Category Archives: Uncategorized

At first it was “if I just get some sleep, I’ll feel better” or “if I can take a hot shower, I’ll feel better”. However, the next six months would continue to take me to a darker and darker place… I often hear that my niche is very specific. Some people love it, some peopleContinue reading “My “Why?””

Often times, new parents worry about their infants social and emotional development. Some will say “She has always been a happy baby” or “He is so shy”. When an infant is born, their capacity to express emotions is likely biologically based. They are responding to basic survival needs and trying to get those met. However,Continue reading “What Emotions Does My Baby Feel?”

Hello! My name is Traci Schank. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Indiana and have been practicing for about eight years.  I am working towards a certification in perinatal mental health and infant mental health. I specialize in Postpartum Depression Postpartum Anxiety Postpartum Psychosis Child Attachment and Bonding Infant and Child Development AdjustmentContinue reading “Traci Schank, LCSW Counseling”

Many cultures mark pregnancy and newborn stages as a period of bliss, enchantment and peacefulness. Advertising and information sharing often show visions of mothers smiling looking down at their infants in a calm and peaceful environment. When working with my clients I usually make a joke about how, when you are pregnant, everyone tells youContinue reading “THE LIES WE SELL”

Oftentimes, I ask pregnant moms and moms of infants if they have supports, people that can help them. They often just say “yes” sometimes added by “my mother lives close” or “my sister is supportive”. I usually reply and I understand they have supportive people in their lives, but when it is 3:00 AM andContinue reading “Ghosts in the Nursery”

Often, I talk to my new moms about the seasons of giving and the seasons of receiving. There are certain times, throughout a lifespan, that an individual falls into each category. For a new mother, she falls into the season of receiving, but why is it so hard for mothers to receive during their postpartumContinue reading “Seasons of Receiving”

As Americans move to a more mindful and pro-mental health outlook, one of the of areas that needs some attention is new and pregnant mothers. The time period that a woman is pregnant, up to a year postpartum, is considered the perinatal period. Post-partum depression, anxiety, psychosis, and antepartum depression are all encompassed under theContinue reading “Perinatal Mood Disorder Screening in Healthcare Settings”

I hate consumerism. I really do. However, I am not strong willed enough to always practice what I preach. I used to be, before I was a parent. When I was twenty years old in my old studio apartment, I had little furniture. Really, I had little in general, I dreamed of days where IContinue reading “Consumerism and a Pandemic”

If you are in an emergency situation, please contact one of the following hotlines for assistance: National Human Trafficking Hotline: National Human Trafficking Resource Center , 24 hour Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or (Text Help to BeFree 233733 (BeFree): Domestic Violence: National Domestic Violence Hotline, 24 hour Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Sexual Abuse: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), 24Continue reading “RESOURCES”

With COVID 19 taking center stage in the media along with the health and financial impacts; there is not a lot of mental space to add child welfare into the mix. However, considering the statistics that is exactly what we need to focus on. With children being isolated at home, abuse rates are likely toContinue reading “Why the Child Welfare System is Impacted by COVID-19”