Rainbow Babies: Beyond the Beautiful Symbol
Amber Sperling Amber Sperling

Rainbow Babies: Beyond the Beautiful Symbol

Here's why rainbow pregnancies can be emotionally challenging:

A Mix of Emotions: You might feel happy for this new life, yet grief for the one you lost. It's okay to have both!

Triggers Everywhere: Everyday experiences can become unexpected reminders of your loss. Be kind to yourself.

Hypervigilance: You might feel an intense need to protect your unborn baby, leading to anxiety. Allow yourself to feel this, but seek support to manage it.

Relationship Strain: Friends and family might be overjoyed, while you're processing your emotions. Communication is key.

Remember, you're not alone. Many parents experience these struggles.

Read More
EMDR Therapy for Perinatal Trauma: Untangling Memory Knots
Victoria Gray Victoria Gray

EMDR Therapy for Perinatal Trauma: Untangling Memory Knots

Using EMDR and bilateral movements, we can untangle these memory knots, reconnecting the prefrontal cortex with the back parts of the brain. This allows for the reprocessing of original events and new events in an adaptive, objective way.

Read More
Support for partners of women with PPD
Amber Sperling Amber Sperling

Support for partners of women with PPD

This article addresses perinatal anxiety, a common concern for both moms and dads during pregnancy and after childbirth. It offers dads tips for supporting their partners, including open communication, emotional support, self-care practices, finding resources, and seeking professional help when needed. The emphasis is on dads being a crucial part of the support system for a healthy and happy family.

Read More
Perinatal Anxiety Support Groups Barrie, Ontario: You Are Not Alone
Amber Sperling Amber Sperling

Perinatal Anxiety Support Groups Barrie, Ontario: You Are Not Alone

Feeling overwhelmed and anxious after having a baby? You're not alone.

Perinatal anxiety is common, but there's help! Joining a support group can connect you with other moms and provide valuable coping mechanisms.

The After Baby group offers a safe space for women in Barrie, Ontario to share experiences and heal together; and coming in Fall 2024 we are launching a whole new way to connect and heal. #perinatalanxiety #barrieontario #momsupport #afterbabygroup

Read More
Processing Mother's Day: Embracing the Complexity and Finding Joy
Amber Sperling Amber Sperling

Processing Mother's Day: Embracing the Complexity and Finding Joy

Mother's Day is a complex holiday that can evoke a range of emotions. By embracing the complexity, giving yourself permission to feel disappointment or grief, and prioritizing self-care and self-compassion, you can make future Mother's Days less distressing and more joyful.

Read More
Life as a Book: Crafting Your Narrative, One Chapter at a Time
Amber Sperling Amber Sperling

Life as a Book: Crafting Your Narrative, One Chapter at a Time

Life as a book is a continuous journey of self-discovery and empowerment. By recognizing the control we have over our narratives, we can navigate through the unwritten chapters with intention and purpose. Our stories are not defined by the past but are shaped by the choices we make, the relationships we cultivate, and the language we use to interpret our experiences. Embrace the authorship of your own life, and let the pages unfold with resilience, grace, and a celebration of the unique story only you can tell.

Read More
Facing the Winter Blues: Navigating Seasonal Affective Disorder
Amber Sperling Amber Sperling

Facing the Winter Blues: Navigating Seasonal Affective Disorder

As winter approaches, the days grow shorter, and the sun hides behind thick blankets of clouds. For many people, this change in weather can lead to a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. SAD is a form of depression that typically occurs at the same time each year, most commonly during the fall and winter months. The lack of sunlight, coupled with the cold and gloomy weather, can trigger a range of symptoms, including fatigue, low energy, mood changes, and a sense of hopelessness.

When you're a parent, these symptoms can be particularly challenging to handle. Already sleep-deprived and overwhelmed by the daily demands of caring for your children, the onset of SAD can make life feel even more exhausting. It's a double whammy that can leave you struggling to find the energy and motivation to get through the day.

Read More