I’m convinced the only thing that kept me fairly sane following the birth of my now eight year old twins, was exercise. And while I didn’t suffer through deep postpartum depression, I did suffer with the “baby blues” – crying over everything and anything.

So I walked with the babies – everywhere. With one strapped in the Baby Bjorn while I walked on the treadmill. With both in the stroller around the neighborhood. Eventually with both in the jog stroller. Everyday, several times a day.

On my many walks/runs I met my neighbors for the first time (we were new in the neighborhood), got invited to participate in Bunko, and found new running partners. Some of these friendships are the cornerstone of my very exicstence to this day. And while I was out there getting my blood flowing and meeting new friends, I relieved the stress of my life.

Exercise has always been a key part of my mental survival. So when TJ and I decided to look for a cause we could donate to using the proceeds of our For U Mothers business we knew Sounds of Silence was the perfect fit for us.

The mission of the Sounds of Silence, Friends of the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, is to raise funds to support the programs and services of the Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc. They aim to break the “sounds of silence” and stigma mothers and families may suffer and build a community of strength, hope and confidence.

TJ and I are donating $1 of every product sold through For U Mothers to this worthy cause, and we hope you will all pass the word along as well. Check them out at www.soundsofsilence.org. And most importantly, if you know a mom out there suffering with postpartum – at any level – give her your support, and offer to take her out for a walk. Or let her go out for a walk while you watch her children.

Let us know what you think or if you have any stories of how exercise has helped you or another mom you know deal with postpartum depression.

Christy