The timing for the opportunity that just came into my life is almost too good to be true. Just as I was starting up this blog, it came to my attention that Postpartum Progress, a charity whose mission is to "improve the health and wellbeing of women and children by increasing awareness of postpartum depression and all other mental illnesses related to pregnancy and childbirth..." was looking for volunteers to be part of something called the Warrior Moms Battalion.
More than 200 women across the United States have signed on to the Warrior Moms Battalion. Hopefully, we are going to spread awareness about PPD, but my personal hope is to reach out to mothers and families locally by starting a support group. I was browsing the Postpartum Progress website, and was shocked to discover there are no PPD support groups in all of downstate Illinois. Nowhere for moms like me to go, to know they aren't facing the battle alone - it seems ludicrous. One in seven women experience postpartum depression or anxiety, according to Postpartum Progress. I think there is a definite need for us to come together and help each other.
Because I was lucky enough during my pregnancy to stumble onto a great group of moms online, I have seen firsthand the difference that a caring group of people can make, whether they are in your town or online. I know how important it is to have a supportive group of people standing with me as I experience the joys and trials of parenthood for the first time.
It is so exciting to have this mission. I feel filled with purpose. My best friend just shared a quote on her Facebook: "Allow your passion to become your purpose and then it will become your profession." I feel like that is happening for me right now.
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