Maternal Mental Health Research Collaborative
Maternal Mental Health Research Collaborative
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MMHRC Blog

The Challenges Faced By Moms with IDD and Mental Health Issues When Looking for Health Care

Women with special needs

It can be hard to be a mom. But it can be even harder if you have an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and mental health issues and are looking for healthcare. Navigating the healthcare system can be difficult – especially when you face stigma and bias from healthcare providers. We asked moms who participated…

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How Receiving a Diagnosis of Postpartum Depression Saved My Life – Megan’s Story

I’m a 38-year-old suburban soccer mom who’s soft in all the wrong places and could never be mistaken for Britney Spears. Except when I look at photos of her as a young mom, tears in her eyes, looking trapped and alone, all I see is me. Finding Common Ground With Britney Spears Britney and I…

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A Black Body in the Healthcare System – Brianna’s Story

I have many identities as I navigate through the world. Through observation alone you may gather that I am wife, a mother, a black woman. You may make educated guesses about my status if you take note of what I am wearing that particular day or my mode of transportation. As I navigate my work…

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Self-Care Practices You Must Try to Bust Holiday Stress

Self-care has become a buzzword in 2020 and for good reason… we’re all exhausted. Self-care… these words can seem hollow to an already tired mom with little space on her to-do list left for anything other than making it through the day. Too many of us have put ourselves at the bottom of the list,…

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Antenatal Depression is Common, But We’re Not Talking About It

Pregnant woman standing in front of trees

If you think there isn’t enough said about postpartum depression, just wait until you’re searching for information and answers about antenatal depression. Antenatal depression occurs in pregnancy and can happen at any time during the 40 week gestation period. The symptoms – like insomnia, lack of appetite, anxiety, restlessness, loss of interest and feelings of…

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Nicole’s Story: The Emotional Roller Coaster Started Earlier Than I Expected

I was never one to get ‘baby fever’ or even know when it was a good time to have a baby. My husband and I knew we wanted to have a family but we were not sure when it would be a good time to start trying. Who is ever financially ready to start a…

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Lauren’s Story: Panic Attacks are Never Normal

Mom and Dad with new baby

“Oh my God, I know how women hurt their babies!” I cried as this thought replayed in my head over and over, while I held my screaming baby at arm’s length. My husband took my daughter, and I collapsed into my bed. “I need help. There is something seriously wrong with me,” I said through…

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Rachell’s Story: This Type of Worry Did Not Seem Logical

I tried to make an offhand, self-deprecating joke when I commented to my doctor at a regular prenatal visit about my habit of checking whether the doors were locked. Something in her face changed, and she re-positioned her body to show me she was paying close attention as she asked, “How much time are you…

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Intrusive Thoughts Are Scary But They Don’t Make You a Bad Mom

Intrusive thoughts are unwelcome and often very upsetting thoughts that can literally come out of nowhere and leave you horrified. In a flash you may have a vision of dropping your baby or somehow hurting them with your kitchen knives. This thought leaves any mom terrified of what she may be capable of. Intrusive thoughts…

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Medication Shaming is Everywhere and It Has to Stop

Woman looking out window, sad and depressed

Medication shaming and mental health stigma seem to go hand in hand. To me its always seemed that mental illness is slightly more socially acceptable if you’re able to manage it without meds. Those that do end up taking medication are left to tip toe around awkward conversations with co-workers and feel the scorn of…

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