Mother Rising - Birth Services & Beyond

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety and Depression & How to Navigate Them Anxiety. Depression. Afflictions that can make a sufferer feel like a tiny boat lost in a violent tempest. They can be especially agonizing after the birth of a child. After all, welcoming a newborn life into your family should be a joyous occasion, not one that leaves you feeling anxious, dejected,...

"In infants and young children, the neocortex is extremely undeveloped, quite literally making it a physical impossibility to rationalize and deal with strong emotions and unmet needs."

Is Self Soothing the Biggest Con of New Parenthood? - Raised Good Do you feel pressured to sleep train your baby so they will learn to "self soothe"? In this post I'll explain why self soothing is nothing more than a myth.

A healthy baby is NOT the ONLY thing that matters. You are NOT one feeling or one emotion. You are a complex human being who is allowed to have more needs than just staying alive, and more desires than having a healthy baby.
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The systematic dismissal of women and the importance of their experiences, and disregard for their comprehensive health is, perhaps, the ultimate driving force behind my purpose as a doula and educator. The “A healthy baby is all that matters” platitude is damaging and further perpetuates this disregard and dismissal of women.
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First of all, I have *never* met a parent who wouldn’t do anything necessary for the health of their baby, if recommended by a provider they *trust*. The healthiest mom and baby possible is the bottom line. But. OTHER THINGS MATTER TOO. Acknowledging that trust, autonomy, respect, being heard, and even hopes and dreams MATTER does NOT detract from one’s gratitude for their baby.
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Second, these needs can be met *regardless* of mode of delivery or birth preferences obtained/not obtained. When these comprehensive needs are met, many kinds of birth experiences can be positive.
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Third. Some babies are not born healthy. How a mother is treated its *always* important. Following the logic of “a healthy baby is all that matters”, then what matters when a baby is not healthy?
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Regardless of preferences, circumstances, controllables, and uncontrollables…How a mother feels during and about her birth experience affects her mental health, physical health, and bonding with her baby. That matters.

I regard this hierarchy of needs as imperfect and a work in progress! Please share anything you feel could be added.
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