Coping with Anxiety at Christmas as a Mom
Aliyyah Anshan Aliyyah Anshan

Coping with Anxiety at Christmas as a Mom

The holiday season is a time of joy, laughter, and merriment for many. However, for first-time moms, especially those grappling with postpartum anxiety, the festive season can bring a unique set of challenges. As you navigate your way through celebrating Christmas with a newborn or older children, I want to share my experiences, struggles, and triumphs in the hopes that other moms feeling the weight of postpartum anxiety know they're not alone. As a mom of two and a perinatal mental health therapist in Hamilton, ON remember that you are not alone or to blame and with the right help, you can enjoy this Christmas too.

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Navigating the Second Shift in Motherhood: Strategies for Balance
Aliyyah Anshan Aliyyah Anshan

Navigating the Second Shift in Motherhood: Strategies for Balance

Motherhood is a full-time job in itself, but what about when you also have a a paid job outside fo being a mom? The "second shift" that many mothers face once their official work hours are over is a concept that refers to the additional workload that moms take on when they return home, encompassing tasks like cooking, cleaning, helping with homework, and managing the various demands of family life. As perinatal mental health therapists in Hamilton, ON and moms, this is a concept we know well both personally and professionally.

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Navigating Intrusive Thoughts in Pregnancy and Motherhood
Aliyyah Anshan Aliyyah Anshan

Navigating Intrusive Thoughts in Pregnancy and Motherhood

As a mom or mom-to-be, the journey of motherhood is filled with joy, love, and countless memorable moments. However, it's not uncommon for intrusive thoughts to creep in, casting a shadow on this experience. As perintal mental health therapists in Hamilton, ON (and virtually Ontario-wide), we are very familiar and skilled in supporting perintal women with this challenge. We understand that these thoughts are naturally distressing for women. In this blog post, we'll explore eight practical steps to help women effectively manage intrusive thoughts, fostering a more positive and resilient mindset. Contact us here if you'd like the free, beautiful resource you can store on your phone to serve as a helpful tool as you learn to manage your instrusive thoughts.

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Nurturing Warmth: Battling Cold Weather Blues with a Baby at Home
Aliyyah Anshan Aliyyah Anshan

Nurturing Warmth: Battling Cold Weather Blues with a Baby at Home

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the arrival of winter can bring a unique set of challenges, especially for parents with a baby at home. As perinatal mental health therapists in Hamilton, Ontario as well as moms ourselves, we know the struggle is real. The early darkness and chilly temperatures might make it tempting to hibernate indoors, but with a few proactive measures, you can turn the winter blues into a season of warmth and joy for both you and your little one.

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Empowering Women: Preparing for Postpartum to Safeguard Your Mental Health
Aliyyah Anshan Aliyyah Anshan

Empowering Women: Preparing for Postpartum to Safeguard Your Mental Health

Pregnancy and childbirth are monumental moments in a woman's life, filled with lots of joy and excitement. However, amidst the euphoria, it's crucial to recognize the significant challenges that come with the postpartum period. The postpartum phase, often referred to as the "fourth trimester," can be physically and emotionally demanding. It's essential for women to prepare for this transitional period to protect their mental health and ensure a smoother postpartum journey.

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Why You Don't Need to Love Motherhood to Be a Good Mom
Aliyyah Anshan Aliyyah Anshan

Why You Don't Need to Love Motherhood to Be a Good Mom

Motherhood is often portrayed as a blissful and fulfilling journey filled with love, joy, and endless maternal instincts. However, the reality is far more complex. I get it as both a mom of two girls and as a perinatal mental health therapist located in Hamilton, Ontario. Not every woman experiences an overwhelming love for motherhood, and that's perfectly okay. The idea that you must love every aspect of being a mother or even most aspects to be considered a "good mom" is a harmful misconception. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons why you don't need to love motherhood to be a good mom.

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Navigating Return to Work After Maternity Leave: Realistic Expectations and Stress-Free Schedules
Aliyyah Anshan Aliyyah Anshan

Navigating Return to Work After Maternity Leave: Realistic Expectations and Stress-Free Schedules

Returning to work after maternity leave is a significant transition in any mother's life. Balancing the demands of work, childcare, and personal life can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. As perinatal mental health therapists in Hamilton, Ontario, these are conversations we are having often with our clients during this stage of lie. In this blog post, we will explore how to navigate this transition with realistic expectations and without stressing over rigid schedules or routines.

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Coping as a Couple with Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss: Finding Healing and Hope
Aliyyah Anshan Aliyyah Anshan

Coping as a Couple with Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss: Finding Healing and Hope

Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss are devastating and emotionally complex experiences that affects couples on a profound level. The loss of a pregnancy or child can lead to an array of intense emotions, including grief, sadness, guilt, and anger. Coping with this experience is a deeply personal and unique journey for each couple, but there are ways to support one another during this difficult time.

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