Providing information and support for mothers of new babies since 2001.
Kim Richardson, a psychotherapist and postpartum depression counselor,
helps new moms adjust to mothering and connect with their babies.

WELCOME TO RADIANTMOTHER.COM!

Since 2001, this site has helped women and men experiencing difficulties adjusting to pregnancy, birth and new parenting. And those facing loss, infertility, postpartum depression and anxiety.

This site was designed to provide information for:

• Women and men trying to conceive or adopt;

• Women and men struggling with infertility or loss;

• Pregnant women and partners; 

• New parents adjusting;

• New parents in distress;

• Parents with postpartum disorders

Radiantmother.com was created  by Kim Richardson, M.A., LCPC - a mother and practicing psychotherapist focusing on postpartum adjustment , fertility issues and the challenging and not-always radiant journey into parenthood. 

Please use the links on the right to explore: new parent info, breastfeeding info, activities for babies and toddlers in Chicago. Learn about postpartum depression in mothers. Find it if you have it, and how to get help. Find support for loss you have experienced.

If YOU need help getting through your first six months of motherhood..

And want to reach through the confusion to discover your own inner mothering wisdom that will guide you through your future years with your child,

I can help and here's how..

Everyone knows how new mothers attract so much excitement and support during pregnancy and birth or adoption. But many new moms are not prepared for the huge adjustment involved in becoming a mother for the first time. Transitioning into motherhood involves adapting to enormous emotional, social and physical changes.

While there are cultures that have supportive structures and rituals in place to help the new mother transition, western culture for the most part, does not. Typiclaly, there is far too little emotional, social and physical support and preparation for this new mothering role.

To make matters worse, are many myths surrounding motherhood as being easy, natural and constantly joyful. The difficult aspects of adjusting to mothering are ignored and seldom discussed by the media as a normal part of the journey. Unrealistic expectations of perfection and coping may mean that a mother who finds it hard to cope and who becomes exhausted and overwhelmed feels like a failure.

Feeling like everyone else is doing wonderfully except you makes it hard to reach out and talk about the invisible feelings of new motherhood. Not sharing, not talking, not reaching out worsens the isolation and may lead to depression and worse.

Postpartum depression and anxiety are so widespread now, affecting 10 - 20% of women in the USA. But a review of anthroploligical literature does not support this figure. PPD in many other cultures is not as prevalent and even non-existent (Stern & Kluckman, 1983).

What do other cultures do that helps mothers negotiate this transition better and feel less helpless? The answer to this question is complex. But it has much to do with the expectations the culture places on the new mother and the guidance and support she is given.

How can Radiantmother.com help?

I'm Kim Richardson I work with new mothers helping them transition into motherhood. I help you create a time and space in your lives in which to get to know your new baby and your new mothering self. I help you acknowledge and let go of the losses that any new change brings. I help you build on your natural ways of coping when things get hard. I help you explore and identify and use your own beliefs and values to guide you more confidently through the thousands of choices you will make as a mother.

Welcome to Your Unique Mothering Identity

Are you filled with questions, ideas and perhaps some anxiety at becoming a parent for the first time, and the enormity of this life-changing task. The experience is not always radiant, but with help and loving guidance and support you can survive and even thrive on first-time motherhood. I help you strengthen your own inner resources and feel stronger, and less overwhelmed by exhaustion and the onslaught of useless and disempowering parenting advice. I help you discover and grow your own inner mothering self. Click here to contact Kim Richardson.

SOME INTERACTIVE STUFF!

Please read the privacy policy, disclaimer and copyright info first!

And don't forget to share your experiences and leave comments & feedback (public or private).  I also welcome book reviews about books that you found helpful and unhelpful and why!

www.radiantmother.com © 2001-2008. All rights reserved.
Email KimARichardson@aol.com
Webdesign www.websitesbykim.com / www.websites4lifecoaches.com