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You've just had a baby and you reach for the fifteenth diaper of the night and you realize there are only two left in the bag!!! What? You ask yourself, “how did we use so many in such a short amount of time”? Welcome to the world of newborns and the first lesson in money and babies. You rush out to buy more diapers and while at Duane Reade or Rite Aid you decide you should probably get some more wipes and diaper rash ointment, bringing your total at the cash register to $50!

Many parents do a great job of creating a budget before their baby is born but the reality of new babies is that they cost a ton. This realization highlights the need to get back to work and bring in as much income as possible. New parents often go back to work and try to uphold the same schedule as before they had children, possibly leading to fatigue, irritability and depression.

In a February 7, 2012 NY Times article titled, “Long work hours can cause depression”, Anahad O'Connor cites the correlation between working 11 hour days or more and depression. Those individuals who routinely work such long hours double their risk of becoming depressed. Another study found “higher levels of anxiety and depression in those who put in the most overtime”.

Parents of newborns may risk experiencing depression not only because they have a new sense of urgency to provide for their children but also because the demands of work and parenting are intense and unrelenting. As a new parent you don't have to be putting in 11 hour days to feel depressed. Don't forget, you are now working almost 24 hours a day and it doesn't stop on the weekends. Be mindful of how you feel and don't keep it to yourself. Sometimes it takes talking to someone to get a different perspective or ideas on how to make changes to relieve the pressure. It won't do you or your baby any good if you try to just push through your depression on your own.

Written by Alisa Hafkin, LCSW

Being a new Parent can be very frightening and isolating. Our therapist, Alisa will be able to make a visit to your home for a 'good chat' - confidentially. Alisa welcomes babies into her private practice too. Alisa is a qualified post partum doula, qualified LCSW, Mom to a son and daughter aged 18 and 21 and specialises in the issues realted to fertility, pregnancy and post-partum.

Alisa works with individuals, who are experiencing difficulty with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work and interpersonal conflicts, all within the context of the conception, pregnancy and the post-partum period. She says how you feel about your self, your life, your relationships and your pursuits can drastically change when trying to conceive, during pregnancy and after delivery.

Alisa's expertise with individuals & couples during their childbearing years developed from over seven years experience as a doula (teacher, guide, caregiver for pre & post partum families). Forming a trusting bond during this vulnerable time period enables Alisa to help people understand and cope with the feelings such as powerlessness while undergoing fertility treatments, anxiety about the future during pregnancy, helplessness when dealing with a newborn and confusion about relationships and roles.

Alisa says many individuals and couples struggle with powerful emotions that emerge during this time in their lives. She says if you feel sad, over whlemed, confused, angry, stuck or afraid, you may need help dealing with this significant change in your life. Together, with Alisa, you CAN uncover your personal resources that will provide you with feelings of competence and insight as you progress through this period in your life:)

To book an appointment to have a 'chat' with the lovely Alisa, please e-mail Alisa@momtomomsadvisor.com. Please give a contact number and a convenient time to return the call.

BIO

Alisa earned her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University. She combines her phychotherapy practice with seven years experience as a doula to create a unique expertise with individuals and couples preparing and/or deaing with pre and post pregnancy issues. Her distinctive practice includes home based therapy sessions when office visists are not feasible. In addition, Alisa works in the creative arena, providing therapy for muscians through The Jazz Foundation of America. Alisa maintains a private practice in Manhattan's Upper West Side.