BOISE — Having a baby can be one of the most exciting parts of a parent's life, but some may not realize the transition time after the baby is born can have some big challenges such as postpartum depression. Frances Harris, a certified nurse midwife says postpartum is a transition time after a woman has a baby.
"Sometimes they feel overwhelmed or frustrated and when you're tired, it's already impacting your ability to cope with things and how you problem solve, but when you're tired with an infant, it's unrelenting and sometimes you gotta ask people for help," said Harris.
That's exactly what Aislynn Derden says she experienced when she had her first child.
"When I would leave him, like I said, you know that time of sleep deprivation and that crippling guilt and worry made me unsure about everything," said Derden.
While working with women teaching prenatal yoga classes, McKenzie Joyner says she saw the need for more resources. She created the Treasure Valley Postpartum Summit which aims to educate and support mothers during their journey and build a community of connections.
"You're not alone and even if your story or what's happening to you is a little bit different, you can still find support and you can still find people that are eager to help you and to figure out what would work best for you," said Joyner.
After attending the summit, Derden says everything has changed.
"I feel completely different. I feel healthier this time around, not as much anxiety. Whatever you can actually do, getting out for a walk or you know, on your floor, just incorporate the baby or you know have daddy watch the baby, have grandma watch the baby and just take your time. Get some exercise, get your heart rate up a bit," said Derden.
The Treasure Valley Postpartum summit is Saturday, September 28th at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Luke's Anderson Center.
