The Author, Ariel Kloss, S.C., Owner, Whitestar Wellness My name is Ariel Kloss and I started Whitestar Wellness , S.C. because in my 10+ years of being a social worker, I noticed that there was something lacking from a lot of traditional mental health care- the focus on connection and authenticity over labels. While diagnoses and therapy modalities serve their purposes and can help inform us in ways, I have always been passionate about making sure whoever I am in the room wi

Sarah Ornst Bloomquist and Becky reflect on a decade of peer-driven perinatal mental health support in southeastern Wisconsin.

After countless calls to providers, the soonest a mental health therapist could see me was three months from then. I couldn’t wait that long. I feared spiraling deeper and deeper into this unknown depression, too far to ever get out. So, I reached out to Moms Mental Health Initiative.

In February 2026, the Wisconsin Senate Bill 23 — extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months — finally passed the Wisconsin Assembly.

*Trigger Warning The world of termination for medical reasons (TFMR) is not well talked about or understood- unless you are in it. TFMR...

As the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Health meets Wednesday to hear testimony on Postpartum Medicaid Expansion, we urge them to support...

Exciting News: Quartz Expands Support for Growing Families with New Programs! At Quartz, we know that bringing a new baby into the world...

Post-adoption depression (PAD) and Post-adoption Anxiety (PAA) are a reality more common than many might assume. Despite its prevalence,...

Congratulations, mama! You've just embarked on one of life's most incredible journeys—motherhood. But if you're also walking the path of...

November 2024 marks an important decision for those of us living in the United States. On election day, we get to cast our votes for the...

Life as a mother is a beautiful, messy, and downright exhausting journey. And let's be real—it's okay to admit that sometimes we need a...

FINALLY, parents feel seen.   United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory this week on the issues of parental...

The postpartum period is a time of transformation for mothers. As the body, mind, and heart navigate the changes of bringing a new life...

Trigger Warning: anxiety, intrusive thoughts, NICU, congenital heart defect Pregnancy and Possibility It took 373 weeks after I became...

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (or PMAD), like postpartum depression, generalized anxiety...

When you think of infertility or pregnancy loss, you often think of women first. Nothing is wrong with this; however, there is a piece of...

Trigger warning: Infertility, Miscarriage, Depression I’ve always known that I wanted children in my life. I met my husband when I was...

There are finally some flowers blooming in my life, but looking back to the summer of 2019, my mental health garden was shriveled and dying.

As a young, new, black mother I knew nothing about postpartum anxiety. I didn't even know it was a thing. I didn't know my thoughts and acti

Allison McGaver, creator of Park Pals, a Southeast Wisconsin play group, describes her journey to finding community as a new mom.