I am one of the 7.3 million that infertility affected. I am one of the lucky ones; I am an infertility “survivor”. I write this to honor and support the women currently on their infertility journey. I am open about my infertility struggle. I am proud of my struggle. I am proud of the immense effort…
perinatal and reproductive mental health
The Psychological Turmoil of Infertility and the Power of Validation
One in eight couples experience infertility, making it more common than breast cancer and as common as type 2 diabetes. The waiting rooms of fertility clinics overflow with worried couples who hope that the scientific advances in assisted reproductive technologies will help their dream of becoming parents come true. What many women and men are…
Therapist Spotlight: Danielle Fixler, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Danielle is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Vermont and received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at the Loyola University Chicago. Prior to coming to Wildflower, Danielle has worked in a number of settings, including a community mental health clinic, a methadone treatment department,…
Breathe: A Mind/Body Workshop for Women Facing Infertility
We are excited to announce Breathe: A Mind/Body Workshop for Women Facing Infertility, which will be held at Wildflower on Sunday, April 28th, 2019 from 10 am to 2pm. No woman feels prepared to confront her infertility diagnosis and treatment. It is impossible to anticipate the shock, grief, isolation, and exhausting cycle of hope and…
Therapist Spotlight: Talia Cohen, MA, LCSW, PMH-C
Talia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Criminal Justice from University of Wisconsin-Madison and received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. Before becoming a psychotherapist, she worked in the field of marketing and advertising. Talia is trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches…
It Takes a Village to Raise a Mother: Katie Caddell’s Presentation on Maternal Mental Health
At Wildflower, we believe that in order to thrive as a mother and be able to attune to her baby’s needs and feelings, the mother must be nurtured also. Our mainstream cultural narrative extols maternal independence and praises mothers that seem to juggle it all effortlessly, happily, and with little need for support. The reality…
Preeclampsia Foundation Champions for Change 2018 Summit
Preeclampsia Foundation is a tremendously impactful nonprofit organization whose mission is to: “reduce maternal and infant illness and death due to preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by providing patient support and education, raising public awareness, catalyzing research and improving healthcare practices.“ The Foundation convened its community of experts, patients, and dedicated volunteers for the 2018…
Why is it still so hard for mothers to speak up about postpartum depression?
In the late 19th century, American writer and new mother, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, spoke of her experience of severe postpartum depression in her now famous short story “The Yellow Wall-Paper.” “The Yellow Wall-Paper” goes on to depict the well-meaning but ultimately harmful and oppressive efforts by her physician husband to alleviate the illness by mandating…
