The Postpartum Experience: Reaching Out, Reaching In.: Mindfulness Focused, Body-Centered, Compassion and Acceptance Based, Cognitive Behavioral Self-Help ... for Postpartum Anxiety and Depression

Reaching Out, Reaching In is a self-help, self-directed, and/or client-tool for those experiencing anxiety and depression during the postpartum/postnatal period. This is a body-centered, mindfulness and compassion based series of modules which explore the postpartum experience and help the individual to improve emotional regulation and perspective, using cognitive behavioural intervention styled exercises. This is not a replacement for one-on-one therapy, but rather a tool for mild symptoms and/or as an adjunct to therapy and/or in the interim between point of first contact with a health professional and entry to a wait-listed program and/or as a resource for those who cannot see a therapist or who prefer and are appropriate for a self-help model.

Anxiety and depression in the postpartum period can cause feelings of isolation, fear, anger, and shame; suffering anxious and depressive states during this time may add strain in the first year alone with baby and/or with other family members. Reaching Out, Reaching In invites the reader to cultivate a gentle approach with herself and to work through compassionate exercises.