As many members are aware, LWAB is here because I suffered with a postpartum mood disorder after the birth of my darling daughter in 2007.  At first I didn't believe I had a mood disorder because I loved my daughter so much and was so happy to have her and I was convinced that if I was depressed I would not feel so much love for my little girl.  I was wrong.  I wasn't depressed at first, it started out with just being socially isolated after moving to a new area, which progressed to anxiety over the safety and care of my daughter and finally settled into a depression due to marital conflict, boredom, isolation and feeling inadequate as a parent.

There have been many parents who have struggled with a postpartum mood disorder, whether it is depression, anxiety, loneliness, mood swings or the more severe postpartum psychosis but many new moms are ashamed to ask for help due to the stigma around depression.

I still remember when Brooke Shield admitted to postpartum depression and the way society reacted.  Lately more and more celebrities have admitted to postpartum depression including; Courtney Cox, Amanda Peet, Gwyneth Paltrow and many others. 

LWAB would like to bring more awareness not only to the normalcy of having a Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD) but also to the support available and creating circles of support and strength for each other through support networks.

If you suffered from a PPMD and found the support offered through the LWAB system helpful in overcoming postpartum challenges we want to hear from you.  We will be going on Rogers Daytime on Tuesday March 8th and we would love for you to share your story with us and with other parents who may be going through a PPMD right now.

Let's work together to remove the stigma so that new moms are not ashamed to ask for help!  We want moms who are going through a difficult transition to know that they can overcome this stage and really enjoy the precious first years!  By sharing your story you may be able to help another mom get the courage she needs to fight her way out and ask for the help she needs.

If you are a dad whose spouse suffered from a PPMD and the support through the dads program was beneficial to you we would love to hear from you as well.

To learn more about postpartum mood disorders you can go to http://lifewithnewbaby.ca/resources/ppmd_bro_mood.pdf

Together we can create circles of support and reduce the negative stigma associated with a PPMD.

Thanks
Claire