Peace, presence and presents for all

CAUGHT OUR EYE

Reading for the school pick-up line.

The Postpartum Brain?

The societal stigma surrounding postpartum depression (PPD) often exacerbates women’s feelings of shame and isolation, hindering open discussions and impeding timely support for mental health.

Motherhood causes such dramatic shifts of the brain that now many researchers consider it to be “Like another critical period of brain development,” such as adolescence. So for women who have felt like PPD is their fault, let this serve as a reminder that we are human.?

According to this article in the Washington Post, “Scientists around the world are finding that underlying autoimmune and inflammatory processes can have a profound impact on the brain and may be more common than previously believed in patients with a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, including major depression.” This is all related to the biological toll of growing a human. What our bodies experience is WILD!

These findings have massive potential to change how doctors diagnose and treat pregnancy-related depression and raise awareness of the biological mechanisms that contribute to our mental health. Claps for that.?

Navigating Motherhood as a Lawyer

Closing out the year, we’re launching our blog to elevate voices from our working mom community. Our first contributor, Miriam Airington-Fisher an award-winning, criminal defense and immigration attorney who empowers lawyer moms to create profitable, family-friendly, and accessible firms. Read her advice to employers and why we need to ditch the notion of the “workaholic lawyer.”?

For What It’s Worth (FWIW)?

“Time doesn’t heal psychological wounds. Perspective does. Days passed don’t guarantee insight gained. Seeing last year’s disappointments through an old lens is more upsetting than viewing yesterday’s setbacks from a new angle. Time creates distance. Reflection offers wisdom.” Adam Grant

THIS WEEK’S EPISODE: Emotional Regulation for Stressful Moments

What we’re currently chatting about on Working Mom Hour. Listen here!

Getting to know yourself means getting to know your nervous system too. Join us as we explore the intricate relationship between physical tension, emotional regulation, and the daily stressors we face as working moms with life coach, Stephanie Rosenfield .

Between personal experiences and expert strategies, Stephanie points out the crucial aspects of the nervous system, highlighting the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches and their role in handling stress. Trust, it makes sense when you listen!

We also explore co-regulation in parent-child relationships, and the significance of self-care through even the toughest moments. And to get grounded, we walk through a fun orienting technique that you can implement anywhere.

Enjoy the calm vibes ahead!

Show bombs:

?? “Regulated essentially is a window of tolerance where you feel connected and safe, where you can engage and listen.”

?? “Women in particular were never taught we had a body … we’re walking around thinking we’re a brain. Constantly thinking, constantly executing.”

?? “The social media space is so overwhelming with parenting tips … it’s placing unrealistic expectations on parents that they need to be child psychologists.”?

ON OUR MINDS

Logging off to wrap presents and be present with our families. See you next year, and happy holidays!

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