Geeky Talks
Part 1: Combating/Preventing PPD
For some time now I wanted to do a series about preventing/combating Postpartum Depression. I have a shrink, (gasp, what? You DON’T?! Don’t you know everyone has a shrink? How uncool of you..) that I saw before I even had Baby O. After my last experience, I thought I better have someone in my pocket in case I decided to lock myself in the bathroom and cry for a few hours a day. If you know me, that’s not anything near my normal self and not someplace I needed to visit again.
My (tres hip) shrink had some good things to say. In fact, she gave me five things to work on to help me through the first year of postpartum shifts, otherwise known as hell. These five things have helped immensly and even helped me not need to speak to her. I think she may re-think giving out such good advice since I no longer require her services.
In the course of the next five(ish) posts, I’d like to share with you the five key areas to focus on when adjusting to life after having a baby.* Ready? Here we go.
#1: Social Inter-Action with Adults.
That’s really the end. I mean, you know what to do with that. Social Interact. GO FORTH and meet other parents. Go out with your friends for coffee. Go to lunch/dinner/desert with your husband. Whatever. Just go. Talk. Be around people during the day. Join a mom group. Go to playdates.**
Or, in my case, go forth and make an ass of yourself in front of The Seattle Mom Blog. (And this is where I share with you my experience of Friday night and prove to you why I am, in fact, going forth in front of other people and not just my own family, or my tile in the bathroom. But oh, if I happen to need to lay on my bathroom floor, at least now it will smell like grapefruit.)
Michelle and I went to a Seattle Mom Blog event on Friday night. It was not, in any way, a pushy sells gig, so they said, but was sponsered by Method. These people are brilliant. They provided drinks (in abudnance), free, pretty products and a promise to an environmentally friendly and yummy smelling clean home. They don’t need to push a damn thing. They had me at “Sangria?”
I met Jenny, who I emailed about .3 seconds after
Michelle dropped my drunk ass off gushing over my love for her. I mean, really, if anyone can live up to her fun reputation, it’s her. Really. And then there’s HolaIsabel who I’ve read and pretty much adored for evah (who I will have to go have a drink with soon. I know, I know you are jealous. You should be.) and Working Mom, who is adorable and fun and grabbed those last two drinks with me. And all the people I couldn’t even tell you how much I love that I live in the same city with. Here. In Seattle.
But that’s not all!
No, yours truly not only stared directly at An Ordinary Mom’s boobs (I hear this is a blogher thing to do? I must go next year!) but also had someone shout “alcoholic!” in reference to my drink (so they say).You think this would embarrass lil’ ol me? Oh, hellzno. I proceeded to pick up a man (yes, you heard me.. this is caps worthy, I PICKED UP A MAN) for my friend Nicole and directly BROKE A GLASS (Yes, I’m shouting over your laughter now) whilst talking. That’s right, people. It’s all true. I am THAT good.
To distract you from the farting laugh you are now engaged in, I post pictures. Look! Over here! PICTURES!
Modeling the new and very pretty Method products. Environmentally friendly, safe around children, and wondering if they work?
(No, I was not paid to do this. Unless you call getting sloppy on organic mixers payment, which I almost do.)
And, here I am, very pleased with the lovely stove-top the Grapefruit All Purpose Cleaner left me. YES. They WORK! And I officially am finished with Soft Scrub.
I am not, however, pleased with the “EXTRA LARGE” tee-shirt that fits just right. This resulted in the weightloss war I set up that starts next Monday. Join us, won’t you?
So, thank you, Method, Seattle Mom Blogs, Jenny, Kathryn, and Eve for the fabulous party. And for Michelle for driving me home and podcasting the entire thing with me.
*This information is given to me by a professional. I do not claim to be a Postpartum Mood Disorder specialist, just a woman who got wacky after her first kid and decided to fight back on the second.
**There are a lot of groups out there like Mops, Meetup, and Peps. If you have some you’d like listed here, please comment and let me know.
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If you’re going to BlogHer, then I wanna be your roomie.
And that tshirt? Wouldn’t fit over the nursing boobs. Moooooooo.
I am not really dealing with postpartum in the same way, but I think this series might really help me too. Thanks so much.
I was just thinking how way skinny you look in the pictures! Those shirts must run small.
I totally heart Method. It rules!
GREAT NEWS…YOU ARE NOT FAT! I so totally dug the tee that I went on over to the Method site to try and score one. Apparently, the “women’s sizes run approximately one to two sizes smaller than normal shirts.” What assholery. I too would wear the XL if it weren’t for lactation. They don’t make shirts big enough to hold my milky jublies. Sweet A/B cups, whilst thou e’re again be mine?
Yeah, well at least your shirt actually has room in the mid-section. I look like I’m wearing saran wrap. At least it’s cute.
This was a great re-cap! You rock!
It was so awesome to meet you! Also, I kissed my Method products and had to hold myself back from an all-out make-out session, even though it wouldn’t be so bad since they’re non-toxic. Though it might be weird.
You went to a Method party without me?!!! I would have totally faked being a mom in order to go!
Since moving a couple weeks ago, I’ve spent enough money in Method products to put my future children through college.
But what I really want to see is you drunk at a Passion/Blush party! Now that would be blog-worthy!
Yeah…that shirt had to be X-Large in the girls’ department! You look like a medium to me!
I will go and buy Method stuff…since they sell it at Target (my home away from home) and you’ve plugged it so well! How can I get free booze from them in California???
*giggle*
There’s a lot to be said for your advice on PPD. I never got emotional, but I definitely fell into a ‘rut’ with my second one. Adult conversation (other than over the phone) might have greatly improved my mood back then too!
This is a good thing you’re doing with your PPD posts. We wimmins need to stick together and know we’re not alone!
As for the Seattle momblogger meetup, I’m jealous and feel left out. *pouting.*
Thanks for the PPD info. Very helpful whether you’ve got the blues or not, being at home with a little one can be daunting. Good to remember these things to keep you feeling on top of the game.
Cute shirt!
I’m still very upset that I didn’t get to hang out with you on Friday night.
I can’t wait for the next get-together!
(Those American Apparel shirts are horrible for making you think you are big. They are just sized so small. I put up with it because I love them so.)
I love the Method Grapefruit cleaner! It smells so good. So do their candles. The daily shower cleaner kicks @$$, too!
It sounds like you had way too much fun. It’s good that your getting your money’s worth out of therapy. Method cleaners are the best (daily shower cleaner gives me, sadly, some of my greatest joy) and they’re cheapest at Target.
I forgive you for the staring
!!
I am glad to know I am not the only one who thinks the XL are really an XS.
I am completely envious of that gathering!
Those products look very cool, especially the grapefruit one.
You mean some people don’t have shrinks? I’m still trying to wrap my head around that one.
My problem postpartum was that I knew I should be with other people but was completely anti-social and seized up. The normal me loves going out and interacting with other adults. Post-partum me wants to hide out under the sink. This was one of the hardest things to do but really one of the most important.
I’m glad you took the advice on Friday night!
My Dear Mrs. Flinger, funny doesn’t even began to describe the coolness that is you. Sooooo much fun!
Um and yeah on the t-shirts. What in the hell was up with the sizing ? It did absolutely nothing for the self confidence…
METHODS rules!!!!!
I love 7th Generation, too!
You look absolutely fabulous
I love Method products and have been using them for at least two years now!
I’m so jealous in a I-wish-I-were-there way.
OK. I am planning my next Seattle trip around one of these get-togethers!!!
Or at least I will let YOU know when I am there
Ever since Gracie has all these allergies. I have totally switched to Method. I love love love it. Did I mention I love method.
Girl You look good!!!
OMG you are ADORABLE!! Cripes, I totally have a straight crush on you now.
Crazy Lady-
Let’s get together and gush soon. I know Isabel didn’t get enough of you, and I really like your compliments….so…
let us unite for a Method reunion par-tay!
PS- don’t you love your grapefruit cleaner!?
Cool, I’m totally going to read these post- partum posts, and I love Method! I love that I don’t have a headache after cleaning my bathroom!