mental health Archives - ��AV Family Care

Postpartum Depression: What Every Mom Should Know (and What You Can Do About It)

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 19:26:47 +0000

By Dr. Lauren Chase, PhD, LCMHC, PMH-C
Founder of Climbing Hills Counseling | Virtual therapy for moms in NC, SC, and FL

Motherhood changes everything: your body, your relationships, your identity, your energy, your sleep, and your sense of self. Some of those changes are beautiful and deeply meaningful. Others are confusing, exhausting, and heavy. If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Is this just the baby blues or something more?” you are not alone.

As a therapist who specializes in working with women and mothers, I’ve walked alongside many women who describe this exact feeling: joy and love for their baby mixed with a deep sadness, irritability, or sense of disconnection that they cannot quite shake.

Let’s talk about what postpartum depression really looks like, how to recognize it, and what you can do to start feeling like yourself again.

Understanding Postpartum Depression

It is completely normal to feel emotional after giving birth. Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the sheer intensity of caring for a newborn can bring about what is often called the “baby blues.”

For many moms, this includes tearfulness, mood swings, and fatigue that resolve within two weeks.

Postpartum depression, however, lasts longer and runs deeper. It is not a character flaw or a sign that you are a bad mom. It is a medical and psychological condition that deserves attention and treatment, just like any other health concern.

Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression

Every woman’s experience is unique, but here are some common signs that what you are experiencing might be more than the baby blues:

Persistent sadness, emptiness, or tearfulness lasting more than two weeks
Feeling disconnected from your baby or having trouble bonding
Loss of interest or pleasure in things that once brought joy
Irritability, anger, or frustration that feels out of proportion
Overwhelming guilt or shame, feeling like you are failing or not a good mom
Racing thoughts or anxiety about your baby’s safety, health, or your adequacy
Changes in sleep or appetite beyond what is expected with a newborn
Fatigue or exhaustion that feels paralyzing, even with rest
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of self-harm or that your family would be better off without you

If you notice several of these signs, especially if they have persisted for two weeks or longer, it is time to reach out for support.

What You Can Do Starting Today

1. Talk to a Professional

You do not have to figure this out alone. Reach out to a mental health provider trained in perinatal mental health (look for the PMH-C credential).
Therapy provides a safe space to explore what is happening beneath the surface: the emotions, fears, and pressures that often get dismissed in everyday conversations.

If you are in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Florida, I specialize in helping moms navigate the emotional ups and downs of motherhood. We work together to reduce anxiety, rebuild confidence, and help you reconnect with yourself in this new season.

Learn more about my therapy services at .

2. Lean on Your Support System

Isolation can make symptoms worse. Reach out to someone you trust, such as your partner, a close friend, or a family member, and tell them how you have been feeling.
It is okay to ask for specific help, such as:

“Can you watch the baby while I rest or take a shower?”
“Can you come sit with me today? I just need company.”
“Can you help me find a therapist who works with postpartum depression?”

3. Connect with Postpartum Support Resources

There are excellent national organizations that provide free, confidential help:

Postpartum Support International (PSI): Call or text 1-800-944-4773 for support and local referrals
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-852-6262 (��AV-MAMA) 24/7 for emotional support
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: If you ever feel unsafe or hopeless, call or text 988 for immediate help

These resources are available anytime and are staffed by people who understand what you are going through.

4. Take Gentle Steps Toward Rebalancing

When you are depressed or anxious, even small tasks can feel enormous. Healing often begins with small, intentional actions, such as:

Going outside for five minutes of fresh air
Eating something nourishing
Taking one short nap instead of trying to “catch up on everything”
Writing down what you are feeling without judgment
Reminding yourself that this season is temporary and you will not feel this way forever

You Are Not Alone and You Are Not Broken

Motherhood is a season of profound transformation emotionally, physically, and mentally.
If you are struggling right now, it does not mean you are failing. It means you are human, and your system is asking for care and support.

With the right help, moms recover from postpartum depression every day. You can too.

Recommended Resources

Books

Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman
The Postpartum Husband by Karen Kleiman
This Isn’t What I Expected by Karen Kleiman and Valerie Raskin
The Motherhood Complex by Melissa Hogan
Down Came the Rain by Brooke Shields

Podcasts

The Momwell Podcast
The Therapy for Moms Podcast
Motherhood Meets Medicine
The Balanced Parent Podcast
The Postpartum Push Podcast

Ready to Talk

If you are a mom in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Florida navigating postpartum depression, anxiety, or the mental load of motherhood, I would be honored to walk beside you.

Learn more or schedule a consultation at

Phone: 336-600-4455
Email: lauren@climbinghillscounseling.com

Let’s help you find your footing again, one step at a time.

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5 Ways Nannies Can Prioritize Their Health & Wellness (Part 2)

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:48:00 +0000

Welcome to Part 2 of our wellness series for nannies! In our first post, we explored the importance of physical, mental, and sleep health. Now, let’s dive into two more pillars of well-being: proper nutrition and setting healthy boundaries.

4. Nourish Yourself Properly

It’s all too common for nannies to skip meals or survive off the kids’ leftovers. But you deserve better! Your energy levels, mood, and stamina all depend on how you fuel your body.
Here’s how to eat well—even on a busy day:

Meal prep simple lunches so you’re not stuck scavenging.
Keep a full water bottle nearby and actually drink from it.
Set a snack alarm as a gentle reminder to feed yourself throughout the day.

You wouldn’t let a child skip lunch—don’t do it to yourself either!

5. Set & Honor Your Boundaries

Loving your job doesn’t mean being available all the time. Boundaries protect your energy and ensure you can show up as your best self each day.
Start with these tips:

Clearly define your work hours—and stick to them.
Practice saying “no” to requests that go beyond your job description or availability.
Use your vacation and sick days without guilt. Time off is essential for recharge.

Boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re the foundation of a long, fulfilling nanny career.

Caring for yourself is not a luxury—it’s a professional responsibility. When you prioritize your well-being, you improve not only your health but also the quality of care you give to the families you support.

Whether it’s a five-minute mindfulness break or finally taking that long-overdue vacation day, every step toward wellness is a step toward sustainability in your caregiving journey.

You matter. Your health matters. Start today.

The professionals at ��AV Family Care personally assist nannies, babysitters and families in��St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Miami and Orlando to find the right childcare arrangement. Our mission is to provide a safe and personalized ��approach for families and caregivers to connect with each other that is not an internet search. ��AV has worked with families, nannies, sitters, newborn care providers, and tutors for over 35 years and looks forward to working with you! To find great nanny and babysitting jobs visit us at��tlc@tlcforkids.com��or Call 314-725-5660.

The post 5 Ways Nannies Can Prioritize Their Health & Wellness (Part 2) appeared first on ��AV Family Care.

5 Ways Nannies Can Prioritize Their Health & Wellness (Part 1)

��AV Nannies & Sitters — Thu, 08 May 2025 11:45:00 +0000

As a nanny, your role is incredibly rewarding—but also physically and emotionally demanding. You’re constantly focused on the well-being of others, often leaving your own needs on the back burner. It’s time to flip the script! Prioritizing your health isn’t selfish—it’s essential. In this two-part blog series, we’re exploring simple, practical ways nannies can take better care of themselves.

1. Take Care of Your Body

Your body is your most important tool in this profession. You’re on your feet, lifting children, and staying active all day—don’t ignore the signals when it needs rest or support.
Here are a few ways to care for your physical health:

Stretch for 5–10 minutes in the morning to wake up your muscles.
Pack your own snacks with real fuel like fruit, nuts, and yogurt.
Take walking breaks to move your body and reset your mind.

A healthy body supports your ability to care for others—and yourself.

2. Support Your Mental Health

Your emotional well-being is just as vital as your physical health. The job can come with stress, unpredictability, and emotional labor. That’s why daily mental wellness practices are a must.
Try these:

Create a “quiet moment” routine with 10 minutes of mindfulness or journaling.
Set digital boundaries—log off or mute work communications during your off hours.
Talk it out with a friend, mentor, or professional counselor.

Mental clarity and emotional resilience are key to long-term success in this field.

3. Get Serious About Sleep

Sleep is not optional—it’s restorative and necessary for clear thinking, energy, and emotional regulation.
Start by making small adjustments:

Establish a calming bedtime routine with no screens before bed.
Keep your bedtime consistent, even on weekends.
Use essential oils like lavender to create a peaceful environment.

When you sleep well, you show up better—for yourself and the children in your care.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore the importance of nutrition and boundaries in maintaining long-term wellness as a nanny.

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mental health Archives - ����AV Family Care