It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Hormonal imbalances, stress, sleep deprivation, life circumstances, and many other factors can lead to this illness which, although called postpartum depression, can occur during pregnancy and for up to a year after the birth of a new baby. If you think you may be depressed, ask yourself these two questions:
During the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems:
1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things?- not at all
- several days
- more than half the days
- nearly every day
- not at all
- several days
- more than half the days
- nearly every day
If you answered “more than half the days” or “nearly every day” to either question, it is important to speak with a doctor and tell him or her what you have been feeling.
If you have been thinking about harming yourself, call your doctor for an emergency appointment, call 911, or call this toll free 24-hour hotline:
- National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-8255
- TTY: 1-800-799-4889
You are not alone. There are treatments to help you feel better. Please talk to your doctor as soon as possible so you can feel like yourself again.
As you prepare to welcome a baby into your home, remember that you don’t have to travel alone on this wonderful parenting journey. As parents, we treasure our children and their futures, but many times, we need outside support to help us provide a predictable, loving environment where our children feel safe and can develop to their full potential. Think about your “village”, the people who are there to support you and who you can ask for help. It may be hard, when you are overwhelmed, sleep deprived, even depressed, to believe that there are people who very much want you to feel supported – there are! Your village may start with a family member, neighbor, friend, church member, or home visitor; it may be your doctor or a staff member in your doctor’s office, or even your favorite check-out clerk at the grocery store. The important thing is to be able to talk to someone you trust; you will find that many people want to help you be the best parent you can be and give your baby a great start in life.
As your baby grows, your village will grow too. You may join a mom or dad’s group, discover a stimulating program at the library, take an exercise class that keeps you healthy, and meet other new parents at the park. Remember that you are your baby’s champion, but even superheroes sometimes need help. It’s OK to ask!
Ladybird Johnson once said, “Where flowers bloom, so does hope”. Just talking with someone we trust can be an important step in building communities where children are valued, and a nation where children can be the priority of all. How special to have a country filled with beautiful, multi-colored flowers that fill us all with joy. We are all in this together.
Day One
From day one the little things you do can make a big difference in a baby's life. Holding, touching, talking, playing and reading are activites that are fun and very important for your baby's development. This kind of close one on one attention helps your baby's brain and all your baby's senses to develop. The more communication you have with your baby from day one, the stronger your baby's foundation will be for learning and loving.
Bonding with Baby
You are about to embark on a relationship like no other, and it should be treated as special. Take time to tune into your child. Even though your baby cannot talk, you will get to know him (her) best when slowing down and listening to him (her). Your child is unique and requires your love and patience.
Taking Care of Yourself
The new little person will need your care and attention, but just like learning to ask for help, you have to learn to put yourself first at times. This requires support from others. If you have a partner, live like a team in encouragement and shared responsibilities; this will lead to the support of the baby.
Things Are Different, Get Support
Having a child will change everything in your world. At times it can feel as if you are the only one who is struggling or merely surviving on little to no sleep. In this video, new parents emphasize the importance of learning to ask for help and surrounding yourself with other to encourage you and help you along the way.
Documents
These resources can help you track milestones in your baby's development, discover fun activities for you and your baby, make connections with programs, and help you take care of yourself, as well as connect you with the latest happenings in the world of research on babies.
National Resources
- Georgetown University, Center for Child and Human Development
- Georgetown University, Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Learn the Signs. Act Early.
- Text4Baby
- National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Build Initiative
- Zero to Three
- National Fatherhood Initiative
- Center on Social and Emotional Foundation for Early Learning
State Resources
- Envision New Mexico
- Healthy Kids New Mexico, Department of Health
- NMSU Cooperative Extension, Parenting
- NM Department of Health; Families, Infants & Children (FIT) Program
- New Mexico Kids, Children, Youth & Families Department
- NM Pediatric Society
- NM Human Services Department
- Parents Reaching Out
- Children, Youth & Families Department, Home Visiting
- Center for Development & Disability, UNM, Home Visiting
- New Mexico Women, Infants & Children (WIC), Department of Health
- Department of Health, Public Health Offices
- Families FIRST, Department of Health
- Children’s Medical Services, Department of Health
- NMSU, Baby’s First Wish Parenting Newsletter
- Single Mom Financial Help, New Mexico
- Optum Health
- NM Midwives Association
- New Mexico Nurse Advise Hotline