The Sisterhood Blog
We’re tackling the real issues we face while we’re on that journey of trying to conceive, facing infertility, getting pregnant, postpartum, or in the early years of motherhood. Written in a totally fun & relatable way that inspires you to prioritize your mental health every step of the way.
Are My New Parent Jitters Actually 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).
A Simple Breastfeeding Hydration Drink Recipe
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.
The Signs and Signals of Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) that my Medical Team Missed
In this vulnerable post, Dr. Julie gives a primer in the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for Postpartum Anxiety (PPA). She also gets vulnerable and shares her own experience with Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) and identifies the risk factors, warning signs, and signals of PPA that her expansive team of medical professionals overlooked when she was a new mom. She shares so that you know that you’re not alone, and that even an expert in women’s mental health is not immune to Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD).
Therapy that’s Just for Washington Women who are Navigating Infertility, Pregnancy, Postpartum, or in the Early Years of Motherhood
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 the Perfect Therapist: A Guide for Moms
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.