Mom and Mind | Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

Latest Episodes:

406: Mothers Share Impacts of Hysterectomy and Childbirth Trauma Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Today’s show is unique in that we have four guests sharing their stories of losing a uterus to survive childbirth, and the chaos left behind after this traumatic event. These four women have connected over the struggle to rebuild their lives, the constant dismissal from healthcare professionals, and finding that the one missing ingredient to get back to a normal life isn’t normalized in today’s medical society. (Hint: Hormone Replacement Therapy)

In sharing their journeys, they give insight into this experience and why this scenario isn’t discussed and supported in our society. They share the deep grief and trauma they have experienced over the fact that losing your uterus has far-reaching ramifications beyond just “losing an organ.” Join us to hear from Katie, Greta, Kelsey, and Brittany!

Show Highlights:

The story of their connection through a Facebook group
Snapshots from the four women: when they found out they would lose their uterus through a life-saving hysterectomy
Moving on with a new baby after a traumatizing delivery and near-death experience
Learning to rely on others for help and support
Feeling dismissed by healthcare professionals
Physical and emotional issues from hormone disruptions
Facing life-altering changes and significant trauma with support through therapy, medications, and hormone replacement
What the women want others to know about their stories

Resources:

Connect with Hysterectomy Hormone Helpers: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

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

405: Mavida: A Whole-Person Approach to Maternal Mental Health Care with Dr. Sarah Oreck Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

I’m joined by Dr. Sarah Oreck to talk about Mavida Health, a unique platform combining clinical care and online emotional support and community for maternal and paternal mental health care. We can only hope that their style of specialized support and wide range of reproductive mental health services will eventually be replicated in more places across the US. You’ll learn what Mavida Health is doing to fill the gaps with accessible mental health care for families in need. Join us to hear more from Dr. Oreck.

Dr. Sarah Oreck is a Columbia University-trained psychiatrist with a fellowship in reproductive psychiatry. She is the co-founder and CEO of Mavida Health. Driven by a deep frustration with the shortcomings in maternal mental health care, Dr. Oreck envisioned Mavida as a platform to revolutionize access to high-quality mental health services along the path to parenthood. As a practicing therapist and prescriber, she combines cutting-edge medical treatments with a holistic, whole-body approach to mental health. She is the proud daughter of South American immigrants and grew up between Los Angeles and Colombia. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.

Show Highlights:

An overview of Mavida Health and their highly specialized services (In clinics in CA, NY, and NJ and via their app nationwide)
A virtual platform makes sessions more accessible and convenient, especially for those in more rural areas.
The importance of peer support and community
The most common topics and questions from Mavida patients
It’s a scary time to be a parent!
Mavida’s support for people in the LA area impacted by recent wildfires, current politics, and other anxieties
Real-world implications for parents and those who wish to become parents
The meaning behind the name “Mavida”

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Sarah Oreck and Mavida Health: Website, Dr. Oreck's Instagram, and Mavida Health's Instagram

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

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

404: Behind the Sessions: Intimacy Challenges When Trying to Conceive Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Many couples struggle to maintain intimacy and connection while trying to conceive, especially when conception takes a long time. My focus in today’s episode is on things outside the scope of an IVF journey, like timed and scheduled intercourse. This journey to parenthood can impact your mental health and the connection with your partner. Intimacy may no longer be spontaneous and fun, feeling like a scheduled task on your to-do list. Let’s explore this topic together!

Show Highlights:

Sex can start to feel like a chore, duty, and obligation.
Mourning the loss of what you “thought” conception would be like
The emotional roller coaster of trying to conceive can create emotional distance between partners.
Pressure, stress, anxiety, and worry can lead to feelings of resentment between partners.
Managing medical conditions can be an added burden and cause feelings of guilt.

Ways to find help and support:

Seek couples’ therapy.
Create a space for open communication.
Prioritize intimacy, closeness, and connection over trying to conceive.
Maintain playfulness and find spontaneous ways to be connected.

Resources:

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

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

403: Healing Journeys: Understanding EMDR and Trauma Recovery with Dr. Pria Alpern, Ph.D. Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Today’s episode focuses on EMDR for the treatment of birth trauma and reproductive trauma. You’ll learn what EMDR is and how this therapy technique can support families through trauma recovery.

Dr. Pria Alpern is a licensed clinical psychologist, EMDRIA-approved therapist, and EMDRIA-approved consultant. She is the founder of the Manhattan Center of Trauma Studies and the director of the Center Psychology Group in NYC, a psychotherapy practice specializing in treating trauma in the adult and perinatal populations. Outside her clinical practice, she creates mental health content, provides education, and raises awareness about EMDR and trauma-informed psychotherapy on social media platforms. She’s been featured in numerous news outlets and is here to share her wisdom and experience with us.

Show Highlights:

Understanding the scope of reproductive trauma
The philosophy behind EMDR, a therapy approach to unprocessed memories and negative beliefs
Examples of traumas during pregnancy
Trauma can manifest itself in PTSD and PMADs, both of which can be addressed by EMDR
Understanding EMDR and the phases of its therapeutic use to process trauma
What Dr. Alpern sees most in her clinical practice regarding birth trauma
Similarities between reactions to birth trauma and sexual assault
Flexibility within the EMDR protocol
Finding “the window of tolerance” so someone can be present in the moment
Therapy, support, community, and emotional support from family can work together to bring healing.
Using the structure of a tree as a metaphor for the depth and variance of EMDR therapy
Dr. Alpern’s wide range of work in training other therapists, with highlights on EMDR for racial and cultural oppression
Race, identity, and positionality cannot be ignored in the therapeutic relationship.
Dr. Alpern’s perspective on trauma: “For anyone who has experienced trauma, it can be very helpful to talk to someone. Please reach out for help.”

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Pria Alpern

Website, Instagram, and TikTok

Find EMDR resources at EMDRIA.org.

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

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

402: "Raising Good Humans" Parenting Mindfully While Caring for Yourself Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

What does it mean to practice mindfulness, and how does it apply to parenting? This episode will answer those questions, along with how our kids can trigger us and why putting our needs first actually helps our kids. Join us to learn more!

Hunter Clarke-Fields, the “Mindful Mama Mentor,” is a dynamic speaker who captivates audiences on TV and in front of thousands worldwide. From a self-proclaimed “yeller” as a parent, Hunter transformed her approach and wrote about her learnings in the bestselling book, Raising Good Humans. She created the highly-acclaimed Mindful Parenting Teacher Training program and Mindful Parenting Course and hosts the popular Mindful Mama Podcast. Hunter’s mission is to inspire and guide kids and caregivers toward mindful, compassionate living.

Show Highlights:

An overview of Hunter’s book, Raising Good Humans
Hunter’s personal experience as a struggling parent
No one chooses to be a reactive parent.
Understanding your “habit energies” and practicing “the pause”
The best thing you can give your kids: a happy, stable, steady parent
“Am I tired or hungry?”
The best parenting is to model big feelings for your child.
Understanding mindfulness
Being present with someone is the best gift.
Hunter’s tips for parents who want to be mindful: Take intentional time for breathing, a slow walk, and learn from available resources.
Learning to slow down and be aware.
An overview of the Mindful Mama Podcast, going strong since 2013!
Hopeful messages from Hunter

Resources:

Connect with Hunter Clarke-Fields: Website, Instagram, YouTube/podcast, Raising Good Humans book, Mindful Parenting Teacher Training program, and Mindful Parenting Course,

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

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

401: Behind The Sessions: Understanding Feeling Disconnected From Pregnancy Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

It’s not uncommon to feel disconnected from your pregnancy and your unborn baby. These feelings bring shame for not living up to the idealized standard of what pregnancy and motherhood “should be.” This shame can lead to isolation, confusion, painful fears, and an emotional distance between mother and baby. If this describes you, you are not broken, and you are not alone. Let’s take a closer look in today’s session.

Show Highlights:

Understanding common fears that come along with feelings of disconnect during pregnancy; there are many reasons why fear is normal during this time!
Fear can lead to hypervigilance in an effort at self-protection.
Fear can come from feelings of vulnerability.
A history of anxiety, depression, and PTSD can increase the risk for these issues during pregnancy–and they take a LOT of energy.
Coping skills that can help: therapy, journaling, talking to a trusted friend or family member, and having compassion for yourself
Use understanding and curiosity to explore what you’re going through–not judgment about what’s wrong with you.
Feelings of disconnect during pregnancy do not mean you will be a distant parent.
Today’s hopeful message from Dr. Kat: “Healing is always available, even from something in the past.”

Resources:

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov
Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.
You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms
Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.
Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!
If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

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

400: Stories That Heal: Celebrating 400 Episodes on Perinatal Mental Health Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

I am super excited to bring you our 400th episode! I want to reflect on these almost 9 years, honoring the guests who have shared their stories and the experts who have shared their knowledge and wisdom about pathways to healing. I never would have imagined in 2016 that reaching 400 episodes was a possibility. To each listener, I say a heartfelt thank you for listening and learning through our journey together, diving into all the aspects of perinatal mental health. I hope that this podcast will continue to be a resource of help and support for those who need it. Our field is expanding and awareness is growing about perinatal mental health—and that’s a win-win for all of us.

Show Highlights:

Our small but mighty team that works to bring you each episode
A look back at some of our guests, download numbers, and “evergreen” episodes
Changes in listening platforms and how data is collected for podcast success
The top three episodes of 2022:
Ep. 239 Pregnancy and Infant Loss with Dyora Entin, LCSW, PMH-C
Ep. 238 Pregnancy and Infant Loss with Jennifer Burgard
Ep. 241 From Pregnancy Anxiety to Making Impactful Change for New Parents with Anne Wanlund
The top three episodes of 2023:
Ep. 256 Managing Overstimulation for Highly Sensitive Parents with Amy Lajiness, LCSW, PMH-C
Ep. 262 Impacts of High-Functioning Severe Postpartum Anxiety and Depression with Caitlin Shadek
Ep. 250 Coping with Holiday Burnout with Dr. Kat
The top episodes of 2024:
Ep. 336 In Conversation with Alanis Morissette and PSI
Ep. 309 The Good Enough Mother with Dr. Sophie Brock
Ep. 316 Overstimulation and Sensory Overload in Motherhood with Holly Peretz, OTR/L
Ep. 324 Postpartum Psychosis: A Couple's Experience with Dr. Rowena and Derek Winkler
The beauty of an evergreen podcast
The overall top three episodes that have accumulated the most “listens” since 2022:
Ep. 256 Managing Overstimulation for Highly Sensitive Parents with Amy Lajiness, LCSW, PMH-C
Ep. 244 Postpartum Depression and Anxiety’s Impact and Healing Journey with Rosalinda Heider, LCSW
Ep. 239 Pregnancy and Infant Loss with Dyora Entin, LCSW, PMH-C
Sharing our stories is a powerful tool for healing.
Knowing you aren’t alone means everything.
The sad reality of the depth of perinatal pain and suffering

Resources:

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

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

399: From Surviving to Thriving: Building Community after Postpartum Depression and PTSD with Georgia Etheridge Stephens, MA, CCLS Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Today, I’m joined by Georgia, who bravely shares her journey of healing after severe postpartum depression and anxiety. We dive into the importance of finding the right level of treatment, and she opens up about her experience in a partial hospitalization program specializing in perinatal mental health. Georgia also reflects on how her early life experiences and trauma shaped her path into parenthood, reminding us that healing is not only possible—it’s beautiful. Now, she’s using her experience to support and uplift perinatal families, turning her story into a source of hope for others. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation. Let’s dive in!

Georgia Etheridge Stephens has a background in international relations and is a certified child life specialist with 15 years of experience supporting families and children through complex and stressful situations. Her personal journey with perinatal mood disorders during pregnancy and postpartum inspired her to become a postpartum doula specializing in perinatal mental health. Driven by her passion for family support, Georgia founded The Pod, a family center in Los Angeles, a judgment-free space where parents can build community, access resources, and grow alongside their babies.

Show Highlights:

Georgia’s story of finding support during a pregnancy with complications
Georgia’s professional role in supporting children and families, seeing the terrible things that can happen
An onslaught of darker and heavier thoughts
Finding the UCLA Maternal Mental Health Program when her daughter was 5 months old
Looks can be deceiving for someone suffering from postpartum depression.
The dire need for more mother-baby hospital programs in the country
After treatment, you don’t emerge as the same person you were before.
Rebuilding life in healthy ways
Early life experiences and channels of trauma—they are all connected
Understanding how parenthood rips you open and bares your soul
An overview of The Pod and what it provides to the community
Hopeful messages from Georgia about the value of sharing your truth with ONE person

Resources:

Connect with Georgia Etheridge Stephens and The Pod: Website and Instagram

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

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

398: Behind the Sessions: Centering Your Mental Health While Navigating Political Stress Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Today’s session is about what’s happening in the world and the impact on moms and families. Current politics in the US are absolutely affecting our stress levels. People are expressing concerns and fears in therapy sessions as huge changes are happening, and these changes are directly affecting how they show up in the world and in their families. Daily attacks are taking place on programs that influence education, healthcare, DEI, and the economy of daily living expenses. If you’ve been feeling anxious and overwhelmed as a mother navigating these trying times, you are not alone. Let’s explore why politics feel personal, along with practical ways to manage the stress while staying engaged with your loved ones.

Show Highlights:

The chaos hits close to home in our lives and families.
Personal rights around parenthood are on the line!
Other concerning issues include benefits that might be taken away.
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness absolutely affect our mental and physical health, especially for those with higher sensitivities.
The importance of figuring out how to take care of yourself, while engaging and disengaging as needed
Dr. Kat’s best tips for managing stress and setting boundaries:
Try to stop “doom-scrolling.” Set parameters to limit your exposure.
Curate your news intake.
Protect your energies.
Explore small but meaningful actions you can take.
Be intentional about protecting your mental health.
Find ways to feel connection and empowerment with like-minded people.
Give yourself permission to disconnect, as needed.
How to check in with yourself, regulate, and refocus

Resources:

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

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

397: Blue: A History of Postpartum Depression in America with Rachel Louise Moran Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

My guest has written a powerful book about the history of postpartum depression in America, highlighting the changes in our cultural understanding of PPD. Join us for this discussion.

Rachel Louise Moran is an associate professor of history at the University of North Texas, where she teaches US women’s and gender history and the history of medicine. She’s the author of a new book, Blue: A History of Postpartum Depression in America. The book is a history of postpartum distress and mental illness in the US from 1945 to the present, with a focus on the activism of new mothers and clinicians.

Show Highlights:

How Rachel came to write Blue
Providers often ask the wrong questions.
The work of a medical historian
Striking themes in Rachel’s research and findings about advocacy for women’s issues
The 1980s: the moment of the “Super Mom”
The 2020s: the beginning of “Mommy Blogs”
Back to the 19th century and “melancholia”
Taking a big-picture view
Why should we know the history of postpartum mental illness?
The benefit of using public platforms to educate more people
Feedback and response to Rachel’s book
What Rachel hopes to accomplish with her book

Resources:

Connect with Rachel Louise Moran: Website, LinkedIn, and Blue: A History of Postpartum Depression in America.

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

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

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