Whoa – life is BIG right now. As in HUGE. And I’m so happy. I feel very full.
Yes: THESE ARE MY BABIES. Seabass is in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (highly recommended) and piano lessons (also highly recommended) and Sweet Chuck is into gymnastics and “funky music.”
Among the many plates spinning in the air is my recent move to become the San Luis Obispo County coordinator for Postpartum Support International. I love that this is my role because it means women from all over the Central Coast can reach me directly to talk postpartum depression, anxiety, or other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD). I’m no expert, but I’ve experienced PMAD and I’m plugged into an incredible group of professionals – the SLO County Public Health’s PMAD Project – who are, indeed, experts. More on that in the months to come.
As part of a new family of coordinators all over the world, I’m now privy to discussion groups on the topic of postpartum health. One recently caught my attention: a lengthy, comprehensive list of books for the new and/or suffering mother.
If you or someone you know needs a good read – particularly one that pulls the drapes open to shine light on the darkness – check out this list. I wish I’d had it when I first became a mother, lo these 6.5 years ago. I glean so much from reading, almost as much as meeting with people who see/feel/get me and talking with a good therapist.
Though I don’t get to write on this blog nearly as much as I’d like to, you, dear reader, are just like Willie Nelson: you’re always on my mind. Anyone who read my words here watched me crumble and break under the weight of an experience I didn’t see coming, in real time. You also watched me get help, stand up, and embrace my life. Though we may not chat so much anymore, we are forever bonded. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I am Jaime, wife to Jacob. We are the smitten, stupefied, sometimes scared silly parents of a precious boy nicknamed Seabass and a darling girl nicknamed Sweet Chuck.
Higher Highs, Lower Lows 
Thanks so much for this post!
My book “Birth of a New Brain – Healing from Postpartum Bipolar Disorder,” foreword by Dr. Carol Henshaw, will be published in October, and I’d love to include it on the Goodreads list. My book was endorsed by Dr. Shoshana Bennett, a PMAD expert & bestselling author of “Beyond the Blues” and “Postpartum for Dummies.”
Congrats on becoming the SLO Coordinator for PSI!! That’s so awesome!
I live north of you in Santa Cruz, and PSI was there for me when I needed them. I’m going to follow your blog to read about your experiences doing such an incredibly worthwhile endeavor. 🙂
take care,
Dyane Harwood
http://www.dyaneharwood.com
Wow! Congratulations on the upcoming publishing of your new book! Let me know if you’d be interested in guest posting here when it drops.
Jaime
Thanks so much, Jaime! I’ll definitely get in touch this fall! Take care & have a great day. 🙂 Dyane
Congrats on your new chapter in life. What an asset you will be to so many dealing with Postpartum Bipolar Disorders. Can’t believe how much your darling children have grown. They have a way of doing that right in front of our eyes❤