Many new moms suffer from postpartum depression. Now a new imagery program is helping many of them get through it.

First-time mom Ashley Bell thought motherhood would be like a fairy tale. But soon after she gave birth, reality hit.

“I was really sad,” said Bell. “I remember just sitting there and crying, just sobbing, because I just couldn’t get happy and I wanted so badly to be.”

Extreme hormonal changes occur after birth. Experts say four out of five moms experience negative feelings for the first two weeks, known as ‘baby blues.’ But if these negative feelings persist it could turn into …

Postpartum depression affects nearly 20 percent of new mothers. It usually occurs in the first two weeks to six months after the baby is born. One way to prevent postpartum depression is to focus on the positives of being a new mother.

“It’s important that new mothers don’t become overwhelmed and lose the excitement of the child’s birth amidst all the stress of having a baby,” says Ellen Sue Stern, author of “Reflections for New Mothers” (Meadowbrook Press). After giving birth many mothers experience anxiety and low self-esteem. They may lack confidence in their parenting ability. One way to overcome these feelings of inadequacy is …