The Whole Mom
Redefining Motherhood
The Fourth Trimester
Focusing on the impact of pregnancy and postpartum on moms' mental health through education, awareness, and validation. Teaching moms what to expect regarding their mental health in an effort to lessen the impact that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders may have on their transition into motherhood.
Motherhood is one of the most amazing experiences of human life and the most important job any mother/birthing parent will ever have so it is crucial to provide education and training about this role in an effort to support the most positive outcome. We hear a lot about the postpartum period and the challenges that mothers can face once the baby is born, but we don't find a lot of resources or education to prepare us for that period of time.
The fourth trimester is a vulnerable period for mothers and families, and having a basic understanding of what to expect can go a long way when transitioning into that period. The Fourth Trimester course was designed to fill that gap in services and treatment from the OB appointments to the postpartum period.
This course provides education and awareness for moms and their families, as well as a support plan to be utilized if mom begins to experience any signs/symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Knowing what to look for and normalizing this experience can encourage mothers to speak up if they aren't okay, rather than isolating and attempting to deal with it on their own.
When I sit down and reflect on my journey through motherhood, I am always drawn to the notion that I was not fully prepared for most of what I experienced. I read all of the suggested books, exercised, ate as healthy as an expecting mom could, and did everything that the doctors suggested so that I would be in the best position to carry and deliver my baby. You know what? I absolutely was and felt like childbirth was going to be the most difficult part of the process. Like most moms, I quickly realized that it was going to be considered one of the “easiest” parts of this journey.
I never imagined I would experience postpartum depression because that wasn’t my intent. That’s the thing about the fourth trimester, we do not talk about it, at all. We shy away from it hoping and praying that our “protective” factors will be enough to aid us in avoiding PMADs. Then, when we begin experiencing some symptoms related to it we are caught off guard during one of the most vulnerable times in our lives and panic all alone.
Throughout my experience I learned where we are lacking in maternal mental health, and I choose to get ahead of the challenges by creating a course for moms to take before they have the opportunity to experience PMADs
The Objectives for this course:
This course was created to provide education and awareness about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders before a mother would experience them.
It fills the gap in services between prenatal and postpartum visits, talking about the areas the OB's cannot fit into appointments.
It aims to reduce the impact that PMAD's has on a mother as she transitions into the PP period.
Connects mothers with a perinatal mental health specialist before they deliver their baby.
Develops a postpartum care plan while she is healthy and learn the best way to implement this plan if needed.
Serves as a reminder to moms that their mental health will be affected, and it is OK. She can safely reach out and seek help.
Completion of this course is accompanied by 3 check-ins from Dr. Kumi to provide a safe/trusting space to talk openly and connect to more intensive support if needed.
Testimonial
I attended the WHOLE Mom workshop and am so happy that this program is available to moms. The valuable information I learned was so critical to my journey through the postpartum period. Pre-natal visits typically talk about how to prepare yourself for your new baby and how your physical body is impacted. To learn about the postpartum period before having your baby and what to expect, along with how your partner can help you is even more invaluable to learn. The postpartum period is challenging and moms need as much information as possible to let them know some of the feelings and challenges you may experience is relatable to other moms. This program was absolutely wonderful and Dr.Kumi is the best to work with and is receptive to questions and empowers you. Highly recommend!
Ashley J
On Demand Format
Easily Accessible
The course has 7 pre-recorded modules presented in full to the participants.
Moms' can listen to/watch this at a time that works best for them.
The pressure of being "seen" or having to talk is reduced.
The modules also come with one complimentary call with Dr. Kumi to develop the post partum care plan.
Modules Covered in the Course
Each of these modules is specific to areas of perinatal mental health that are not typically discussed in length with your providers. They are related to significant challenges moms face in the postpartum period, and have little information or support around.
Recovery
No two bodies or deliveries are the same and we need to be aware of the different ways we will respond to recovery. Your birth may not go as planned. How prepared are you to adjust to that and how much do you know about alternatives?
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Identifying the symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety and understanding they don't always begin AFTER the baby. What can you do about it?
Relationship/Sex Drive
Between the physical and emotional changes you may or may not be in a space to be sexual or to actually love your partner right now. How can you effectively communicate that?
Sleep Deprivation
This can hit us hard and is often the underlying cause of a lot of other challenges you will face. Learn to combat this and speak up when you recognize you are struggling to sleep.
Colic and other newborn challenges
I never heard of colic before my son's diagnosis and along with that came other challenges I was not prepared for such as latching, pumping, and nursing pressures.
Self-awareness/Self-image
You will never look at yourself the same way again, and that could be a good thing as long as you understand how to lean into that and give yourself grace.
Redefining Motherhood
If any of this resonated with you I think it is safe to say you are seeking a deeper understanding of the fourth trimester in an effort to completely transition into your new role. One of the most incredible things about motherhood is that the postpartum period is truly forever. The fourth trimester serves the foundation four your journey, so whether you are pregnant of four years postpartum, the perspective you will gain about yourself and your experience after taking this course, will prove to be the most beneficial investment you have made regarding your mental health.
