Happy 10th Anniversary, Postpartum Progress!

I don't really remember the first time I was led to Postpartum Progress. 

I just know I eventually found myself there. 

I found myself reading and reading and reading. 

I was stuck. Absorbed in the words. The posts. 

I couldn't believe it. There was this place online that actually "got" it. This woman who knew what postpartum mental health was all about. 

And people were reading her. And commenting. And reading again. And sharing. Maybe it was a share that led me to Katherine. Maybe it was a tweet. I don't know. But that's okay. I don't have to know or fully remember. I just know remember realizing she was out there.

And that there were all these women out there finding the support that they needed? 

AMAZING.

I experienced anxiety when I was pregnant. And during my forever-postpartum-period (I sometimes consider ALL MAMAS postpartum, as we're never quite "before pregnancy" again, are we?), too.

Anxiety's a beast sometimes.

I've written about it. 

Thought about it. 

I talk about it freely. 

I have found my people. I really have.

Katherine Stone is one of those women.

Have you read about how I semi-stalked her several years ago at Type-A Parent Conference? I wrote about how I met Katherine ... and I was only slightly excited, right?

She was as generous as one would expect when someone approaches you and kind of wants to give you a huge hug - just because you're you.

She was real. She is real. One thing I have learned to love about Katherine is how genuine she is. 

I've listened to her speak so many times, and I've yet to find a drop of conceit or expectation. Not that I had reason to, but she's like a celebrity to so many - you never know. But with Katherine? You can rest assured it's not there. I do know.  

She seems truly awed by the community she has created via Postpartum Progress. Completely floored every single time something amazing happens. 

And because of this and more - Katherine is truly worthy of every effort made on her behalf. 

The work she has done increasing awareness of postpartum mental health over the past ten years? Incomparable. The community she has created for women who NEED to know that they are not alone? Beyond words. 

So today I'm proud to be one of the many celebrating Katherine and Postpartum Progress. Happy TENTH anniversary, my friend. I'm proud to know you and thrilled for you and so excited to see what the coming years will bring.

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If you'd like to help support Katherine's efforts with a donation to Postpartum Progress you can do so very easily online. Postpartum Progress is a non-profit organization and your donation will be tax deductible. Your donation will go towards supporting an organization that supports ALL mamas EVERYWHERE.

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If you or anyone you know is experiencing symptoms of postpartum mood disorders, please consider reaching out for help. Postpartum Support International has a toll-free support line you can call 1.800.944.4PPD and a map of local support resources for you.

Looking to talk to mamas like you? #PPDChat is a weekly Twitter chat where you can find discussions related to living your life postpartum. 

Looking for hope? A reminder that you WILL get through this? Check out the Warrior Mom Photo Album and see these smiling faces. That will be you - soon. 

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