The Sisterhood Blog.
Where Mental Health Support Meets the Perinatal Village — Across Seattle, Kitsap & Washington State.
Welcome to The Sisterhood Blog, our therapist-created resource for moms navigating the complex and often invisible parts of modern motherhood — plus everything you need to know about the local village that helps.
The Sisterhood Blog includes:
Therapist-written articles by Dr. Julie Franks, DSW, LICSW, on mom’s mental health — including postpartum anxiety, burnout, boundaries, and the emotional labor of early motherhood
First-hand interviews with the incredible doulas, lactation consultants, sleep coaches, and other perinatal professionals serving families across Seattle, Kitsap, and Washington State
Real Providers. Real Stories. Real Support for Washington Moms.
Because no mom should have to navigate this alone.
Meet Desiree Baird, Pediatric Sleep Coach and Rest Advocate — Helping Washington Moms Find Better Sleep
Meet Desiree Baird, a certified pediatric sleep consultant based in Washington, who specializes in helping local moms navigate sleep challenges for their babies and toddlers. With a passion for providing personalized sleep support, Desiree works with families in Washington to create custom sleep plans, address common issues like night wakings, bedtime struggles, and nap resistance, and help moms find the sleep solutions they need. If you're a mom in Washington struggling with sleep challenges, Desiree's expert advice and tailored approach can help you and your baby get the rest you deserve.
Why Doomscrolling Feels So Addictive for Anxious Moms (And What to Do About It)
Doomscrolling feels like a way to quiet your mind, but often ramps up anxiety for new and expecting moms. This blog unpacks why — and offers simple, doable ways to support your nervous system instead.
Motherhood Isn’t What You Expected - And That’s Okay.
Women need and deserve support through the highs and lows of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and during the postpartum period (which lasts at least 2 years), yet many women go without this mental health support because it feels taboo. Learn about the stigma behind therapy for moms + the ways therapy can help you build confidence, reduce struggles like postpartum depression or anxiety, and find your groove in motherhood.
How to Tell the Difference Between New Mom Worry and Postpartum Anxiety.
Whether you’re a first time mom or becoming a parent again, having a new baby is bound to bring up a wide range of emotions that may impact your mental health. Yet many new mothers don’t realize that their fears, worries, and concerns about their baby or their new role as a mother go beyond the normal new parent jitters and rise to the level of Postpartum Anxiety (PPA).
Hydration While Breastfeeding: Simple Homemade Electrolyte Drink for Nursing Moms
Staying hydrated while you’re breastfeeding a newborn isn’t easy, especially if you’re not a big fan of water or are looking to avoid artificial dyes and preservatives. This inexpensive, homemade rehydration drink for breastfeeding moms recipe is my go-to when I need to increase my liquid and electrolyte intake. You can drink this throughout your nursing journey and it’s safe for your toddler or preschooler if they happen to take a sip from your cup.
I’m a Therapist and I Still Missed My Postpartum Anxiety
I’m sharing my story with postpartum anxiety (PPA) to remind you that you’re not alone—and that even a therapist specializing in maternal mental health can miss the signs in herself. In this post, I walk you through the risk factors, symptoms, and what helped me heal. If you’re struggling with postpartum anxiety, there is hope—and postpartum counseling can truly make a difference.
Interview with Dr. Julie Franks, Maternal Mental Health Therapist at Nurturing the Sisterhood — Supporting Kitsap and Seattle Moms.
Nurturing the Sisterhood, a boutique therapy practice that’s just for women who want to become mothers, pregnant and postpartum women, and women in the early years of motherhood, celebrates the grand opening of its Bainbridge Island, Washington office! Founder and maternal mental health therapist Dr. Julie Franks shares the reason this practice is needed in Kitsap County, why it serves women throughout Washington State, and clinic’s judgment-free approach to therapy and support for women seeking pre-conception planning, coping with pregnancy loss, undergoing fertility treatment, and/or women who are pregnant, postpartum, and in the early years of motherhood.
Can I Tell My Therapist I Cosleep? What Every Bedsharing Mom Needs to Know
Afraid to tell anyone that you cosleep—including your therapist or pediatrician? You’re not alone. Bedsharing is more common than it seems—and talking about it safely can ease the fear, guilt, and pressure so many moms carry around baby sleep.
How to Make Mom Friends During Maternity Leave in Kitsap County, WA
You’re not the only new mom hoping to find your village. Here’s how to make real-life mom friends during maternity leave — plus local Kitsap, WA spots where moms actually meet each other.
Feeling Touched Out? Here’s Why So Many Moms Don’t Want Sex Postpartum
Many moms feel touched out and not ready for intimacy after having a baby. This post explores how to talk about it with your partner—and what to do when you're not on the same page.
How to Find the Right Therapist for New Moms (Questions to Ask + Where to Start)
Feeling overwhelmed as a new mom? Learn how to find a therapist who truly gets it—from postpartum anxiety to burnout—with questions to ask and tips tailored for moms in Washington State.
7 Completely BS Judgments that Hurt New Moms
As a new mom, you get bombarded with judgmental feedback about the way you care for your child. It seems like someone ALWAYS has something unhelpful & hurtful to say. Here’s my list of the 7 BS judgments that hurt moms most and what you can do about it. .
Why Letting Go of Perfectionism as a Mom Is So Important
As a mom, there’s an unrealistic expectation to be perfect 24/7. Letting go of perfectionism is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your kids!
It's Ok to Ask For Help, Mama: Here’s How to Do It
If no one told you, it's ok to ask for help! The demands of motherhood can get overwhelming, and sometimes you just need to ask for help, here’s how to do it.
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