Hormones and Motherhood

Today I was thinking about all of the hormonal changes my body has been through since I started down the pregnancy path. Melissa B. Light of Light Family Acupuncture and our featured speaker on Thursday night, recently expressed to me that I needed to be kind to myself after the hard work my body had done, not only after the birth of my last child, but before. The fact is that I was pregnant or nursing for almost 9 years off and on including miscarriages. I hadn't ever thought of it in those terms but when she said the number of years, I realized that it was normal to have so many ups and downs and I needed to take care of my body. The same body that has carried me through this life and through the journey of creation. Melissa was a huge help and prescribed me Chinese herbs that really made a difference for me. The change in my moods and demeanor is remarkable. I realize this may not work for everyone but it was very helpful to me.

Another person who has helped me through the journey is Michelle Brown. She is a Mayan Message Therapist here in Austin. I had gone to see her when I found out that Noble was breech. Unfortunately, I was too late to get Noble moved successfully. I went to see her three months after my c-section for a tune up. Her abdominal message made a huge difference for me. Before the message, I wanted to pull the covers over my head and disappear for about a month. I was truly struggling with my moods and depression. During the message I felt a release that is difficult to describe. I felt like it was all the pent up energy that didn't get to be let out when I had a c-section rather than a natural child birth. My family saw an immediate difference in me. It was wonderful.

"Women's Moods" a book by Sichel and Driscoll, was also a huge help. It is a must have and was lent to me by another mom in our group. It is wonderful and full of useful information. The book details symptoms to help you navigate through hormonal and chemical changes in your body so you can help your doctors determine what may be happening. It would be a wonderful world if doctors had all the answers but as the doctors who wrote the book point out, Women's medicine is lacking. Unfortunately, the modern medical movement is just now catching up on Women's brains and hormones and how they work. The old models of treatment are really geared towards men. Taking your mental, emotional and physical health and well being on for the sake of ourselves and our families is so important. Having information to take to the doctor to discuss the possible issues, only helps them to take care of you in an effective and efficient way.

I had planned to use the log in the back of the book and I planned to share it with my doctor but I was able to get things settled before that occurred. In the future, when I run into possible hormonal issues, I will absolutely use the chart and take it in to my doctor for further discussion.

Ultimately, for me it was Chinese medicine and working with a Transformational Life Coach (more on that later) that made the difference for me. Whatever you try, don't give up and know that you are not alone. Motherhood is a huge change for a women and there is really no way to prepare for the changes that it brings to your life or your body. Finding someone to talk to and finding support through this club or through other avenues is vital. If you are experiencing stress or difficulties with motherhood, reach out and be honest. Find ways and make time to take care of yourself.