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Dr. Ana’Neicia Williams is a collective care practitioner who integrates her creativity and clinical background to curate therapeutic spaces rooted in culture and ancestral practices. Her maternal-child and reproductive health and advocacy work allows individuals and communities to foster relationships that support wellness. She founded Momology Maternal Wellness Club, LLC, where she provides vision mapping and consulting to organizations that serve women and families. When Dr. Williams is not serving on the front lines, you can find her in her community connecting and educating individuals and families on how the integration of healing and wellness practices is a pathway to liberation. A three-time Spalding University graduate, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Social Work, and Doctor of Social Work, specializing in Leadership and Administration. Ana’Neicia’s passion for ongoing learning continues as an adjunct professor at her alma mater.

What is the inspiration behind your work?

Dr. Williams: The individuals who have allowed me to hold space for them are the inspiration. The raw truths and untold stories that people disclose as they seek my support whether it’s through consulting, counseling, or coaching. It’s been such a sacred process that has encouraged and inspired me to lean into my inner work and advocate for those who are silent or still finding the strength to fight.

It’s National Wellness Month. Can you give 3 wellness tips for new moms?

Dr. Williams: 

1. Centering yourself in the postpartum stage is okay and contributes to being able to care for your baby. Make time to reconnect with yourself and your partner as well.

2. Ask for help, you are probably judging yourself more than anyone else.

3. As you capture the stages of development of your baby, capture yours too as a new mom.

What are some important signs and symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that individuals should be aware of? 

Dr. Williams: Lack of sleep, irritability, obsessive counting/routines, and constant worry are a few. What’s important to note is how often this occurs within a period, especially past the baby blues timeframe of 2 weeks postpartum.

What are some common misconceptions about perinatal mental health, and how can they be addressed through therapy? 

Dr. Williams: One misconception is that everyone will experience postpartum depression. This is not the case, and I have seen individuals seeking service early on because of the fear they hear in the media. Also, postpartum depression is not the only perinatal mental health disorder, but it seems to be all we amplify. You have antepartum/postpartum anxiety, postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. It is complex AND how it looks in Black women is not how it looks in their white counterparts. More research is needed but we know Black women have higher rates of   PMADS too and healthcare is not ready to address the WHY.

Do you believe in work-life balance? If so, how do you maintain it?

Dr. Williams: I do not believe in work-life balance, I believe in peace! I have learned to pay attention to my mind and body as a guide to what feels good to my nervous system. Some days and weeks I do well, others I give myself grace as I find what worked and what did not.

How can our readers connect? 

Dr. Williams: https://www.instagram.com/thewombtherapist?igsh=Z2lvNGlrZ21tZmt2

 

 

Photo Credits: Dr. Ana’Neicia Williams