Information about this survey
The following survey is part of a research study designed to understanding the treatment decision making process for women with depression during pregnancy and after birth. You must be of childbearing age, 18-44 years of age, and either pregnant or have recently given birth to complete the survey. Your participation is voluntary; you may stop the survey at any time. The survey is anonymous; no identifying information will be obtained from you, your responses will not be traceable back to you and no attempts will be made to re-contact you. It may take up to 15 minutes to complete all of the questions. Please click the URL to connect with this survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BL5CXCZ

I believe that throughout our lives, we are able to appreciate “now” much better if we periodically and consistently “take a break”. Daily, time to be alone even for five minutes and breathe. After the birth of a baby, we are so often so consumed with caring for the baby that we can lose touch with the real need for our bodies to take a break. Yet even in this demanding environment we can practice listening to our bodies, and taking a break when we need it, (even if it means locking ourselves in the bathroom!). Weekly, it would be ideal if you can allow yourself an hour or two to be alone and just breathe, walk, or engage in any activity where you can be totally and completely present. Monthly, dare I be so bold as to suggest 4-8 hours to yourself? And then there are vacations, invaluable time and space to rejuvenate, recuperate, and be restored to a balanced place.

We need time away from our daily routines in order to gain perspective. On those great, longer vacations, we can spend time with our spouses and with our children individually as well as a group, and really take the time to both listen and play in a different way than when we are pulled into our usual chores and communities. These breaks don’t have to be expensive trips, just time dedicated to a different routine. Sometimes the biggest hurdle is giving ourselves permission to do so.

So, go ahead, give yourself a break!

A Holistic Guide To Pregnancy and Childbirth: Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives

Halfway through the book, I had to stop to call two clients and say “You would really enjoy this book”.

Numerous books explore the physical and even psychological changes which occur during pregnancy and childbirth. This book is the first I’ve read that even touches upon the changes in parents’ souls during this magical time of transformation.

In short, I love this book! The language is poetic, the ideas are practical, reassuring, and balanced. The authors integrate Ayurvedic and Western medical concepts in a seamless fashion, describing the miracle of life and the nurturing connection of mother and baby from conception through birth, and don’t forget the father!

More than any other pregnancy or parenting book which I’ve read, they are compassionate and supportiive of each individual family’s choices-not presenting in a moralistic “this way is the only way” but with an encouraging and supportive tone.

The emphasis upon the loving attention to the baby, mother, and father, is precisely what the MomSource seeks to provide for families. . .through information, resources, support, and support referrals.

A Holistic Guide To Pregnancy and Childbirth: Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives

The transformation from “couple” to “family” has often been anticipated and planned for, yet new parents may be astounded by the intensity of these changes.  If you are expecting to be new parents, support can help you manage the stressful challenges of a newborn so you may cherish the joyful moments. A “helpnet” of your circle of family and friends can be critical in providing this support.

On November 5th Dr.  Thomason spoke at Hartford Hospital’s Blue Back Square location about planning for help after baby comes home.  Twenty five parents and parents-to-be attended and learned about how to plan and ease the transformation of your family.  One lucky couple won a free individual 90 minute consultation with Dr. Thomason to develop their customized plan for “after baby”.  Scheduling before the baby is born can benefit your entire family.

Call (860) 331-1750 to find out how Dr. Thomason can help develop your helpnet!

The transformation from “couple” to “family” has often been anticipated and planned for some time, and yet new parents may be astounded by the intensity of these changes.

As mothers recover from the physical and emotional demands of giving birth and fathers attempt to both support their wives and be “Dad”, the demands of newborns can feel overwhelming. If you are expecting to be new parents, support can help you manage the stressful challenges of a newborn so that you may cherish the joyful moments.

A “helpnet” of your circle of family and friends can be critical in providing this support. Dr. Sharon Thomason will speak about planning for help after baby comes home: the who, what, when, and where of assistance to ease this transformation. We will also discuss concrete considerations for nurturing your family: increasing your joy, decreasing your stress.