The Perinatal Directory of the Puget Sound.
Real Providers. Real Stories. Real Support for Washington Moms.
Nurturing the Sisterhood: The Perinatal Directory of the Puget Sound is a growing collection of interviews with the incredible doulas, lactation consultants, sleep coaches, therapists, and other providers who support women during infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood. This directory highlights the real women doing the real work behind the scenes—alongside honest, therapist-written articles by Dr. Julie Franks on the messy, rewarding, and often overwhelming status of motherhood.
Motherhood Isn’t What You Expected - And That’s Okay.
Women need and deserve support through the highs and lows of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and during the postpartum period (which lasts at least 2 years), yet many women go without this mental health support because it feels taboo. Learn about the stigma behind therapy for moms + the ways therapy can help you build confidence, reduce struggles like postpartum depression or anxiety, and find your groove in motherhood.
How to Tell the Difference Between New Mom Worry and Postpartum Anxiety.
Whether you’re a first time mom or becoming a parent again, having a new baby is bound to bring up a wide range of emotions that may impact your mental health. Yet many new mothers don’t realize that their fears, worries, and concerns about their baby or their new role as a mother go beyond the normal new parent jitters and rise to the level of Postpartum Anxiety (PPA).
Hydration While Breastfeeding: Homemade Electrolyte Drink for Nursing Moms
Staying hydrated while you’re breastfeeding a newborn isn’t easy, especially if you’re not a big fan of water or are looking to avoid artificial dyes and preservatives. This inexpensive, homemade rehydration drink for breastfeeding moms recipe is my go-to when I need to increase my liquid and electrolyte intake. You can drink this throughout your nursing journey and it’s safe for your toddler or preschooler if they happen to take a sip from your cup.
I’m a Therapist and I Still Missed My Postpartum Anxiety
I’m sharing my story with postpartum anxiety (PPA) to remind you that you’re not alone—and that even a therapist specializing in maternal mental health can miss the signs in herself. In this post, I walk you through the risk factors, symptoms, and what helped me heal. If you’re struggling with postpartum anxiety, there is hope—and postpartum counseling can truly make a difference.
Interview with Dr. Julie Franks, Maternal Mental Health Therapist at Nurturing the Sisterhood — Supporting Kitsap and Seattle Moms.
Nurturing the Sisterhood, a boutique therapy practice that’s just for women who want to become mothers, pregnant and postpartum women, and women in the early years of motherhood, celebrates the grand opening of its Bainbridge Island, Washington office! Founder and maternal mental health therapist Dr. Julie Franks shares the reason this practice is needed in Kitsap County, why it serves women throughout Washington State, and clinic’s judgment-free approach to therapy and support for women seeking pre-conception planning, coping with pregnancy loss, undergoing fertility treatment, and/or women who are pregnant, postpartum, and in the early years of motherhood.
Can I Tell My Therapist that I Cosleep with my Child?
Moms who decide not to sleep train struggle with the judgment of choosing to cosleep. The fear of being shamed or reported for bedsharing keeps many moms from telling the truth at their pediatrician and therapy appointments. Maternal mental health expert and therapist Dr. Julie Franks speaks to the fears about being honest about bedsharing or cosleeping + what to do if a therapist or medical provider doesn’t support your approach to baby sleep.
5 Tips for Making New Mom Friends on Your Maternity Leave
New (and new again!) moms can feel isolated in the early weeks of motherhood but struggle to talk the negative impacts of their loneliness. Developing friendships with other new mothers is an important strategy for ending this social isolation and improving your mental health. Get my top 5 tips for making new friends during your maternity leave + my curated list of spaces to find mom friends in Kitsap County, Washington.
Is it Selfish to Say “No” to Intimacy When You’re a Touched Out Mom?
Learn how to deal with the challenges of postpartum sex as a touched-out mom. Learn about the many reasons new parents lack intimacy & follow a roadmap for effective communication & boundary setting around sex & intimacy in your relationship.
How to Find a Perinatal Therapist in Washington (And What Questions to Ask)
Struggling to find a therapist who understands the challenges of motherhood? Look no further. Learn how to find a qualified perinatal therapist and why it's essential for effective therapy. Plus, get tips on choosing the right therapist for you and your family.
7 Completely BS Judgments that Hurt New Moms
As a new mom, you get bombarded with judgmental feedback about the way you care for your child. It seems like someone ALWAYS has something unhelpful & hurtful to say. Here’s my list of the 7 BS judgments that hurt moms most and what you can do about it. .
Why Letting Go of Perfectionism as a Mom Is So Important
As a mom, there’s an unrealistic expectation to be perfect 24/7. Letting go of perfectionism is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your kids!
It's Ok to Ask For Help, Mama: Here’s How to Do It
If no one told you, it's ok to ask for help! The demands of motherhood can get overwhelming, and sometimes you just need to ask for help, here’s how to do it.
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