Happened to catch the Biggest Loser Finale last night (as an athlete, I am interested in the history of these weight loss success stories.) The fact that many women may never lose their “baby fat” can impact their self esteem, their relationship and the rest of their lives. Most people overeat due to emotional hunger not physical-her life has changed forever: baby needs, household needs, job pressure, maintaining a relationship…food provides instant gratification to her very busy life…and the pounds just keep on comin’. She needs to be supported to take care of herself, so that she can take care of those she cares most about…

My face is sore from smiling the entire time I watched this sweet feature film. Just seeing the trailer months ago- I knew I’d love it. Then heard a movie critic on the radio give it rave reviews: “if you don’t see another movie this year-don’t miss this one!”

It is a documentary following 4 babies from 4 continents: Japan, Mongolia, Africa and San Francisco. Starts off with round pregnant bellies, then to shiny wet newborns, to their homes/huts or yurts on the plains…it is both charming and eye opening to see these 4 babies as they are nurtured in the hot dust of Africa, the high tech of downtown Tokyo and the mommy yoga in the Bay Area…whether you are a parent now or ever- you will LOVE this movie!

Junior Leagues of California are celebrating the fact that May will be permanently designated “Perinatal Depression Awareness Month” in California. It was because of their hard work, led by the State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) of the Junior Leagues of California, and that of California Assembly Member Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara), that ACR105 was passed with unanimous bipartisan support in both the Assembly and Senate.
SPAC will kick off the month with a Perinatal Depression awareness campaign entitled “Speak Up When You’re Down”, California’s pregnant and new mothers can only benefit from the increased attention on this common illness.

Additionally, an article in the Nursing for Women’s Health Journal listed several important points:
• One of the most devastating effects of Perinatal depression is that it occurs at a time when most women feel they should be experiencing joy
• Mothers experiencing depression need to know that what they are feeling has a name and that symptoms can be treated
• A health marketing campaign to improve screening used the tag line- ‘You can’t tell by looking’ and listed the following criteria: If you are worried, sad, nervous, irritable, or not sure, tell your provider about how you’re feeling. A healthy pregnancy and postpartum period include mental health.