Introducing…Dr. Strongin and Dr. Goletka, of Parenthood Psychology Practice

Sorry to sound like a broken record but the fact is being pregnant and becoming a mom is simply (or perhaps not so simply) both one of the most rewarding and also most challenging things a woman can ever go through.  Some of these challenges fall under the realm of “expected” such as anxiety about whether we are doing a good enough job.  And others fall under the realm of “dangerous” such as postpartum depression.  When facing these issues, and everything in between, women deserve help and support which is why I am eager to introduce you to the latest editions to my expert panel, Dr. Strongin and Dr. Goletka , psychologists specializing in supporting moms experiencing difficulty with everything from breast feeding, post partum depression to dealing with a baby in the NICU, all the way through to the common mom anxiety we can all battle with at some time or another.  Because let’s face it, we all need and have a right to support!

To read their full bios, please visit their expert page here.  You can also follow them on Twitter, Facebook, or at their website.  I also asked them both to participate in my expert questionnaire; Dr. Strongin’s answers are below.

Welcome aboard, Drs. Goletka & Strongin!

1)     What’s your best advice for Moms in 10 words or less?

Be kind to yourself and embrace the messy moments. You will never remember the days that are too easy and predictable.

2)     What’s the number one thing you get asked? What’s your answer?

I often get asked, “What do I do to prevent my kids from winding up in therapy and blaming me?” My response is often, “Give your children the tools to be able to leave you when they become adults in a healthy way. If they can feel connected to you emotionally without always being physically next to you, you have done your job. ”

3)     What’s the number one thing you wished you were asked and why?

I love being asked if I am a mother. This allows me to relate to my patients and when they hear that I am also a mother, it connects us and allows me to really understand their experience. I also feel honored to call myself a “mother” and light up at the thought of this role.

4)     In your opinion what’s the most interesting research going on in your field right now?

Recent studies have found that mother–infant psychotherapy group and interpersonal psychotherapy to be helpful in reducing maternal depressive symptoms, improving mothers’ perceptions of their infants’ adaptability and reinforcement value, and increasing mothers’ positive affect and verbalization with their infants. This gives us further support to suggest that mothers and babies benefit for mommy support groups in the first few months of a baby’s life.

5)     Why do you do what you do?

Women become mothers in a matter of seconds, but nothing can prepare a women for this emotional, physical and spiritual change. When i walked out of the hospital after delivering my daughter, I was a different person from the one who walked in a few days earlier. The transition into motherhood happens too fast and very little time is spent understanding and exploring this change. I think mothers need more time, attention and support. Unfortunately, most mothers feel neglected during this period as they spend every waking minute taking care of their newborn. I love helping women embrace this role in a healthy and supportive manner and seeing them blossom and become confident mothers through our work.

I also did a majority of my doctoral research on infertility and feel very connected to families who experience the setback of infertility. I believe families need support during this time and I always feel honored to be part of their journey.

Tags: momprep experts, parenthood, parenthood psychology practice, parenting advice, parenting expert