Joining us today is a blogger I personally find incredibly inspirational. Her name is Alyssa and you can find her at She’s Mommafied. Her journey as a mother has not been an easy one, filled with both a miscarriage and postpartum depression. BUT, she has survived both experiences, finding strength and support through her blog.
How does the woman you are today differ from the “sarcastic, bossy, Oreo eating, hip hop listening, Twitter addict” from your pre-baby days?
Those characteristics are just as present now as they were before I was a mom! I still am, and hopefully always will be, quirky and outspoken and free spirited, because I’ve made it my mission to bring who I truly am to the table as a mother. Yes, my priorities have changed and I can handle way more diaper changes than I can tequila shots these days, but I certainly haven’t lost myself. I’m far more mature and responsible than I was just a few years ago, but I’m still a human being, and I’m totally OK with my daughter knowing that and learning how to be true to herself too!
You are very open on your blog about the terrible loss you suffered when you miscarried. How has writing about your grieving and healing process helped you?
If I didn’t turn to blogging during that very dark time in my life, there’s a good chance that I wouldn’t be a blogger at all today. The Internet, which seemed at first like my desperate attempt to find someone who could understand what I was going through, turned into my livelihood! I have been able to connect with thousands of women and even create bonds with some other mommy bloggers that I now truly consider my bests friends. Right at the tips of my fingers is a world of women who know, who care, who are real, and are willing to cry with you when the world isn’t on your side. The writing itself has helped me get things off my chest, but what has truly helped me heal is the interaction that comes along with blogging.
What are some of the natural parenting methods you’ve decided to pursue for your daughter, Lyla? Why are these decisions important to you?
I believe that the use of medical interventions is often excessive. Of course, medicine is wonderful when it’s needed, but many people are losing confidence in their body’s ability to do much of the work for them. It was my goal to bring Lyla into this world as naturally as possible, and I’ve made strides to keep her close to nature since she was born. Breastfeeding and baby wearing have been huge aspects of her life, with no end in sight as of yet! We started using cloth diapers when she was 7 weeks old, and we follow Dr. Sear’s alternate vaccine schedule with a few minor adjustments. I do my best to feed her organics, and I’m conscious of the ingredients in products I use on her skin. I’m far from perfect. We use disposable diapers at night and when we’re out and about, and I use FAR more paper towels than I should. I don’t break my back trying to be “crunchy” or “green”, but I embrace natural parenting AND natural living methods that are a good fit for our family.
Tell us about your experience with postpartum anxiety. How are you doing now?
Postpartum anxiety was a living nightmare that I never saw coming. It took the strong, confident, independent woman that I was and crushed her into someone that couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t leave the house and felt like she was doing everything wrong. I was terrified. I honestly believed at the time that I would never feel OK again, and feared being hospitalized because of malnourishment and extreme exhaustion. I knew that my only hope would be getting professional help. After a few weeks of counseling and medication, I was starting to come around. I connected with other PPD moms on Twitter and got a great deal of support as I was trying to navigate through a really scary time. Thankfully, I made it through and was soon able to be the mother I wanted to be. I still take medication, and I’ve learned that that’s nothing to be ashamed of!
More from Alyssa at She’s Mommafied:
Empowering Women: Alyssa’s message is simple: Be confident with who you are as a mother, mistakes and all.
In Case You Thought I Was Sane: Laughing so hard that your stomach muscles hurt is a good thing.
Don’t JUDGE Me!: Let’s not kid ourselves. Judgments are natural.
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She’s beautiful! Can’t wait to read some of her blog. Sounds like my kind a gal.
Crystal recently posted..Can I Get The Business Womens Special
I can’t imagine what she went through– it’s heartbreaking, but a wonderful display of strength and courage! Go, Alyssa!
Leah Rubin recently posted..OMG- FYI- Im LOL!
An inspiring story. Thanks for sharing.
Heidi D. recently posted..Search terms used to find MoraJunction
Wow, it sounds like she’s been through a lot! Heading over there to read more now….
Thanks for sharing your stories with the blogosphere! Happy SITS Day!
The Projected Progenitor recently posted..Go with Aunt Flo
Hugs to you for all you have been through. I had PPD very badly, it was just awful. I’m going to check out your blog. glad you found people to talk to online. sometimes its easier to talk to people online, than to talk to family.
Handy Man, Crafty Woman recently posted..HandiRamp Tread Installation
Thank you for sharing. You are a strong woman. I plan to head over and read more of what you have to offer. Thank you.
I’m off to say hello!
Kelly recently posted..Boredom Creates Fun
Baby loss is always heart-wrenching! When that happened to me, people didn’t talk about it – and so there you are, having lost a child and noone to talk about. That is what makes the blogahood wonderful – there are women out there to encourage, let you give voice to your grief and find peace!
Twitter: adrianscrazylif
says:
That is tough. I think survivor is a good term for what she’s gone through. I went through it as well. I lost four pregnancies in a year’s time and what a roller coaster ride that was. It is even more tough when you are in the baby capitol of the world (Salt Lake City). Fortunately, ours had a happy ending. A year later, we were on our last try and we were lucky enough to get one that “stuck”. He’s now 12 and on restriction (again!), but we love him to death and are so grateful to have him.
Adrianscrazylife recently posted..Smart Money- Have a backup plan
Awareness about Post Partum Depression is always needed!
Margaret Almon recently posted..D is for Dard Hunter
I love reading new mom blogs… Can’t wait to get to yours..but it will have to be after my kids are in bed.
Her resiliency is amazing!! I am absolutley going to follow her. I work in the mental health field and I know how difficult postpartum can be. Amazing lady.
Rorie recently posted..Foundation
Twitter: dishwaterdreams
says:
Love that photo!
Lindsey recently posted..Secrets of Successful Moms 16
I’ll be a follower soon!
Carolyn recently posted..Disabled Daddy
I have missed out on a few features. A couple of days in bed will do that to you.
Excited to get back into the swing of things.
♥ theMRS.
the MRS. recently posted..Two turn tables and a microphone…well almost
It takes a lot to write about something so personal, but when I’m looking around on the internet I want to read about real experiences – not tips from a book. Very cool.
Lindsey recently posted..Bear with me
Wow, what an inspirational woman! I can’t wait to check out her blog!
Rach recently posted..Now that’s a ridiculous hat…
I love to hear mama’s talking about fitting in some green when they can!
Deidre recently posted..I always knew I was an insane person
Love that you’ve featured a PPD mom. I’ve been there – am there – and I echo what she said about blogging. It helps but the community support is an absolute lifesaver. Will definitely go and visit her
MamaRobinJ recently posted..Party Like an Introvert
I have made a lot of the same natural parenting choices as you did, including the alternate vaccine schedule and cloth diapers. Not natural all the way, either, though! And I agree that medical intervention is often excessive, but I was SO happy for it when my little guy got dehydrated this past weekend from a stomach bug. I was very grateful for doctors, nurses, hospitals and IVs that brought my little boy back to me:)
Here
Twitter: FamilyNLifeLV
says:
What an amazing strength at such a young age! You are an inspiration! Looking forward to checking out your blog!
Emily faliLV recently posted..Toddler Talk Thursday Week 34 – Night Time Story Books
The original link is broken. You left out the “m” at the end.
I can relate to this woman, on many aspects. The situations she’s been through one is a recovering survivor from for the rest of their lives.
Jamie recently posted..Lust For Life
it’s always inspiring to hear from those who have endured hardship and been able to be a testimony to others around them
Love the honesty in her story and her writing. Great blog!
natalie recently posted..Fremont Exploring
As a mom who’s suffered 14 miscarriages, and suffered PPD after my last pregnancy, I definitely applaud anyone who is open and honest about it and is out there to try to help others with their experiences.
Annissa recently posted..Freecycle Rocks!!!
A wonderful blog. Very touching.
Amanda recently posted..I Made It! Monday Week 14
Helloooo all you beautiful people
wow, she seems so strong, I’m going to check out her blog now
Autumn Twig recently posted..Hello Happiness
Alyssa you rock girl..with your strength
Chatterbox recently posted..We did it!
I have never been in that position, but she sure sounds like a woman with a lot of strength!!
Happy SITS day! Sorry I’m a day late!
Twitter: beccaeby
says:
What an incredible story!
Becca recently posted..My Favorite Blog of the Moment – Bump Smitten
Twitter: luvspugs07
says:
Wow what challenging times. I can’t wait to delve into her blog.
We need more “real” moms and “real” wives saying our piece. It’s about time we all started to see that supermom is not real.
Patty recently posted..Cascarones A Fun Mexican Easter Tradition
Roll Calling
Gina recently posted..Day 5- A Book That Makes Me Happy
What a beautiful photo! I’m a great believer in trusting your and baby’s instincts in parenting.
Narelle @ Cook Clean Craft recently posted..2011 Ultimate Blog Party
Twitter: tammystwocents
says:
PPA, I can’t imagine…going over to say hi!
Tammy recently posted..Give Every Night New Flavor – Electronic Coupon Download! WeekNightMeals
Twitter: WeKnowStuff_US
says:
Thanks for sharing such a personal experience with us. It’s good for mothers to hear about other moms who have experienced postpartum – it’s a scary ride.
Denine Anderson-Regan recently posted..Photo Fridays
OMG she’s so pretty! I’ve survived miscarriages many times and I always feel a silent camaraderie with other women who have suffered one as well.
Mothers’ Hideaway recently posted..Thirty Things I Need to do During my Trip to Spain
One word…checked out her blog…HILARIOUS! For someone who has been through so much I love her sense of humor and outlook. Her post today was hilarious…I was late checking out this blog but glad I did….her vlog is priceless!
Ninisays recently posted..TTC – or lack there of
beautiful photo =)
BlackEyedDog recently posted..Do People Like Me