Looking back almost 5 years, I know I suffered from postpartum depression.  In addition to the shock of being a parent the first time, my son was jaundiced and required special care, had difficulty nursing and sleeping, had acid reflux, and would cry for hours on end.  I had way more than the baby blues, but a combination of pride and ignorance kept me from getting help.  I was blessed that I eventually came out of it, but my heart forever breaks for the parents out there experiencing similar things.

Happily there is now a program serving the Grand Rapids area called MomsBloom.

They will help with most things related to a newborn.  I say to you, if you are feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anything out of sorts with your newborn, it does not hurt to contact someone and let them know what you are going through.  You are not a bad person, a failure, or anything like that!

When you reach out you will be a more well-adjusted person for it, and ultimately, a better parent.  Isn't that what we all want for our kids...to be the best parents we can for them?

And if you're worried about cost, MomsBloom is free.

In-Home Services:

Nonjudgmental support and companionship
Promotion of parent-infant bonding
Emotional and physical recovery from birth
Newborn care
Meal preparation and light household tasks
Connection to community resources
Infant feeding support
Care for siblings
Parent education
Soothing and coping skills