Now that many regions in the US have transitioned to Daylight Savings Time, we wanted to start a conversation related to everyday life. Every day brings its share of stress and that can be especially true for birthing people and new moms. With anxiety creeping into both our professional and personal lives stress can take its toll on our mind our body and even our spirit.
As the longer days wear on, fatigue can set in, accompanied by headaches as the day's stress takes over our well-being. Are we trapped in this cycle? Often, our only recourse appears to be reaching for painkillers to ease the discomfort and if you’re pregnant that’s not a solution, some might reach for a chilled glass of wine, but that won’t work for a mom to be or a nursing mom. A soothing bath to unwind might be the answer. In our most recent podcast we talked extensively about Holistic Ways to Manage Stress, in fact getting out into nature was one of the ways Dr. Bill Sears advised us to reduce stress, however there is another natural choice to remedy stress, and that’s by bringing some of nature inside yes we found a great article listing some plants that can help transform the atmosphere indoors. Now I can hear the wheels turning and some of you saying it’s not your thing and believe me I understand, after all even my plastic plants struggle to live…but I decided to do a deep dive and learn more about how indoor plants can reduce stress and anxiety …and I’m passing some of this information on to you. If you are strictly podcast listeners, I invite you over to the YouTube channel for this one so that you can see the plants as I go along or visit the FOZA Blog where we’ll post the details on the best plants to ease stress and anxiety. As a word of caution, here I’ll be talking about growing plants indoors to create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. In no way am I suggesting that any plant be ingested or used in any anyway other than as a potted plant. some of you may like me have allergies or pets and maybe even small children so take your time and speak with your doctor and do the research, For those of you interested in the transformation that certain plants can bring for a more peaceful atmosphere in your home, one that is more uplifting and serene Let’s dive in. The Boston Fern is a lush, feathery fern is a natural humidifier and can help increase indoor humidity levels, which can have a calming effect on stress and anxiety. You may already know a lot about this popular plant, but did you know that NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration, conducted a study on this plant in which it was found to be one of the best at air purification. There are others but this is one to keep at the top of your list. As an added bonus to the Boston Fern’s beautiful foliage, but it is reported to be nontoxic to both children and pets. Still do your research. Here, I’ve also added a few tips for showing love to your BF and if you don’t have one already I hope you’ll think about adding this versatile and beneficial to enhance both the aesthetic appeal of your home and the overall well-being of your indoor spaces. Next, let’s look at The Spider Plant Some of it attributes …Easy to care for and adaptable, the spider plant is known for its ability to remove indoor air pollutants, and contribute to a healthier indoor environment. It’s beautiful, it’s reported to be human and pet friendly, it doesn’t need a ton of light so it’s great for the bathroom and it’s an oxygen producer so the bedroom is a good place to sit one …it looks happy so it’s a natural mood booster and that means it’s a stress reducer. Overall, the Spider Plant is a versatile and beneficial houseplant that can enhance indoor air quality, promote relaxation, and add natural beauty to any space. Number 3 let’s take a look at the Aloe Vera plant. So many products come from this plant you probably have one already, but some of you may not know the aloe vera has more than just healing properties, it also helps improve indoor air quality by absorbing harmful chemicals and toxins. Often mistaken as a part of the cactus family, aloe is not a cactus, but it’s very own genus and with 500 varieties is actually grown for pharmaceutical purposes. It’s been reported to live for more than 100 years, so keep it in bright indirect sunlight and enjoy! Because aloe vera is a natural air purifier, it can help to reduce anxiety and stress by giving you fresh air to breathe. Number 4 on the list is the Rubber Plant The rubber plant is a low-maintenance indoor plant that helps purify indoor air by removing toxins, such as formaldehyde, and can create a calming ambiance in any space. Safe for humans, but not for pets. Known as the humidity hero, rubber tree plants help maintain a comforting balance in your home’s humidity level. The NIH - national Institutes of Health has conducted studies that show there is an important relationship between humidity levels and mental wellness. Give your rubber tree plant lots of indirect bright light and let it bring you better air and more oxygen. Number 5 is my personal favorite Lavender. Of course you see it outdoors a plenty, but having it indoors brings benefits as well and its reputation as a natural stress reducer is well known. It emits a calming fragrance that can help bring anxiety in check and it’s delicate lacy flowers are beautiful in any décor. If you are a romantic then you may know that the lavender plant symbolizes devotion and that makes it very popular for weddings and anniversaries, what I did not know but learned in my research is that there are hundreds of varieties of lavender. according to the US Lavender growers association, Yep, that’s a thing …there are more than 450 varieties. I’ve included some care tips with this podcast, but you’ll want to research on your own, or ask your local garden center for more information. On to number 6 fun and fragrant peppermint. You just know this plant is going o perk you up! The mint aroma not only has calming properties but also uplifts your mood. The natural menthol relieves tension and fills you with energy. Whether you are home or work, a small planter does not take up much space even on the desk, at in the bedroom, you will get a healthy and sound night’s sleep with less anxiety and nervousness. For care, while you can keep your Peppermint plants small, they can grow to be quite tall up to 3 ft So keep that in mind. Number 7 is the African Violet has tons of benefits. Starting with the ability to Live long and proper yes I am doing the Vulcan salute , but seriously the African Violet is perfect for a busy household. It’s reported to be safe around humans and pets and From my little chart you can see it has many of the best qualities listed to aid in the reduction of anxiety. For care it needs very little to bring you happiness, oxygen, cleaner air and a mood boost. It’s easy to propagate and surround your self with beauty. Last but not at all least number 8 is the Christmas Cactus, Also reported safe to be around humans and pets, this is a beautiful plant to have in the house is you are looking for a low maintenance plan that is uplifting at first sight. It does not need much watering or attention and will even bloom in the winter months! There is an article on the birds and bloom website reporting one family has passed down the same Christmas cactus for more than 145 years. Now that’s what I’d call longevity. So check out the Christmas Cactus and don’t let the cactus name mislead you into thinking it will only survive in desert conditions because it can thrive very well in cool temperatures. As well. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I only placed 8 plants on my list but there are dozens of house plants that can help ease anxiety and stress during these longer days at work and play. Remember you are your own best advocate so before bringing in any plant do the research and speak with your local gardening center. There are many plants that will help calm you down and put you in a positive mood. Don't let stress and anxiety disrupt your mental well-being and harm your health.
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Six Holistic Ways to Manage Postpartum Depression 1. Stick to priorities 2. Get out – enjoy nature 3. Get some therapy 4. Eat well (New - Positive Outcome Research Related to PPD) 5. Treat yourself with small acts of self-care 6. Meditation is soul-care Read the full Article Dr. Bill Sears: or Dr. Bill as his “little patients” call him, has been advising busy parents on how to raise healthier families for over 50 years. He received his medical training at Harvard Medical School’s Children’s Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, the world’s largest children’s hospital, where he was associate ward chief of the newborn intensive care unit before serving as the chief of pediatrics at Toronto Western Hospital, a teaching hospital of the University of Toronto. He has served as a professor of pediatrics at the University of Toronto, University of South Carolina, University of Southern California School of Medicine, and University of California: Irvine. As a father of 8 children, he coached Little League sports for 20 years, and together with his wife Martha has written more than 40 best-selling books and countless articles on nutrition, parenting, and healthy aging. He serves as a health consultant for magazines, TV, radio and other media, and his AskDrSears.com website is one of the most popular health and parenting sites. Dr. Sears has appeared on over 100 television programs, including 20/20, Good Morning America, Oprah, Today, The View, and Dr. Phil, and was featured on the cover of TIME Magazine in May 2012. He is noted for his science-made-simple-and-fun approach to family health. www.AskDrBill.com Wife, Martha Sears, RN: Martha is the mother of Dr. Bill’s eight children, a registered nurse, a former childbirth educator, a La Leche League leader, and a lactation consultant. Martha is the co-author of 25 parenting books and is a popular lecturer and media guest drawing on her 18 years of breastfeeding experience with her eight children (including Stephen with Down Syndrome and Lauren, her adopted daughter). Martha speaks frequently at national parenting conferences and is noted for her advice on how to handle the most common problems facing today’s mothers with their changing lifestyles. Martha is able to connect with both full-time, stay-at-home mothers and working mothers because she herself has experienced both styles of parenting. Martha takes great pride in referring to herself as a “professional mother” and one of her favorite quips when someone voices their concern about her having eight children in an already populated world is: “The world needs my children.” This episode is challenging because Jan 2nd is the Calendar day when Christina died by suicide in 2018, leaving behind a infant son and a family who will love and miss her forever. And that’s why this podcast is dedicated to providing support and information with resources for children who have lost a parent to maternal suicide. It’s a difficult conversation and yet I’m hoping it’s going to provoke thought and awareness in you and that you will share the resources with others. When Christina left us, our family was frozen in grief, like many others, and we don’t know if we were in a place to use this type of information. It’s such a personally tragic time in a families life and everyone grieves differently, so the places we're sharing with you will also be on our Web site and the purpose for putting all this together is to place the information where it can be found, make sure it is as accurate as possible because at the time of this broadcast, we found many broken links and bumps along our research path, and we always want to provide a path that’s as easy to navigate as possible. The Dougy Center: Website: https://www.dougy.org/
Their Mission: To provide grief support in a safe place where children, teens, young adults, and their families can share their experiences before and after a death. Highlight: Large volume of resources, Including tip sheets, activities, podcasts, and more through our personalized toolkits. Comfort Zone Camp: https://comfortzonecamp.org/ Mission: To empower grieving children to fully realize their capacity to heal, grow, and lead more fulfilling lives. Comfort Zone Camp is a nonprofit organization that provides bereavement camps and programs for children who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling, including those who have lost a parent to suicide. Highlight: Putting words into action with in-persona and virtual activities. The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) Website: https://childrengrieve.org/ - The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) is just that NATIONAL a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. Highlight: Based in Texas, Offers National directory, grant opportunities to encourage advocacy and membership. New York Life Foundation Website: https://www.newyorklife.com/newsroom/parent-suicide-new-york-life-foundation - While the parent entity, NY life Insurance is widely known, we found an excellent brochure dedicated to grieving children and families. In a future FOZA Podcast we plan to delve into strategies related to insurance and financial planning to support the children who are left behind. Be sure to subscribe to our Podcast so you won’t miss that. One Common Bond https://1commonbond.org/ - Mission: One Common Bond provides grief support to those affected by sudden and tragic death. They provide assistance, and resources from the initial time of loss, and continue to support during the long-term grief journey. Highlight Our FOZA Followers will recognize One Common Bond as the grief support branch of 4R Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training and a Partner with FOZA to bring awareness to suicide intervention and prevention. A wonderful organization and mission to learn about and share with others. We keep in mind that grieving is a process, and as they grow and interact with peers, children may need ongoing support and reassurance as they come to terms with their loss. Our job as family members, caregivers and loved-ones is to provide patience, understanding, a safe space and encouragement for them to express their feelings and ask questions as they process their grief. If you are feeling challenged in finding resources in your local area, please visit our FOZA Finder Resource and we’ll help you find support in your zip code. You never need to provide any sensitive or confidential information. Well FOZA Fans that’s it for this episode. I hope this New Year will bring you joy and all that you wish for. This is Paulette Smith, singing off in Loving Memory of Christina Lashawn Thompson Adams Can Perinatal and Postpartum people be more sensitive to seasonal depression?YES - The period shortly before and after birth and postpartum, up to three years after a child is born, can make individuals more sensitive to seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 1. Hormonal Changes: Both perinatal and postpartum periods involve significant hormonal fluctuations, which can affect mood and emotional well-being. The rapid changes in hormones like estrogen and progesterone can contribute to mood disorders, including SAD. 2. Sleep Deprivation and Fatigue: New parents often experience disrupted sleep patterns and chronic fatigue, which can exacerbate symptoms of depression, including those related to seasonal changes. 3. Stress and Lifestyle Changes: The perinatal and postpartum periods involve major life changes and can be highly stressful. Stress is a known risk factor for depression, and the added pressures of parenting can make individuals more vulnerable to mood disturbances during this time. 4. Reduced Sunlight Exposure: Postpartum individuals, particularly in the winter months, might spend less time outdoors due to the demands of caring for a newborn. Reduced exposure to natural light can worsen SAD symptoms. 5. Preexisting Mental Health Conditions: Those with a history of depression or other mental health issues are at higher risk for SAD. If they already have challenges with their mental health, the additional strain of the perinatal or postpartum period can make them more susceptible to seasonal depression. It's important for individuals in the perinatal and postpartum periods to be aware of the symptoms of SAD and to seek support from healthcare providers if they experience mood changes, especially during the winter months. Treatment options such as light therapy, counseling, and medication can be effective in managing SAD. Additionally, ensuring adequate support, rest, and self-care during this time can also help mitigate the risk of developing seasonal depression. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with FOZA and all of our social Networks: www.FOZAInc.org Donate: www.FOZAInc.org/donate Volunteer: www.FOZAInc.org/volunteers Let us help you find resources: www.FOZAInc.org/foza-finder --------------------------------------------- Thanks for sharing hashtags ... it helps to keep awareness strong #FOZA4PPDAwareness - #TimeManagement #Listen2Moms #Share2BeAware #mom_congress #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #PolicyCenterMMH #PostpartumHelp #MaternalMentalHealth #HealingStartsWithAwareness #Journaling4LessStress Resources provided in Podcast - Epi-26 with Nikita Morton The hospital Nikita gave birth at: memorialcare.org/events/childbirth-education-classes-orange-coast Nakita wants moms, moms-to-be and birthing people to know Memorial Care has amazing resources, multiple locations, a huge knowledge base of media and it's not required to be a patient to enroll in their classes including birthing classes, infant safety, breastfeeding classes, and more. Visit the MemorialCare Website by clicking on the image to search for a location and confirm services near you: Online and off-line support Lastly, Nikita wanted to share this blog that she closely followed that helped her better understand her PFL (Paid Family Leave) benefits in CALI. This blog hasso many topics specific to Californias maternity laws and it was a huge help for Nikita ! https://typeamomtales.com/2015/01/08/california-maternity-leave-how-to-milk-it/ If you find it challenging to locate resources in your area, consider reaching out to us @ FOZA Finder. We never ask you to provide any private or sensitive information. Lots of information was shared in Epi 24 with Dr. Lindemann - We've provided a link to the complete text script. NOTE:This Transcript is AI Generated, therefore some of the text may not be precise. Host: Welcome FOZA fans and thank you for joining in on a new FOZA podcast. We're bringing awareness to maternal mental health. And I'm Paulette Smith. This is episode 24. Before beginning, I need to say a few words about triggers. This is a safe place. However, we may discuss topics that can be sensitive and may act as a trigger for some members of our audience. The content we discuss serves to provide information, education and advocacy only. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. That's 988. And if you're not experiencing an emergency, you're seeking consultation, then please check with your doctor or professional caregivers. If you feel that your voice is still not being heard, please don't give up seeking help. Visit us online at FOZAInc .org and we'll try to assist you in finding resources in your local area. You’re never required to provide us with any private or sensitive information. Moving into our main event. But as always, we're focusing on ways to bring more awareness to stop the stigma, the silence, the suicides and the suffering that can accompany postpartum depression. So let me share with you some information about our wonderful guest. We are honored to have back with us Dr. Alan Lindman, aka Ruel Doc Alan. He is an obstetric physician and he's delivered more than 6 ,000 babies in his career with no maternal deaths. Read the entire script.
For those of you who were supportive in listening to this months Podcast: The Right Time to ASK for Help, I promised to provide you with a list of some commonly known symptoms of PPD as published by the NIH and other maternal health research organizations. This list is in way exhaustive, and it is not intended to be a medical instrument. This information is intended to bring awareness, provoke thought, offer comfort, reassurance, and to communicate some resources for seeking assistance. A list of known PPD Symptoms … Not to be confused with “Baby Blues” which can be common, however, typically subsides within two weeks.
*An extended period of persistent sadness or low mood: Feeling down, tearful, or emotionally overwhelmed. An extended period with loss of interest or pleasure in activities: A lack of enjoyment or interest in things that used to bring pleasure. An extended period of fatigue or loss of energy: Feeling constantly tired or experiencing a lack of energy, even with adequate rest. Changes in appetite or weight: Significant changes in appetite, either increased or decreased, leading to weight gain or weight loss. Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing excessive sleep despite feeling fatigued. An extended period of feelings of worthlessness or guilt: Strong feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or worthlessness related to being a mother or other aspects of life. An extended period with difficulty concentrating or making decisions: Struggling to focus, remember things, or make even simple decisions. An extended period of anxiety or excessive worry: Feeling anxious, restless, or constantly worrying about the baby's health and well-being or other aspects of life. An extended period of Irritability or anger: Becoming easily agitated, angry, or experiencing mood swings, repetitive negative thoughts. Withdrawal from loved ones: Avoiding social interactions or isolating oneself from friends and family. Experiencing ANY thoughts of hurting oneself or the baby. This is a severe symptom that requires immediate attention. * An extended period is noted by most mental health professionals as two-three weeks. Please tune into the entire podcast and be kind to one another. Ask Congress to Support Increases for Child Care in the Annual Budget!
https://www.childcareaware.org/72637-2/ FOZA knows that contributing factors to PPD can relate to Moms stressing over the cost of childcare. Congress is now focusing on annual funding. Lawmakers have A LOT of tough decisions to make about funding, and YOU CAN HELP ensure federal #childcareprograms get the critical investments they need. Urge LAWMAKERS to support annual funding for #childcare. Use this link to Email your members of Congress https://www.childcareaware.org/72637-2/ Let them know we need to support continued investments in childcare. #AmericanRescuePlan #ARP #ASKCONGRESS Get more information about the backstory and the future benefits of requirements by employers to provide accommodations to pregnant workers for everything from pregnancy through the postpartum period, including time off to recover.
....Read More Call to Action for Nykky Floyd - gofundme.com/f/nykky-floyd Friends, We’re reaching out to share some difficult news from our Savannah community – and to ask for your help. Last week, we lost a young mother who passed away after giving birth to her second son at St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital. Nykky Floyd was a mother, a wife, a daughter, a friend, an avid supporter of perinatal mothers, and a fierce advocate for improving Black maternal health, especially in the Savannah area. Nykky volunteered as a state coordinator with Postpartum Support International, connecting local mothers and families with resources and support, and passionately supported our Savannah Climb Out of the Darkness team. There is a GoFundMe set up to raise money for Nykky’s family for funeral expenses, medical bills, and basic needs for Nykky and Jalil’s infant son, Ehren. If you’re able to donate, please do. This family needs the support of our entire community, as well as the greater maternal and mental health community. Please share the link wherever you can – every dollar counts: gofundme.com/f/nykky-floyd In the maternal mental health world, we hear a lot of statistics about maternal mortality, specifically for Black women, and especially in the South. Georgia has in fact been named “the most dangerous state for pregnant women.” We need to work together to make sure that Nykky is not just a statistic. Nykky was an incredible mother and human who dedicated so much energy toward improving maternal health, yet she lost her life after giving birth. We cannot stay silent about this. Let’s all do our part to speak up about the public health crisis affecting our country’s Black mothers – including the racism, sexism, and medical neglect that have contributed to this crisis. Let’s make sure we all do our part to support and hold up the families who have lost their loved ones. The PSI-GA team is sharing this message that was written by the Maternal Mental Health Collective of Savannah. We appreciate that allowed us to share this message and that they organized this fundraiser to support Nykky's family to help alleviate the financial burden while they grieve this devastating loss. If you have time and/or money to donate, please spread the word and donate today to support this Georgia family.
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