Becoming a first-time mother is a big adjustment. A lot is changing in your body, your routine, your priorities, your emotions, and your daily life. Therapy and counseling can be a great resource to help new parents adjust to the many challenges of parenthood. There are a lot of other resources out there that can help, too.
At Move Forward we have therapists and counselors trained in caring for postpartum women as they transition to motherhood. We work with clients around the state of Pennsylvania from the comfort of their homes through online therapy. You can read more about how online therapy can help new moms here.
Our counselors and therapists often recommend books, websites, and podcasts to help new moms. Here are a few of our favorites:
Podcasts for New Moms:
1.) The Early Parenting Podcast with Jen Butler: This podcast talks about parenting in the early years from baby and toddler sleep, growth and development, to toddler behavior, breast and bottle feeding, and the health of mom.
2.) That New Mom Life by Parents Magazine: This podcast is geared towards all moms facing the initial weeks of sleepless nights and lonely days as they begin the hardest job of their lives. This series covers emotional highs and lows, feeding, relationship changes, body changes, and going back to work, among other things.
3.) The Mom Hour: In their weekly podcast, moms Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers offer tips and real-life encouragement for moms who are trying to enjoy motherhood and cut back on comparing, worrying, and stress. This is a great place to feel not so alone.
Books for New Moms:
1.) “The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality” by Kimberly Ann Johnson: This book offers a holistic approach to the transition from giving birth to adjusting to worries over body and identity changes.
2.) “This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression” by Karen Kleiman and Valerie Raskin: This book talks in-depth about the different categories of postpartum moods and anxiety. It acknowledges the difficult emotions and the struggle of postpartum and shows new moms how very not alone they are.
3.) “Strong As a Mother: How to Stay Healthy, Happy, and (Most Importantly) Sane from Pregnancy to Parenthood” by Kate Rope: This book covers common topics new moms worry about like difficulty breastfeeding, scary thoughts, how to seek support, how to inform family members of postpartum depression struggles, and concerns over returning to work. It takes a humorous and informative approach.
Websites for New Moms:
1.) Scary Mommy: Scary Mommy is more than a blog and information website. It is also a community of moms. Whether you are pregnant, a new mom, or a seasoned parent you can turn to Scary Mommy for laughter, encouragement, advice, and information from other parents and professionals.
2.) Postpartum Progress: Postpartum Progress is a blog dedicated to maternal mental illness. It offers in-depth information, support, resources, and community for new moms struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, or other postpartum mental illness. It has been recognized by Mental Health America and WebMD for its impact.
3.) Postpartum Support International: PSI is a resource for new moms needing support. They offer online support groups, loss and grief resources, and information on where to turn if you are struggling with postpartum mental health.
If you are struggling with the transition to parenthood, or are concerned you may have the baby blues or postpartum depression, a licensed mental health professional can help. A counselor or therapist will work with you to develop a plan that works for your life and give you coping tools so you can find happiness during this challenging time.
Ready to begin counseling in Pennsylvania?
At Move Forward, our professionally-trained and licensed counselors have openings. Just call our office at 717-462-7003×1 and speak to our administrative assistant to get started. You can get the tailored help you need right now. We are here.
