This week is Ultimate Blog Party Week over at 5 Minutes for Mom.
FYI, there ARE Prizes!!
My favorites are:
$25 gift certificate for DOVE Chocolate Discoveries (130)
A surprise box filled with goodies ($50 value) (103)
Any of the prizes related to relaxation or taking a deep breath for Mom are great, actually!
Welcome to those of you who are new here and hopping over via Mr. Linky.
A quick bit of history about the blog for those of you gaining your bearings:
I’m a mom of three who’s survived two episodes of Postpartum OCD and am now dedicated to advocating for and providing support to families struggling with Postpartum Mood Disorders. This blog is a huge part of my work. You see, it was started after discovering my third (and quite unexpected) pregnancy, hence the title. I aim to share my journey and empower others through theirs so they do not have to suffer alone and in silence as I did.
Through this blog I not only share research and information but insight about my own life, which includes not only overcoming PPD, but parenting a child born with a cleft palate, accepting and overcoming my husband’s marijuana addiction, and the challenges that come of course, with the normal motherhood territory.
I also post weekly interviews with moms who have been on the front lines of the PPD battle or those who work with those who have. (Are you a mom who’s survived PPD and willing to answer 10 questions about your experience? Email me at ppdacceptance@gmail.com with Interview Request in the subject line!)
And on Fridays, I post a really cool pic with an inspirational or thought-provoking quote to encourage my readers to slow down and smell the roses. You can search over to the side for “Friday soother” to find some of the recent posts.
Other features include Grace Awards for Journalists who treat reporting about Psychosis with compassion and responsibility. I also scour the internet to point out the misuse of Postpartum Depression. Know of any? Email me at ppdacceptance@gmail.com with Misnomer of Postpartum Depression and include the link of the sighting. (You’ll receive credit and be added to my blog roll if you’re a blogger!)
Most importantly I emphasize self-care. I practice it too and have been known to leave the blog untouched for a week (or two) while I tend to myself and my family. I do return, usually with some really good stuff, too!
I hope you enjoy nosing around and I hope some of you stay or at least help to spread the word and raise awareness that Moms with Mood Disorders do exist, they are not alone, they are not to blame, and they WILL Be well!
Warmest Wishes,
Lauren
p.s. And for the man in your life, I also have a little project called The Postpartum Dads Project. Check it out.
My Postpartum Voice 
Pingback: UBP 09 Prize Winners
Here comes the prize train….TOOT TOOT!!!! You’re a winner, stay tuned! #824
You are a brave lady. I have four children and am suffering my second case of PPD but with a little more sunshine lately and a great doc who believes in “self care” I’m feeling much better! I blog mostly about family life and learning to cook gluten free but it’s interesting I found your blog, I’m about to post a journal entry about what it feels like to have PPD. Would answer your questions. Happy party week!
Jessie
Looks like I came to the right place! I had PPD pretty badly with my first. I will have #2 in June and wonder if I am looking forward to the same thing… Your blog is great! I’m going to keep looking around.
Melody –
Karen Kleiman’s site, http://www.postpartumstress.com is an awesome place for you to start. I’d even suggest getting a copy of Having a Baby After Postpartum Depression: What am I thinking? ASAP. BE pro-active!
Glad you found me!