Mom and Mind | Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

Latest Episodes:

186: Impacts of a Rough Upbringing on Transition to Motherhood Sep 07, 2020

Show notes

The journey into motherhood can be filled with many challenges. The situation is worsened if one grew up with a difficult relationship with one or both parents. Such is the personal story you’ll hear in today’s show. Join us.

Jaimi Martin came from a very difficult childhood with a mother who suffered from mental illness. Jaimi shares some of the dynamics that played out with her and her mother, carrying over to shape her own journey into motherhood. Jaimi discusses sensitive topics, like suicide, so use your discretion in listening. Since Jaimi is a therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, she is able to give insight into how her early experiences have impacted her. Jaimi now lives in San Diego with her husband and sensitive four-your-old son. After a career devoted to children and adults with emotional needs, Jaimi changed gears after the birth of her son, since she found herself without support or knowledge about what she was experiencing. Once she learned about postpartum depression and anxiety, she became an advocate for women and now serves as a volunteer for Postpartum Support International. Last year, she became perinatal mental health certified and now works with mothers, supporting their growth and discovery through her private practice, Womanhood Counseling.

Show Highlights:

The basics of Jaimi’s childhood story:
Raised by a single mom who also had a difficult and detached relationship with her own mother
Jaimi’s mom’s childhood was filled with physical, emotional, and substance abuse
Jaimi’s mom had children early, and CPS visits and interventions were frequent
Jaimi grew up with many suicide attempts by her mom and an alcoholic stepdad; she was trained to not talk about the family’s dysfunction
When Jaimi moved out at 18, her mom followed her and promised many times that she would change, but she never followed through
Jaimi’s mom blamed Jaimi for all her troubles
A therapist urged Jaimi to move far away to escape her mom, so she went to San Francisco and pursued a career in social work
The call that told Jaimi her mother had been successful in her final suicide attempt
How Jaimi suffered through the grief of her mom’s suicide, thinking that it was a game and that she would surely “show up” one day
The sense of “relief” that Jaimi felt because her mom was gone, which prompted much shame and secrecy about her feelings
How Jaimi worked through the grief process with a therapist but knew she didn’t want to ever become a mother
When she met and married her husband at age 39, the doctor said she would probably never get pregnant without intervention
The relief that Jaimi felt about not having kids, but her husband was left grieving the loss of fatherhood
Ironically, Jaimi became pregnant the next month and felt wholly betrayed by her body because it did what she didn’t want it to do
The birth of Jaimi’s son, along with intense fear and anxiety that he would never attach to her
The additional fears of karma “catching up to her” for what she had done to other families as a CPS worker
Jaimi’s postpartum crisis, when she lost weight and “didn’t feel OK”
Jaimi’s terrifying experience with a postpartum therapist
How Jaimi found the Mom & Mind podcast and the pieces fell into place to make sense of her attachment issues
How Jaimi found help in books, podcasts, and moms’ support groups
How Jaimi learned to give her son what he needs as a sensitive child
How Jaimi made the shift from CPS work to her private practice
Jaimi’s hopeful messages: “If you’ve gone through the suicide of a loved one, you are not alone. There is a community out there that understands. There is no shame when someone you love dies by suicide. Own your feelings and hold space for them.”

Resources:

Womanhood Counseling

Facebook: Womanhood Counseling

Instagram: Womanhood Counseling

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

185: Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Postpartum Anxiety Aug 26, 2020

Show notes

Today’s show is about an important topic that isn’t talked about very often. We’ve all heard of morning sickness, but there is a much more severe condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. It brings all-day nausea and vomiting and can result in significant physical and emotional effects.

Lauren Harris is a married mother of three kids who lives in western Massachusetts. She’s a licensed mental health counselor who owns the Center for Perinatal Wellness. Lauren is also the Western Massachusetts Regional Coordinator for Postpartum Support International. In today’s show, Lauren shares her story of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) through three separate pregnancies. We’ll hear how she learned of her condition and dealt with for a very long time with little support. Lauren also shares about her struggles with postpartum anxiety, along with how her experiences propelled her into the field of perinatal mental health.

Show Highlights:

Lauren’s story of her surprise pregnancy at age 22 with her daughter, Natalie, now 13
At eight weeks, Lauren was hit with incredible nausea that kept her vomiting up to 12 times each day; she was unable to keep food/liquids down, but was told it was “normal.”
There were four separate times that Lauren was hospitalized for IV fluids due to dehydration; she lost 40 pounds during the first 20 weeks of her pregnancy.
She was frustrated that no one took her seriously, and she couldn’t work or function each day, which put a financial strain on their family.
Late in her pregnancy, she was prescribed Zofran, which was the only thing that would help. Her parents helped pay the out-of-pocket cost at $90 per pill; Lauren had to take three pills daily for several weeks.
What it felt like to be told that her extreme sickness was “normal”
Why Lauren had the conversation with her mother about terminating her pregnancy
How HG affected Lauren’s work as a mental health counselor
How Lauren met the emotional challenges to keep going day by day
After a 23-hour induction, her perfectly healthy baby girl was born, weighing 8 lbs. 11 oz.
Why the birth was followed by a D & C because of a hemorrhage
Four years later, Lauren was pregnant with her second child; she had similar nausea and vomiting but felt much more supported by her medical team
With her third pregnancy, she took more care with rest and hydration but experienced much more postpartum anxiety
The irony was that as the HG improved with each pregnancy, the anxiety issues became worse
How Lauren coped by using therapy and medication
Why Lauren was propelled into perinatal mental health work by her personal experiences
Lauren’s practice has three clinicians now but is looking to expand soon because the need is so great
What Lauren learned about HG and herself

Resources:

Email Lauren: lauren@laureneharris.com

Lauren’s practice: www.cpw.care

Find the Center for Perinatal Wellness on Facebook

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

184: Personal Journey of Birth and Adoption as an Adult Sexual Assault Survivor Aug 10, 2020

Show notes

In many ways, our life experiences around reproduction impact us and our mental health significantly. Today’s show focuses on the story of adult sexual trauma and how our guest was affected as she became a mother. **The nature of this topic of sexual trauma and differing birth experiences prompt a sensitivity warning for some listeners. Use your judgment in listening now or at a later time.

Emily Finomore is a mother and clinician who couldn’t find information on what to expect with a pregnancy and childbirth experience after adult sexual trauma. Emily wants people to know that each person’s birth experience can be different and yet bring healing. Emily is a child and adolescent therapist as well as outpatient clinic manager for WVU Medicine in Behavioral Medicine. Her previous work includes more than ten years working in various capacities in child welfare systems, clinical work in family treatment drug court, implementing a large scale research project at the Air Force Academy, and working in private practice. Her area of clinical focus is complex developmental trauma. In an effort to support communities in West Virginia as they work to meet the challenging needs of these children, Emily has trained frontline staff, educators, behavioral health professionals, and families on understanding the neurodevelopmental effects of complex trauma and appropriate interventions to support regulation and healing. Emily is the parent of five children, through both biology and adoption. She shares her story in an effort and with the hope that you know that you’re not alone in your experience.

Show Highlights:

Emily’s story of sexual assault as a college student and becoming a mom for the first time a few years later
Emily’s various birth experiences with her four biological children and one adopted child
How parenting taught Emily how little control she has over life events
Why Emily thought that a natural birth experience with her first child would bring healing
How her second pregnancy came quickly after her first child and led to a planned induction
How the epidural allowed her to stay present, focused, and joyful
How Emily’s third child was adopted from foster care: “the longest and hardest labor of all”
How the journey to adopt her daughter brought up trauma triggers for Emily
A move to Colorado allowed Emily to consider more natural birth options for her fourth child, using a certified nurse-midwife in the hospital
How having birth photography for the first time played an important role in Emily’s trauma response
How a surprise pregnancy brought a fifth child and the opportunity to use a birth center and have all her children present with her
How important relationship and connection were in the childbirth space
The great need for resources in helping people find trauma-informed care providers
Emily’s suggestions for other trauma survivors regarding communicating with your spouse and engaging with your clinician
Hopeful messages from Emily: “There are many ways to find healing, one of which is becoming a parent. Birth is the start of your parenthood journey, and I’m continuing to heal and grow. Sharing my experiences with others helps my healing, and I’m grateful for all the pieces.”

Resources mentioned:

Email Emily: emilyfinomore@gmail.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

183: Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and OCD - Alisa's Story Jul 27, 2020

Show notes

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorder can leave you feeling lost, alone, and confused by the symptoms. This is why it’s so important that we hear personal stories of others that show us we are not alone.

Alisa Pastecki is a Sales Executive for a network equipment and services provider that works with telecommunications companies all over the US and Canada. She lives in Batavia, NY--just outside of Buffalo--with her husband Doug, two-year-old daughter Gloria, and their dog Lily. The family spends as much time outdoors as possible, enjoying hiking and camping. After the birth of her daughter, Alisa suffered from postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. She has since realized just how important it is to raise our voices in the fight against maternal health stigmas, and she wants to help normalize PMADs for moms in her community.

Show Highlights:

How depression and OCD tendencies began for Alisa even before she was pregnant
Trying to conceive, an endometriosis diagnosis, surgery, and plans for IVF
An unexpected pregnancy just in the nick of time led to insensitive comments by a nurse that escalated Alisa’s anxiety about the pregnancy
With an easy pregnancy, Alisa’s daughter was born full-term, but Alisa’s anxiety kept escalating with the pressure of her doubt in second-guessing every decision
Midwife and doula plans, induced labor, painful procedures, and a C-section
What Alisa wishes she had done differently
Why Alisa had never been so scared before as she was during her C-section
Problems with breastfeeding and weight loss for her baby
How Alisa felt about being constantly bombarded with a black and white approach to each obstacle she faced
Problems with OCD, disconnected feelings, and anxiety in the first few postpartum weeks
How the anger and rage set in for Alisa and led to irrational fears about her daughter
How intrusive thoughts began around three months postpartum
How Alisa stumbled onto the PSI (Postpartum Support International) website and found helpful resources
How Alisa found a therapist who let her know that she would be OK; now, two years later, she is still working with that therapist who provided her the tools and meds to change her life
The difference that therapy and medications made in giving Alisa confidence as a new mom
Lessons learned for Alisa:
Many medical practitioners aren’t sufficiently educated on postpartum care, so you need to find a doctor who understands PMADs
Reach out to peers and a support group who will honestly open up about the bad and ugly of the postpartum experience
Be vocal and help break the stigma around mental health issues

Resources:

Alisa Pastecki

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

182: Pediatricians' Important Role in Perinatal Mental Health Jul 06, 2020

Show notes

We are constantly learning more about the importance of mental health and its impact on the overall health of parents, children, and the entire family. More and more clinicians are getting trained in perinatal mental health, which is exactly what is needed. In today’s show, we get a pediatrician’s perspective of stepping in to help new moms, even though their primary role is to support and care for the child.

Dr. Natasha Sriraman is a pediatrician and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School. She’s an attending physician, researcher, wife, and mother. Her main areas of research include breastfeeding, postpartum depression, and health disparities. Natasha is a strong advocate who lobbies for breastfeeding support in the workplace and postpartum depression screening within the pediatric setting. She researches, publishes, and speaks around the country about postpartum depression and anxiety, breastfeeding, and the importance of the mother in the fourth trimester. When not working, Natasha enjoys running, boxing, yoga, traveling, reading, and going to the beach with her family. In this episode, Natasha shares her perspective, experience, and knowledge of being a pediatrician who incorporates perinatal mental health awareness and screening into her practice as well as how her own experience prompted her to become a lactation consultant. We’ll touch on how the added stress of COVID-19 is impacting families in receiving necessary care and how pediatricians can play an important role in perinatal mental health.

Show Highlights:

Natasha’s practice and focus on perinatal mental health and the “fourth” trimester, based on her experience and difficulties as a mom
The unique opportunities that pediatricians have to engage with babies and mothers during the first year of a baby’s life and “bridge the gap” for families
Why Natasha is screening moms even before the first six-week checkup for the baby
The delicate balance for a pediatrician of navigating the issue of a mom’s mental health when the baby is your patient
How to differentiate between normal “new mom nervousness” and postpartum depression and anxiety that requires help
New worries from pregnant women and new moms in the time of COVID-19
Extra precautions in the doctor’s office during COVID-19: taking temperatures and wearing masks
How Natasha navigates her work as a lactation consultant
Why patients should never feel like they have to choose between breastfeeding and getting treatment for anxiety/depression
The need for widespread education in perinatal mental health
Natasha’s hopeful message: “It’s been wonderful to see moms achieve a level of comfort in talking to their physicians and pediatricians in the fourth trimester. One positive aspect of COVID-19 is increased access to virtual support groups.”

Resources:

Natasha.Mom.MD: Care For Kids, Empowerment for Moms

Facebook: Natasha Mom MD

Natasha Mom MD

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

181: Fathers and Perinatal Mental Health Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

We have the honor of hearing from Dr. Sheehan Fisher about new fathers, the transitions they may go through when a baby comes along, as well as the challenges and strengths that they may experience.

There are quite a few gems in our talk today, one of which is how the role of fatherhood is changing and adapting to the times…AND thoughts about navigating that. Dr. Fisher’s take on these transitions is not to be missed. I’m sure you’ll want to share this with the fathers, men and partners of men in your life. PLEASE DO!

We also discuss:

- The spectrum of mood changes that fathers might experience postpartum, such as depression, anxiety, anger

- how it affects them, what they might experience

- what their partners might notice

- Looking at the family as a system and how family members affect each other

- What can they do? What kinds of support or therapy, available?

- Coping suggestions

- hopeful messages for fathers

Connect with Dr. Fisher:

Twitter: @SheehanDFisher

Facebook: @SheehanDFisher

Instagram: @DrChefSheehan

Dr. Sheehan Fisher is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, with an appointment at Lurie Children’s Hospital. His research and clinical interests focus on perinatal mental health, with a subspecialty in father’s mental health and role in the family. His aim is to understand the mechanisms that place mothers and fathers at risk for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and the effect of both parents' mental health on infant health outcomes. He also is passionate about increasing fathers' competence in the home and reconstructing views of masculinity.

For this and all episodes, visit www.momandmind.com

To join in the discussion and community, find us at

https://www.facebook.com/MomandMindPodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MomandMindConnection/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

180: There's More to My Postpartum Story Jun 15, 2020

Show notes

My goal is for the show to be a mix of personal stories, expert interviews, information, and education. Even though my story isn’t usually at the forefront, I find that it’s powerful and meaningful to share my experiences, and that’s the focus of today’s episode. Join us!

You know me as Dr. Kat, but my full name is Katayune Kaeni. I’m a psychologist, wife, and mother to two lovely humans. I’m perinatal mental health certified, and my entry into the world of perinatal mental health began ten years ago with the birth of my first child, my daughter. I’m proud of my children, and I look at this podcast as another beautiful creation that I’ve birthed into the world. Just like the motherhood journey, my four-year podcast journey has been full of many mistakes and lots of learning; we’ve covered many topics, but there is so much more to learn! To date, Mom & Mind is heard in 69 countries, with over 356,000 downloads and a horde of social media followers. Welcome to Episode 180!

Show Highlights:

For everyone with a perinatal mental health issue, there is always a story behind the pain
Why and how my relationship with my body changed and began a different phase in my life
How I knew at age 12 that I wanted to be a mental health counselor, even though I already was dealing with anxiety and depression
In high school, a skiing accident left me with an ACL injury that required surgery, along with my first concussion
In college, risk factors kept building as PMS brought panic attacks and more depression; over the years I tried doctors, diuretics, birth control pills, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and energy healing
In grad school, family stressors brought more depression and anxiety, and I met and married my husband; a biking accident led to my second concussion that wasn’t treated properly
As I entered the world of employment, I suffered yet another concussion; other risk factors included anxiety, depression, being a highly sensitive person and a perfectionist, and then---my first pregnancy
Because pregnancy brought me relief from PMS and hormonal craziness, I actually felt wonderful--better than I had in many years
Ten years ago, in 2010, my daughter was born, and the problems began on Day 1
How I dealt with breastfeeding issues, poor sleep, and intense anxiety; the intrusive thoughts were overwhelming and embarrassing because of their sexual nature
Why I never even told my husband how I was feeling--even a year into our daughter’s life
As a psychologist, I didn’t want anyone to know that I was suffering, so I lied on a depression screen
How I finally decided to make changes, and I started with learning more about perinatal mental health and helping others
How getting past the shame, guilt, and embarrassment was a huge obstacle for me
How I started accepting clients into my private practice and continued to learn more and more
Today, I’m still triggered from time to time, but I can recognize the signs now better than before
With my second child, I had similar experiences, but the problems were less intense because I knew what was happening
How my PMS symptoms became worse and more difficult to manage after my two children were born
How I’m taking measures to manage my mental health
Why I want people to have a broader sense of perinatal mental health conditions
My goal for myself is to learn to live with it well and have more opportunity for healing
My healing isn’t complete, because life brings up things I have to deal with on a daily basis
My goal with the podcast is to normalize the fact that we all struggle, and make it OK to reach out and get help

Resources:

Email me: hello@momandmind.com

Find my website: Mom And Mind

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

179: Black Women Birthing Justice Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

We are talking with Professor Chinyere Oparah and Dr. Sayida Peprah, who are part of the Black Women Birthing Justice collective. Today we are discussing some of the research they have done and the report called Battling over Birth. Highlights from our discussion include the power dynamics in the birthing environment for black women, history of sexual survivor issues and how that might impact the birthing experience, empowering Black women in the birth space and some glimpses into what the Battling over Birth report recommends.

Julia Chinyere Oparah is a social justice educator, collective leader, activist scholar, and experienced community organizer who has spent over two decades producing critical scholarship in the service of progressive social movements. Oparah is Provost and Dean of the Faculty and professor of Ethnic Studies at Mills College, and she was educated at Cambridge University and Warwick University

Show Highlights:

Black Women Birthing Justice: A collective of African-American Caribbean, and multi-racial women who are sharing about the negative experiences they’ve had in their maternal care and childbirth
How a negative birth experience can be turned around with a great midwife and doula team
How the actions that are being taken by medical providers are disempowering black women
How BWBJ began in 2011 with a Research Justice project, with over 100 women being open and honest about their stories
Battling Over Birth: a human rights report that unpacks the stories of those 100 women and how they found themselves in conflict with their medical providers
Before the sharing circles, some of the women had no idea of what they had missed out on in their birth experiences
The comparison with this topic and the sexual survivors of the Me Too movement, and how their birth experiences are re-triggering and re-traumatizing, with further victimization
How doctors use fear-based coercion to get the women to do what THEY want
The ramifications and implications for these women, along with the potential stress and trauma
The opportunity to change the narrative and “do it differently”
How to have empowerment in the birth experience, including how providers interact with you for physical exams during labor and birth
How the mental health of these women is affected
The ways we can make sure this doesn’t keep happening--”This doesn’t have to be normal.”
How the impact of the negative birth experience bleeds over into breastfeeding
How the timelines followed in the birthing process don’t take into account the stress and trauma that are added to the process
What the report shows about the link between postpartum depression being linked to the birth experience, and not just to hormones
How those disadvantaged in race, class, and relationship status had toxic postpartum environments more frequently
The shame and judgment that black women feel in admitting postpartum depression, because they are supposed “to be strong”

Resources:

Professor Oparah: https://www.juliachinyereoparah.com/

Dr. Sayida: www.DrSayidaPeprah.com

To learn about Dr. Sayida’s non-profit click here: www.DiversityUplifts.org, To learn more about the Black community-based doula program and COVID19 doula initiatives Dr. Sayida is working on, click here: www.FrontlineDoulas.com

Please find out more by reading that Battling over Birth report at Find the report here: http://www.blackwomenbirthingjustice.org/battling-over-birth

Twitter @birthingjustice

Instagram @birthingjustice

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Black-Women-Birthing-Justice-216928328357571/posts/?ref=page_internal

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

178: Linet's Story: Healing from PPD and PPA May 25, 2020

Show notes

Going through a postpartum mental health event can be a transformative experience. Many survivors feel inspired to change the course of their lives and careers and dedicate themselves to supporting and serving others. Such is the case of today’s guest, and her story is a fitting way to round out Maternal Mental Health Month. Join us!

Linet Madeja-Bravo is a working mom, wife, and the proud daughter of Filipino immigrants. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and is Mommy to two-year-old Isabella. Professionally, Linet has worked for local government for almost a decade and is most passionate about serving those in her community that are most marginalized and furthest from opportunity. Overwhelmed by the unexpected realities of being a new mom, breastfeeding issues, and other life events, Linet decided to seek professional help at eight weeks postpartum. Linet’s experience with postpartum depression and anxiety ignited a passion for helping other new moms and families. She is also passionate about decreasing cultural stigma and reducing barriers to mental health support and resources for those who need it most. Linet continues to work through her postpartum depression and anxiety with a specialized therapist and shares her story as a way of healing. She also hopes to one day become professionally trained to become a therapist or support person who specializes in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Show Highlights:

Linet’s story of always wanting to be a mom, getting pregnant soon after their marriage, and an easy pregnancy
How she experienced anxiety about the birth process, but then felt overwhelming joy at her daughter’s birth
As the difficulties began, Linet found that breastfeeding was the biggest contributor to her postpartum anxiety
Why it was hard for Linet to know who to listen to
At three days old, her daughter had to go to the hospital due to losing weight; she had to take formula and be treated for jaundice in the NICU
How the nurses didn’t explain the problems and treatments to Linet, and she found out later her baby had been weighed incorrectly
What Linet learned in the NICU stay: how to pump and how to wash bottles properly
How Linet realized that breastfeeding and sleep were her biggest issues, along with an unexpected surgery for her daughter’s tongue-tie issue
How LInet realized that everything she tried to control didn’t work out and made things worse
How Linet took her daughter to different feeding specialists and therapists, later realizing she was being obsessive
How Linet had random crying fits and felt guilty for her postpartum anxiety and suicidal thoughts
The breaking point at eight weeks postpartum, when Linet went to the hospital with abdominal pain that turned out to be diverticulitis
Why Linet saw a therapist to get help for the first time
The unseen pressure in immigrant cultures about mental health
How returning to Linet’s faith and her church community helped with her healing
The hardest things in Linet’s journey
Hopeful words from Linet: “You have everything you need to be a great parent. Your confidence in parenting will ebb and flow, and there will still be hard days. I’ve accepted that parenting is full of hard moments and new things. The most beautiful thing is that I’ve never felt such deep love, passion, and reward. Parents need to prioritize self-care and give themselves grace.”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

177: The Loss of a Postpartum Mother and Wife May 18, 2020

Show notes

No one will escape this life without feeling the pain of loss, and there is no better way to channel that pain than through creating something beautiful out of it. In today’s show, you’ll meet a devoted husband and father who wasn’t content to wallow in his loss on the sidelines. He’s turned his pain into purpose as he helps countless families through the challenges of maternal mental health treatment.

Steven D’Achille is president and founder of The Alexis Joy D’Achille Foundation for Postpartum Depression. He’s an advocate for maternal mental health issues because he realizes that women’s health is a family health issue. His passion is creating access to care for struggling families. He’ll go deep into his story today, sharing how postpartum depression took the life of his wife, Alexis. I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the board of Postpartum Support International with Steven, and I’ve seen up close his passion and dedication springing from the horrible and unnecessary outcome of his wife’s death. He is changing the landscape in Pittsburgh and wherever he goes to share his wife’s story and the foundation in her name. Steven is a passionate advocate for fathers, in addition to his support of maternal mental health because he realizes the need for caring for the whole family, especially fathers and partners. As his six-year-old daughter, Adriana puts it, “He wanted to change the world.”

**Sensitivity Notice: Difficult topics are discussed in this episode related to suicide. If you aren’t in a place to listen today, feel free to find the episode at a later date.

Show Highlights:

Get to know Steven and his story that began with the traumatic birth of his daughter, Adriana
How Steven’s wife, Alexis, believed that her first act of motherhood was to damage her child
How things started unraveling almost immediately for Alexis, who knew she needed help
How Alexis experienced serious anxiety and saw an LCSW for coping mechanisms, receiving a PTSD diagnosis
The increased anxiety, shame and stigma, and scary options
More symptoms included depression, insomnia, and loss of appetite
The disconnect between psychiatric care and Ob care for mothers
How HIPAA rules prevented the pediatrician from notifying anyone of her concerns about Alexis
How Alexis was prescribed an antidepressant and the depression escalated to suicidal thoughts; her plea for help went unacknowledged
How Alexis begged to be admitted for weeks and then hung herself in their basement--just 14 days after beginning the new antidepressant
How the system failed Alexis
How Alexis survived to get to the hospital and make it to ICU
How Steven got clarity on how to move forward and make something good come out of Alexis’ tragedy, to get other moms the help Alexis could not get
How The Alexis Joy D’Achille Foundation’s hospital treated 3000 moms in 2019
The family services provided by the foundation
The importance of a father’s perspective in going through this journey and raising a 6-½-year-old daughter without her mom
How our laws protect puppies more than we do moms and babies
The reality of postpartum depression treatment in the US---and what needs to change
The power in telling your story
What the new standard of care should be