorial Day Weekend is here. I hope you enjoy it. Let’s honor our military.

Ignorance is NOT Bliss When it comes to Your Health…

Posted on April 2, 2012 by llpitlwp

It has been ~~years~~ decades actually since I became a mom.

As a nurse, it seems that I was overwhelmingly aware of various symptoms for which I should contact my doctor during pregnancy and in general.

Admittedly, it is nice having a medical background but it has some disadvantages, like knowing just a little too much and thinking the worst when a symptom appears…so it is ALWAYS better to check with your medical professional.

If you develop any one of the symptoms like the ones in the list below, a visit to the doctor would be advised.

But do your homework before you arrive for your doctor’s appointment so that you can get the most out of it and come away with an understanding of your symptoms and a plan to diagnose and relieve them.

A doctor’s visit is an anxious event and for me it is no different.

I have had my share of medical issues for which the ultimate diagnosis and plan resulted in open-heart surgery and a Mitral Valve repair.

When it comes to medical appointments I go prepared with questions and I come away with answers and a written plan with the help of a pad and pencil.

Here is a list of health symptoms that no one should ignore especially moms, (we tend to care for everyone but ourselves).

Feelings that are unusual for you, anger, anxiety, depression
Painful intercourse
Fatigue
Excessive thirst/frequent urination
Shortness of breath
Changing moles
Bloated stomach

These are a few symptoms that could be easy to correct or they could actually indicate that you might need some serious interventions.

In general, a young, healthy mom will probably need more sleep, some vitamins, diet adjustments and exercise. But in some cases if you have diabetes or thyroid problems, more treatment will be indicated.

Have a look at this link and don’t have a panic attack if you have any of the symptoms…don’t look up all info on Google…just make an appointment with your physician.

If you don’t have a doctor…now is the time to get one.

9 Health Symptoms Moms Shouldnt Ignore – Parenting.com.

Postpartum depression …you do not need to suffer through it!

Posted on January 30, 2012 by llpitlwp

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Postpartum depression is a serious problem that can occur after having a baby…it can occur up to one year after delivery. Sometimes the signs and symptoms can just be an overall sense of anxiety and an inability to enjoy your baby. As a new mom if you just don’t feel happy you can attribute it to many things especially lack of sleep and the many changes occurring over such a short period of time but you could be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD).

Personally, I did not experience PPD but there were days when I did not feel in control of all the responsibilities of motherhood. It was positively overwhelming. Back in the day…postpartum depression was somewhat overlooked and under treated. A new mom was made to feel like she “just had to suck it up” and get it together. Fortunately, since them that attitude has changed and most obstetricians screen for PPD at the time of the postpartum check-up.

I thought that I would post a list of symptoms of postpartum depression. If you have more than one or two of these symptoms or are feeling generally depressed for more than two weeks you should check in with your doctor.

The symptoms of postpartum depression are the same as the symptoms of depression that occurs at other times in life. Along with a sad or depressed mood, you may have some of the following symptoms:

Agitation or irritability
Changes in appetite
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Feeling withdrawn or unconnected
Lack of pleasure or interest in most or all activities
Loss of concentration
Loss of energy
Problems doing tasks at home or work
Negative feelings toward the baby
Significant anxiety
Thoughts of death or suicide
Trouble sleeping

A mother with postpartum depression may also:

Be unable to care for herself or her baby
Be afraid to be alone with her baby
Have negative feelings toward the baby or even think about harming the baby Although these feelings are scary, they are almost never acted on. Still you should tell your doctor about them right away.
Worry intensely about the baby, or have little interest in the baby

via Postpartum depression – PubMed Health.