I participated in a Feb. 4 article on the benefits of doula care (“Birth doula supports women through motherhood bumps”) as one way to get the extra support and education often necessary to overcome the stress of being a first-time mother. I would like to commend you for publishing this story on doulas and also highlighting a condition known as Postpartum Depression (PPD) that affects many new mothers.

I have been a child psychologist for 10 years and have specialized more recently with supporting women and their partners from preconception through postpartum in my private practice called The Prepared Mom. I have helped women work through feelings of “isolation and loneliness” that is common to PPD as one part of my practice.

Although it is even clearer how some women can suffer from PPD now that I am a mother myself, I must clarify the reporter’s misunderstanding that I, too, have symptoms related to PPD as alluded to in the article. I have a very supportive husband and out-of-town family and friends who have given me much support. Doula care for me has been to supplement the part that my family couldn’t provide because they are not here during those difficult first few months. I highly recommend doula care and especially night doula care if it is financially feasible.

To find out more about The Prepared Mom and the support that I offer for first-time parents-to-be, visit: www.thepreparedmom.com

Sarah Levy, Psy.D.