I'd like to take this opportunity to share with you a great organization. This has nothing to do with party decor, but I think it's for a great awareness. A few years ago, one of my best friends was diagnosed with Postpartum Depression {PPD} after she had her first child. 

What is PPD you ask? According to Web MD:
Postpartum depression is a serious illness that can occur in the first few months after childbirth. It also can happen after miscarriage and stillbirth.
Postpartum depression can make you feel very sad, hopeless, and worthless. You may have trouble caring for and bonding with your baby.
Postpartum depression is not the "baby blues," which many women have in the first couple of weeks after childbirth. With the blues, you may have trouble sleeping and feel moody, teary, and overwhelmed. You may have these feelings along with being happy about your baby. But the "baby blues" usually go away within a couple of weeks. The symptoms of postpartum depression can last for months.
In rare cases, a woman may have a severe form of depression called postpartum psychosis. She may act strangely, see or hear things that aren't there, and be a danger to herself and her baby. This is an emergency, because it can quickly get worse and put her or others in danger.
It’s very important to get treatment for depression. The sooner you get treated, the sooner you'll feel better and enjoy your baby.



 I watched my friend go from being upbeat and spunky to not wanting to get out of bed or do any of the activities she so loved. She couldn't take care of her baby girl, so between friends and her husband we helped with the baby. This darkness took over her life for almost six months ~ the first six months of her daughter's life! I was able to help my friend through this darkness, due to the fact I had suffered with a very mild case of PPD, when my daughter was born. You can read my story and other's stories here. When the cloud lifted for my friend she had decided she needed to reach out to other women out there suffering from this terrible disease. That's when she and two other women joined forces and created Wings for Wellness ~ it's a non-profit organization who helps women get help for their PPD. They have  several links on their website for resources like: Psychiatrists; Therapists; Support Groups; Hot Lines and Literature. If you are suffering from this terrible disease or know someone who is, please contact Wings for Wellness. They can direct you in the right direction. Wings for Wellness is a local organization {Dallas, TX}, but if you need help, I'd start here and they can find someone to help you closer to your home. 

If you're local Wings for Wellness is holding their annual benefit concert and silent auction ~ Steve Holy is performing ~ on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 8pm ~ Sons of Hermann Hall {3414 Elm Street, Dallas}. For ticket information click here.

I know this is a downer subject, but it is very important to know there is help out there if you or someone you know needs it. Please pass this information on to friends and family. If you feel more comfortable leaving  me a comment, I'll make sure one of the girls from Wings for Wellness gets it. 

Thank you for taking time to read about this great organization. I hope you have a great day!!


xoxo,
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