Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Diana Bamford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Diana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
After my Postpartum experience in 2003 and then in 2006. I knew that I wanted to bring awareness to this very stigmatized subject. My Desire to normalize Maternal Mental Health kept growing. I had no idea where to begin, so the 1st step was to reach out to hospitals and see what resources they had for mothers experiencing Postpartum Depression. I was amazed of how little resources were available and that not every hospital had a resource in house.
In 2017 I decided to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist and use my experience to bring awareness and support to those going through a rough postpartum period. I joined Postpartum Health Alliance as a member and volunteer. After completing my 200hr Yoga Teacher training the same year I began to teach prenatal and postnatal yoga classes building a community and a safe space for mothers to share their experience offering local resources for anyone who needed the,
It was’t easy to open up and be vulnerable about my own experience, people still feel uncomfortable speaking about mental health. Is a highly judge subject. Now imagine when we talk about mothers experiencing mental health, when in the eyes of society and the culture, a mother needs to be strong ALWAYS!
Quickly I became an expert in the field, I did research and most importantly I lived a very severe and traumatizing experience with Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and OCD that almost became psychosis. Often I was asked if I was a License Therapist because of how well I knew the subject and how much value I brought to the community, when I answered NO, you could see how they did’t quite took my word as valuable as before they asked the question.
My advise to you is, if you feel passion in your bones and a burning desire in your heart, keep going. Don’t let anyone suffocate your flame. You are born to make a Positive Difference in this Life! Speak about what matters to you, specially if it’s an uncomfortable subject. There’s no growth in comfort. It is important to step away from what we think we know and dive into what we feel in our heart is right. Keep going it’s worth it! Don’t duel on what you could have done differently, that no longer matters, what you do now is what counts.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
1st of all Thank you for taking the time to read my interview I am so happy you are here. I really hope this interview brings something positive for you or someone you know.
My journey begun after the birth of my 1st child in 2003, after experiencing a very unexpected and severe case of PMAD’s (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) Which included Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum PTSD and Postpartum OCD that almost became a Postpartum Psychosis. And then again in 2006 while pregnant with my 2nd child and after the birth experiencing PMAD’s once again. However this time was not as severe as the 1st time. My symptoms were much milder, there was no OCD or auditory hallucinations, just severe depression and anxiety.
After my severe postpartum experiences with both children I had this overwhelming feeling to help other mothers. I reached out to several hospitals in San Diego county to learn about their resources for mothers. I was surprised of how little was available and in some hospitals non existent. I remembered how valuable it was for me the group sessions at a local hospital. The simple action of gathering with other moms that were going through a similar experience had begun to validate and normalize what I was feeling.
So in 2017 after finishing my 200hr Yoga teacher training I decided to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I began teaching prenatal and postnatal yoga. I also created a Tuesday group for moms and their babies where we practice baby and me yoga, plus peer support and community building after class.
Helping other mothers became my primary focus. Years after my own experience I noticed how much lack of awareness was still around Maternal Mental Health.
And again I took action. I started offering PMAD’s Awareness Workshops in San Diego. Offering knowledge, education, resources and a safe space around Maternal Mental Health. Speaking about what no one wanted to talk about. Till this day is a very stigmatized subject.
I began to see how valuable the small group session and workshops were for the community. Even though till this day the numbers are not high enough. Each time I step forward to speak about it, I am happy to share with 1 person or 20+ If my experience can help 1 person in need, for me that is a MAJOR success.
Some of the wonderful moms I worked with are now paying it forward, and speaking about their own experience and bringing awareness in their communities.
I am a Latina mom and fluent in English and Spanish. I’ve been wanting for a long time to take my workshop and conference across the border to Mexico. In February of 2022 I had the opportunity to do a Maternal Mental Health Awareness workshop in my home town of Tecate, Baja California Mexico with a group of moms and their partners, the engagement was incredible.
I am so proud to share that on May 25th of 2022 I had my 1st conference at the State Center of the Arts (CEART) in my home town of Tecate. This was a much larger stage, I had reached out to local hospitals, schools and the public in general.. I am happy to report, the response was overwhelmingly Fantastic. As a member and volunteer of the Postpartum Health Alliance they provided resources in Spanish that I was able to share at the conference. As well as Life Perspectives and Postpartum Support International. I am so proud and happy with this incredible community,
My life mission is to bring awareness and normalize Maternal Mental Health one conference at a time. Expanding beyond USA and crossing it over to Mexico and other countries where Mental health still a very stigmatized subject. As a Reiki Master and Energy therapist, I support mothers and their family as a Prenatal and Postnatal Energy Therapist. I am currently and finally as some of my friends say, writing my postpartum story. I am ready to share it in detail and for the world to read it.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s be honest, get real and talk about what matters!
If you are someone who is struggling with Maternal Mental Health, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! There’s resources available for you Now. Reach out we are here to support you. I see You, I feel You, I am with YOU!
*A loving Testimonial from one of my amazing mOMs.
Stephanie M. ~ Mother of 2
My journey with Diana began the day we met at a Latina networking brunch, I instantly felt a connection with her once she shared her story and little did I know she would become not only my biggest support but a friend. I reached out to her week 3 of my postpartum journey after having my 2nd child – a daughter, when I knew that I was not ok, with my eldest I experienced baby blues and as time tells I survived that within the normal time frame, however this time around with my current postpartum I was feeling completely different – lots of anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. Diana became the only person I could truly confide in because she herself had been there. She heard me out at all hours of the day, and not once judging me but offering her support. She offered her advice on tips to remain calm and balanced which included foods to help nourish my mind and depleted body ( keep in mind our bodies go from 100 to 0 once we give birth ) , breathing techniques and overall hope that everything will be alright because it does get better. She then created the PMADS support class where we do yoga, and have a chance to check in with other moms and vent about “ mom life “. I can’t express how grateful I am for Diana and forever thankful “ from my mommy heart to yours, Namaste
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Speaking honestly and openly without fear of judgement. Normalizing my experience and staying committed to my wellbeing and of those around me. Sharing my postpartum journey in a safe space. Making it easy for other moms to share their own experience.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Back in 2004. Deep in my postpartum journey, one day I ran out of medication and I knew that if I ran out of medication that I could call my Dr. or go to the Emergency Room. It was late and I didn’t want to bother my Dr late at night, So I went to the ER for help with a refill.
After they took me back and an intake a doctor on call came to the conclusion that I was a treat to myself and my child. And made the executive decision to put me on a 24hr psych ward “for my own good”
This was one of the most traumatizing experiences ever, it almost broke me deeply. I remember a nurse telling me to stop crying because they would keep me longer if I did’t stop. Sharing this now, makes me so sad because of the lack of knowledge at the hospital regarding Maternal Mental Health. If they were trained my experience wouldn’t have been as terrifying as it was.
After that, I decided this cannot happen any more and that no women should have to go through that, the way I did. And here we are bringing awareness.
Don’t let anyone break you, they can’t take anything from you, unless you allow it. DON’T ALLOW IT!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thejourneyofthelotus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana.c.bamford/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianacurielbamford
- Other: My Second website https://www.dianabamford.com/ Postpartum Health Alliance https://postpartumhealthalliance.org/ Postpartum Support International https://www.postpartum.net/ Life Perspectives https://www.lifeperspectives.com/
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