Posts Tagged ‘postpartum depression’
Articles Featuring Patricia O’Laughlin
Please find articles where I am featured below and coming soon, an interview done with Time Magazine on women deciding not have children at all. I’m hoping this one will be particularly helpful to couples and women as the wrestle with this subject, it can be quite difficult.
Patricia O’Laughlin interviewed by Parent USA City: When You’re the New Stepparent of a Teenager
Rejection is a normal parent of being a stepparent to a teenager. In this new article learn what behaviors to expect as a stepparent and how to manage the challenge of parenting in a blended family.
In the digital age, there is always a way to share your thoughts and feelings instantly. In this article I discuss the benefits of new moms finding support online, and when the sharing might go a little too far.
SheKnows.com talks to Patricia O’Laughlin: Keeping Sex Interesting While Trying to Concieve
Sex while trying to conceive can become unromantic when ovulation schedules and temperature readings get in the way of spontaneity in the sack. In this article I give tips on how to keep things exciting and fun while trying for a baby.
Patricia O’Laughlin gives tips to BabyCenter.com: 10 Smart Ways to Prepare for Your Baby’s Birth
Making sure the nursery is prepped and painted is one thing, but here are a few tips I think every expectant new mom should know. From finding veteran moms who will
share their honest experiences to getting some help lined up for after the baby is born, these things will make your first few months with a new baby much easier.
Pregnancy Magazine talks to Patricia O’Laughlin: New-Daddy Doldrums
New studies show that fathers can experience the blues after their child’s birth just like mothers. In this article, I talk about how to support your spouse if he is having trouble after the baby is born.
Care.com interviews Patricia O’Laughlin: Creating the Perfect Mother’s Day
It can be difficult to juggle your own needs with that of other family members. This article talks about ways mothers can stay focused on themselves and honor the requests of loved ones on holidays like Mother’s Day.
Fathers Can Struggle Too: Dads and Postpartum Depression
Over the years, more and more, focus is being placed on the mental well being of fathers. In the past, the parenting struggles of fathers have been largely ignored as the role of fathers has been mainly of financial provider, rather than primary nurturer. As part of the psychology of parenting (POP) services, I provide support to fathers individually, and in couples therapy.
Recent research shows that men can experience depression and anxiety during and after the birth of their child. The exact biological reasons are still unknown. It is hypothesized that men can experience chemical brain changes during the bonding process, and that sometimes this increases feelings of sadness or excessive worry. However, environmentally, it is generally agreed that lack of sleep, the extra worry the father carries during the birthing process, the pressure to support the mother and child in the early months, and the shift in household duties, all contribute to the depression of dads.
In addition, fathers are often expected to balance their primary breadwinner duties with caregiver tasks. As a result, the father often feels pulled between the demands and expectations of their employer and the new requirements of home. Not only can this increase depression and anxiety in the father, but it can often cause fathers to feel an increase in isolation, as lack of time infringes on the support network they previously created.
Since advice gathering and problem sharing is not a typical part of male communication, fathers can often feel insecure over their parenting skills and what their role should be at home. Most often, fathers in the current generation did not have stay-at-home male role models. Their fathers worked long hours and left the primary care duties to the mom. Things have shifted, and sometimes the father is now the person who stays at home. Whether it’s a full time care-giver job, or a part-time one, dads can feel lost and alone. They have no picture or memory to connect to in order to help guide them as they create their identity as a father.
I know many men feel hesitant to access help. I can help you feel like your life is back in balance, by guiding you while you formulate the identity you want to as a father, and support you through times of transition.
