Mom and Mind

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Latest Episodes:

378: Hormonal Shift Impacts on Women's Mental Health with Dr. Katrina Furey Nov 18, 2024

I'm joined today by Dr. Katrina Furey, a board-certified adult psychiatrist in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry. We are diving into understanding how hormones impact mental health in the perinatal period and at other times in a woman’s life cycle. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Furey is a clinical instructor at the Yale University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and has Sound Psychiatry, a private practice in Guilford, Connecticut. She is a consultant for Connecticut’s Access Mental Health for Moms Hotline, offering psychiatric expertise and consultation to medical providers treating women for mental health or substance abuse issues. She also co-hosts the Analyze Scripts podcast, which analyzes the depiction of mental health in fictional TV shows and films. Dr. Furey just launched Repro Psych Academy, a comprehensive series of online courses designed to empower all healthcare providers to feel more confident in diagnosing and managing women’s mental health conditions related to hormonal shifts from menses to menopause.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Furey’s perspective on women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry
Understanding the specialty of repro psych
Hormones, depression, and anxiety
How women are judged and dismissed for their “hormones” and what their bodies do
PMS, PMDD, and PNMH
Information about hormonal shift differences and birth control
Determining if a medication is best for you, what to try, and when to switch
Dr. Furey’s efforts to train more providers to help more women

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Katrina Furey: Sound Psychiatry, Analyze Scripts podcast, Repro Psych Academy, and Instagram

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!

377: Behind the Sessions: Anger and Emotional Pain in Marriage with Dr. Kat Nov 14, 2024

We are exploring a topic that pops up frequently in therapy sessions. Relationship issues are often an underlying factor of other challenges that prompt women to seek therapy. They are looking for problem-solving solutions to help with the pain they are experiencing in their relationships. Let’s take a closer look in today’s episode.

Show Highlights:

Gaslighting–a form of psychological manipulation that can have devastating effects on a relationship
Many clients desperately want their husbands/partners to seek therapy.
One-sided efforts by one partner can only go so far toward healing the relationship.
Movement forward in the relationship usually happens as a result of couples therapy.
How our conditioning sets us up with the perfect formula for a tension-filled marriage
Having kids changes EVERYTHING in a relationship!
Feeling isolated and alienated makes every problem seem magnified.
Healing CAN happen!

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!

376: Finding Sobriety and Helping Others After a Severe Postpartum Episode with Andrea Owen Nov 11, 2024

Today’s guest shares her experiences through a difficult postpartum journey. Her story covers anxiety, psychosis, and alcohol dependence, but she turned things around to empower women and coach them to be their best selves. Join us for Andrea’s story.

Andrea Owen is an author, global keynote speaker, and professionally certified life coach who helps high-achieving women maximize unshakeable confidence, master their mindset, and magnify their courage. She hosts the wildly popular podcast, Make Some Noise, and her books include How to Stop Feeling Like Shit, Make Some Noise, and 52 Ways to Live a Kickass Life. With multiple certifications, Andrea is a She Recovers coach and a Daring Way facilitator.

Show Highlights:

Andrea’s story: a first pregnancy of stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and postpartum psychosis
A C-section, sleep issues, breastfeeding issues, and colic compounded the problems until Andrea finally began to feel better after a few months.
A second pregnancy when her son was 15 months old, a doula, and a VBAC
Alcohol dependence—how it affected Andrea
For Andrea, the quantity of alcohol wasn’t as significant as the daily obsession with it.
Sobriety transforms you into a different person.
Andrea’s career as a writer, life coach, and podcaster
An overview of Andrea’s podcast, Make Some Noise
Andrea’s takeaway about shame resilience and self-compassion

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!

Connect with Andrea Owen:

Website, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Make Some Noise podcast, and (books) How to Stop Feeling Like Shit, Make Some Noise, and 52 Ways to Live a Kickass Life.

375: A Physician’s Journey Through Loss, Birth, and Postpartum with Dr. Phindile Chowa Nov 04, 2024

We often mistakenly think physicians are immune to postpartum challenges, but nothing could be further from the truth. Today’s guest shares her story of pregnancy loss, traumatic birth, and intense postpartum difficulties. From feeling shamed and unsupported, therapy helped her find a place of forgiveness and a healthy mental space for herself. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Phindile Chowa is an emergency-trained physician currently practicing in Georgia. She attended the University of Pittsburgh for her undergraduate studies and medical school, completing her residency at Harvard. With several years of experience in a large academic hospital, she swiftly ascended to an administrative role within the emergency department, focusing on enhancing the patient experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she witnessed transformative changes in healthcare delivery, motivating her to redefine her medical practice. Determined to restore dignity to patient care, she established the concierge medical practice, EMCare2U, where she provides personalized healthcare services to individuals and families. With a particular emphasis on postpartum care, she wrote the book What to Expect Next, a postpartum guide to assist mothers planning for a healthy postpartum journey. Dr. Chowa also hosts the podcast, Fourth Trimester Voices, where she creates a platform for meaningful conversations surrounding postpartum challenges, maternal health, and healthcare advocacy. The podcast amplifies the voices of mothers, healthcare professionals, and advocates to share their stories, insights, and support for navigating the postpartum experience.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Chowa’s path to emergency medicine that began in her childhood
Her first pregnancy, miscarriage, and the accompanying trauma
A second pregnancy full of fear and anxiety, which culminated in a traumatic birth and a NICU stay
Breastfeeding and sleeping issues—and a very challenging first few weeks at home with a newborn
The postpartum screening test with a low score and no resources to help her
A difficult night that led to drastic action and an eye-opening conversation with her mother
Finding therapy, getting help, and learning to take a “me-centered” approach
Learning forgiveness and finding ways to get more sleep and break down intrusive thoughts
Helping others with a new post-COVID perspective of medicine
Transitioning to concierge medicine and personalized care
Collaborative care and medical advocacy
What’s normal and NOT normal in postpartum care
Dr. Chowa’s podcast, Fourth Trimester Voices, to show moms that they are not alone
The need to fine-tune postpartum care in a comprehensive and holistic way

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Phindile Chowa

Website, Instagram, Facebook (Join the postpartum support group, Beyond the Fourth Trimester.), and Fourth Trimester Voices podcast

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!

374: ENCORE: Sleep Deprived Moms with Lauren DePaola, LCSW Oct 30, 2024

SLEEP, SLEEP, SLEEP!

We are talking about a very important topic…SLEEP! We’ve all heard that new moms and parents don’t sleep when they have a baby, but its actually a pretty huge deal. Lauren DePaola is going to give us the information we need to know about how it Impacts us and why we need to be taking a closer look on protecting our sleep as much as possible.

We cover stages of sleep, how much sleep you really need and what kind, what can happen when you don't get enough sleep and why its so important!!!!

Lauren DePaola, LCSW is a wife, mother of two boys and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida. She owns a private mental health practice with a focus on reproductive mental health: Postpartum Wellness & Family Counseling, located in Gainesville, FL.

Lauren is the founder of the Alachua County Perinatal Mental Health Coalition, the President of the Florida Chapter of Postpartum Support International and Co-Chair of the newly formed Florida Maternal Mental Health Collaborative.

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!

Alachua County Perinatal Mental Health Coalition website:

http://ppwandfc.wixsite.com/acpmhc

373: Breaking Barriers: Transforming Maternal Mental Health Care with Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW Oct 28, 2024

You are in for a treat as we hear from someone who is fully committed to the advocacy and activism it takes to make a difference in the lives of new moms. She is relentless in her fight and the scope of her work is far-reaching. I’m excited to be joined by Paige Bellenbaum for today’s show.

Paige Bellenbaum is a social worker, founding director, and Chief External Relations Officer at The Motherhood Center of New York. This place is doing phenomenal work in the field of perinatal mental health, helping push the dial forward on the kind of care that new moms who are suffering should be receiving. She’s been able to put forth legislation in NY to help mothers by mandating hospitals to provide education and encourage screening for all new and expectant mothers. Paige has worked in public policy, advocacy, community organizing, and in direct practice with disadvantaged communities. Paige shares her experience as a mom and how it brought her into this work. After Paige’s first child was born, the postpartum depression and anxiety she experienced nearly ended her life. When she began to heal, her relentless fight began for education, screening, and treatment so that no one has to suffer. She continues to work closely with multiple NYC agencies on maternal mental health best practices and policies, and she was a member of the NYC Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee as well as currently sitting on the NYS Maternal Mental Health Working Group. Paige has appeared on numerous TV news shows and major media platforms in an ongoing effort to get the word out about maternal mental health. She helps us understand the importance of education, treatment, and screening, and why higher levels of care are essential for those experiencing moderate to severe perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Show Highlights:

Paige’s journey into the work she does today, beginning 18 years ago with the birth of her son
Paige’s anger that led to a new law in New York to require screening and education for new moms
An overview of Paige’s bill and what it took to get it into law
The changes in maternal mental health awareness over the past few years
The suffering is REAL for many mothers.
Validating women’s experiences and building a sense of community
Education and screening are vital to help people recognize the signs and symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Details about The Motherhood Center in NYC and the scope of their work
“This is just the beginning.”
Paige’s message: “Lift your voice and tell your story. Your story is power–and it can move mountains.”

Resources:

Connect with Paige Bellenbaum and The Motherhood Center: 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!

372: How Undiagnosed Autism Compounds Postpartum Struggles with Lynn Wilhite, LSW Oct 21, 2024

I’m happy to welcome back a previous guest on the podcast. Lynn Wilhite is a licensed clinical social worker who joined me for Episode 263, Coping with Treatment-Resistant Depression. Things have changed for Lynn since she has recently been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and PTSD. She shares the impact of her diagnoses and how she’s making connections about why things were so difficult for her in the past. Her insights help us understand how the many layers and factors of ADHD and autism have complicated her journey. Lynn has paused her work in therapy and social work to focus on her healing, understand her diagnoses, and learn more about her son’s autism diagnosis. She feels passionate about bringing neurodivergence into the postpartum conversation, along with normalizing and destigmatizing autism and other forms of neurodivergence for new moms. She is currently writing a book about her postpartum and parenthood journey. Join us to learn more from Lynn’s story!

Show Highlights:

Developments in Lynn’s life since her last visit to Mom & Mind
The prevalence of parents being diagnosed with autism alongside their children
Lynn’s diagnostic process—and how her struggles in life began to make sense
Stereotypical autism vs. female autism
A constant battle of “defending” a diagnosis
Medical gaslighting that women have to endure for themselves and their children
Autism’s part in the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum, even in the smallest details
Autism’s effects in Lynn’s life
“Should I have even had a child?”
Depression and anxiety are highly comorbid with autism.
Masking skills are at their finest in autistic adults.
Lynn’s biggest lessons learned on her journey
The value of support and community

Resources:

Connect with Lynn Wilhite: Instagram

Lynn Wilhite’s other Mom & Mind episode: Episode 263

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!

371: Behind the Sessions: Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression with Dr. Kat Oct 17, 2024

In my therapy practice, I meet with moms at all stages of their reproductive journeys. It is a consistent thing that perinatal mental health conditions sneak up on people. Many new moms don’t know when to be concerned and when to seek help for perinatal depression, which can happen at any point in the reproductive journey and worsen in the postpartum. It’s important to notice the signs and symptoms. Let’s take a closer look!

Show Highlights:

The “baby blues” vs. postpartum depression—”How do I tell the difference?”
Symptoms that signify a deeper problem and possible postpartum depression
Identifying issues with eating and sleeping patterns that could point to postpartum depression
Postpartum depression differs in context from generalized depression.
Feelings of failure, self-criticism, and isolation as a new mother
“I FEEL bad because I AM bad.”
Postpartum depression is relatively common (Around 20% of mothers will experience it.)
Difficulty bonding with a new baby can indicate postpartum depression.
Thoughts about the stigma of postpartum depression and the fear of judgment
Good news! There is help and free support available. You CAN get better!
Dr. Kat’s advice about what you can do RIGHT NOW

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!

370: Severe PPD, Anxiety Healing and Advocating for AAPI Moms Oct 14, 2024

Join us for this episode with my guest, Dr. Jasmine. She is a mom of one, a clinical pharmacist, and she holds a perinatal mental health certification. As a survivor of severe postpartum depression, anxiety, and insomnia, she has also served as a peer mentor volunteer for Postpartum Support International (PSI). A fierce maternal mental health advocate and second-generation Taiwanese-American, Dr. Jasmine hosts a podcast called Healing the Tigress, which features conversations around Asian American Pacific Islanders’ (AAPI) maternal mental health. Her newsletter, blogs, and Instagram focus on motherhood, mental health destigmatization, and gentle parenting. Her writing has been featured in Mother.ly, Psyched Mommy, and she was interviewed last fall about her PPD story by Women’s Health.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Jasmine’s story of infertility, her pregnancy, and her daughter’s birth
The super storm that drove Jasmine’s postpartum depression into a downward spiral
Feelings of worthlessness, failure, and asking, “Why did we try so hard for this?”
Addressing the problems with her Ob-gyn at her six-week checkup
Facing the combination of insomnia, intense anxiety over feeding issues, and worry about bonding with her baby
Jasmine’s experience with taking an antidepressant, opening up to her husband, and seeing a psychiatrist
Seeing improvement in small steps with medications and therapy
Finding joy again and feeling confident in motherhood
Being on “the other side” of medications as a pharmacist
Cultural factors that clouded Jasmine’s thinking and stigmatized medications and therapy
Learning to function in a “mid-generation” of a very different culture
Factors behind Jasmine’s decision not to have a second child
An overview of Jasmine’s podcast, Healing the Tigress, to make space for AAPI moms
Jasmine’s advice to other moms

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Jasmine:

Blog

Instagram

Healing the Tigress podcast

Connect with Dr. Kat:

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!

369: Understanding Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Causes and Impacts on Pregnancy and Beyond Oct 07, 2024

Today, Dr. Kat hosts Dr. Marlena Fejzo, an expert on hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe form of pregnancy sickness. Dr. Fejzo, affiliated with the University of Southern California and the HER Foundation, discusses HG's debilitating symptoms, its long-term health impacts, and the challenges within the healthcare system. She emphasizes the need for better awareness, research, and treatment protocols, including the importance of thiamine supplements and support groups. Dr. Fejzo also highlights her ongoing research on genetic factors and potential treatments, advocating for improved care and support for HG patients.

Join us!

Bio:

Dr. Marlena Fejzo is a women’s health scientist and expert on severe pregnancy sickness. She is a researcher at the University of Southern California, Research Director of the HER Foundation, and Chief Scientific Officer of Harmonia Healthcare. Fejzo found the first genes for uterine fibroids and for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. In March, Fejzo was honored as one of Time’s Women of the Year, in May she was named one of Time’s 100 Health Catalysts, and in July she was awarded the 2024 Victoria J. Mastrobuono Award in Women’s Health by the National Organization for Women.

Show Highlights:

Definition and severity of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
Long-term health impacts on mothers and fetuses
Advocacy and the importance of having support during medical appointments
Current state of research and funding challenges for HG studies
Prevalence and statistics related to HG
Psychological effects, including potential PTSD in affected women
Historical context and misunderstandings surrounding HG
Future research directions, including genetic studies
Clinical trials for new treatments and potential biomarkers

Resources:

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!

Connect with Dr. Fejzo

Twitter - @DrFejzo

HER Foundation

International HG Conference on November 6th and 7th, 2024 in Ventura, CA international colloquium Hyperemesis gravidarum https://www.hyperemesis.org/ichg2024/

To Donate to Dr. Fejzo’s research efforts: bit.ly/fejzo

368: Behind the Sessions: Postponing Sleep: Time Alone or Anxiety? Oct 03, 2024

Today’s episode covers a common problem I see with clients in therapy; it’s the issue of fighting sleep. People are exhausted, running on empty, and not getting the sleep they need. When the kids go to bed, there is an urge to stay awake and get things done or have alone time when your body is screaming for the sleep it needs. During the perinatal time, the loss of sleep is prevalent in many instances and impacts every area of life! Join me for more!

Show Highlights:

Time for relaxation, decompression, and autonomy shouldn’t take priority over sleep.
Is there avoidance going on?
Avoidance of sleep can be related to trauma or PTSD.
A cycle of repeatedly pushing sleep back leaves you frayed, irritable, anxious, and depressed.
No judgment from me, but a gentle urging to take an honest look at your sleep challenges
Look to compromise by guarding the nights you stay up to have alone time, but prioritize your sleep on other nights.
Tips for promoting good sleep

Resources:

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!

367: Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and Navigating Motherhood’s Unpredictable Path with Susanna Peace Lovell Sep 30, 2024

When the uncertainty of motherhood is combined with caring for a special needs child, the demands can be overwhelming. Today’s guest shares what it’s like to mother a special needs child and fight through postpartum anxiety and depression to find healing. Join us!

Susanna Peace Lovell received her B.A. from UC Berkeley. She is an author, speaker, disability rights advocate, and certified professional life coach dedicated to the health and wellness of families everywhere affected by a disability. Raising a teenage daughter with a myriad of disabilities and diagnoses, including ASD (autism spectrum disorder), ADHD, anxiety, and severe food allergies has been Susanna’s lived experience as a mother. She has overcome many ups and downs in her journey, including a debilitating episode with postpartum anxiety and depression. Through her journey of navigating the worry and heartbreak in raising a special needs child, Susanna found her true life calling to help other parents find more joy and passion in their lives.

Show Highlights:

The beginning of Susanna’s motherhood story
Pregnancy was the first time Susanna felt that her life was out of control.
Susanna’s life and work today as the mother of an 18-year-old with multiple diagnoses and neurodivergence
Susanna’s experience with postpartum depression and anxiety—and how she knew it was happening
Sleeplessness and compounding fears about sleeplessness that led to a zombie-like state
The long process of learning to ask for help and finding what worked for her
Cultural factors for Susanna as a Taiwanese American that led her to feel pressured to “do it all”
Cultivating a toolbox of resources to help
Susanna’s experience in dealing with “unexpected mourning and tiny flickers of joy”
Leaning into self-care in proactive ways
Finding support for herself and her daughter
Learning to be kind to herself with a “this is FOR me” attitude
Susanna’s hidden blessings of being able to show up for others
Susanna’s book, Your True Self is Enough: why she wrote it and what she hopes to accomplish

Resources:

Connect with Susanna Peace Lovell: Website, Instagram, and Your True Self is Enough

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!

366: Respecting and Adapting Cultural Practices: Postpartum Confinement with Dr. Kristal Lau, MPH, MBBS, BMedSc (Hons), ELMO Sep 23, 2024

It is an undeniable fact that our Western norms for prenatal and postnatal care of mothers are very different from other countries and cultures. Even the term “confinement” is not as familiar to most Americans as it is in other countries. Join us as we explore this topic further with today’s expert.

Dr. Kristal Lau is a certified European Lifestyle Medicine (ELMO) Health and Fitness Advisor and a leading postpartum wellness consultant specializing in bridging cultural practices with modern postpartum care. She is an author, former physician, veteran’s spouse, and the mother of two. Her mission is to revolutionize postpartum wellness for mothers and their families through holistic postpartum wellness experiences that blend modern healthcare and science with personal lifestyles and cultural practices. Currently living in France, Dr. Lau is originally from Malaysia, where she grew up using the best of both worlds in Chinese medicine and allopathic medicine. She serves as a board member for the non-profit Military Birth Resource Network and Postpartum Coalition (MBRNPC) and continues to volunteer with the Army Community Services in USAG Wiesbaden as a military retiree’s spouse. Her book, Postpartum 30: Thirty Days To A Nurtured Fourth Trimester, was published in 2023. In this episode, Dr. Lau shares her experience in following the Chinese postpartum confinement practice after birthing her children, along with the collaboration work she’s doing on snoring and sleep apnea in pregnancy and the postpartum. She also discusses modern confinement practices and the rising interest in this form of postpartum care.

Show Highlights:

Confinement practices for postpartum rest are common in other parts of the world and rooted in Chinese medicine.
Dr. Lau’s experience with postpartum depression even after following the structure of her confinement practice
Largely unknown outcomes for migrant Asian women around the world who follow traditional confinement practices
The boom of postnatal retreats in the US
Dr. Lau explains traditional Chinese principles around proper nutrition and rest for the new mother.
Dr. Lau’s journey to write her book, Postpartum 30
Variations in confinement days from culture to culture
The partner’s important role as the main support person in a new mother’s confinement
The need for modernization and adaptations in traditional confinement practices
Dr. Lau’s advice for those seeking to use traditional Chinese herbs in postpartum care
Dr. Lau’s experience with sleep issues, like snoring and daytime sleepiness–even though she doesn’t “fit the bill” for sleep apnea
The anatomical changes during pregnancy that can lead to sleep apnea
The need for more clinical data in the area of pregnancy, snoring, and sleep apnea (Sleep above everything!)

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Kristal Lau: Website, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Postpartum 30 book

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!

365: Behind The Sessions: To-Do Lists and Self-Criticism: You’ve Done More Than You Think Sep 19, 2024

The idea of “not doing enough” comes up every week with moms in therapy who feel like they aren’t getting enough done on their to-do list, whether it’s an actual list or a mental list in their minds. Let’s explore this topic deeper.

Show Highlights:

The parenting to-do list increases exponentially as you become a new parent.
We shouldn’t discount ALL the things new parents do on a daily basis.
Pressure from within and without brings unrealistic expectations that a mom should do “all the things.”
Irritability, agitation, frustration, and negative self-judgment lead to questions like, “What’s wrong with me?”
Dealing with an overloaded and overwhelmed emotional state
Compassionate reflection can be helpful in overcoming negative thought patterns.
The importance of sleep (Sleep deprivation can get in the way of basic daily tasks.)
Advice for anyone who is being hard on themselves

Resources:

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!

364: New Beginnings: Tackling the Struggles of Going Back to Work with Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., PMH-C Sep 16, 2024

The transition back to work as a new parent can be a difficult time to navigate, and many factors can have a significant impact on our lives and emotional well-being. Even though the transition can cause anxiety, depression, and heavy emotions, there are ways to prepare and protect your mental health for this transition. Join us for more in today’s episode.

Dr. Emily Guarnotta is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health provider specializing in maternal mental health. She is the owner of Phoenix Health, a therapy practice that supports those who are navigating the challenges of parenthood.

Show Highlights:

Considerations for returning to work after maternity leave
Specific struggles that people might face when a mental health condition is present
Dr. Emily’s helpful hints in preparing to return to work
The value in proactive conversations and clear communication with your partner about the transition
Always have a Plan B in mind!
Immediate concerns in planning to return to work
Supporting yourself in the first days back at work
Dr. Emily’s observations about the impacts of not having the needed support during this time
Dealing with hormonal changes and stress around big life changes
How long does it take to adjust to being back at work as a new mom?
What to know about your HR department policies, state laws, etc.
Dr. Emily’s advice about being patient, giving yourself grace in the transition, and seeking out support if you’re struggling

Resources:

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!

Connect with Dr. Emily Guarnotta and Phoenix Health:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

363; Life-Threatening Amniotic Fluid Embolism: A Story of Birth Trauma, Survival, and Healing with Kayleigh Summers, LCSW, PMH-C Sep 09, 2024

Today’s episode carries a sensitivity notice for anyone currently processing a birth trauma.

Kayleigh Summers is a licensed therapist, writer, and content expert in perinatal trauma. Through sharing her lived experience as an amniotic fluid embolism survivor, Kayleigh supports families through perinatal trauma. She has created thriving support communities through Instagram and TikTok, and she uses her podcast, The Birth Trauma Mama, to provide connection, storytelling, and resources to support those experiencing birth and other types of trauma.

Show Highlights:

Kayleigh’s first pregnancy, which was typical until her routine appointment at 40 weeks and two days
Kayleigh’s very long (three days!) induction process, which she doesn’t remember
The reality of the feeling of impending doom–and how it differs from anxiety or a panic attack
Her heart stoppage, CPR, and the birth of her son while she was technically “not alive”
Kayleigh’s son, 10 lbs. 14 oz., had to be resuscitated at birth.
Details about amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and possible risk factors
The profound hemorrhage that accompanies AFE (Kayleigh needed 143 units of blood products through her ordeal.)
The seriousness of Kayleigh’s condition: another resuscitation, ECMO life support, an immediate hysterectomy, and an impeller (windmill-like device) to help her heart pump blood
Trauma response, retrograde amnesia, and how our brains protect us
The sad, beautiful account of Kayleigh’s first moments with her son (5 days after his birth)
Additional abdominal surgeries, a long ICU stay, and finally home after 14 days
The aftermath of Kayleigh’s experience: her emotional and physical pain, not being able to mother her son, and the grief of knowing she would not bear another child
Therapy support, talking about feelings, and an ongoing healing journey
Kayleigh’s decision to help other people through perinatal trauma
Kayleigh’s message to birth trauma survivors

Resources:

Connect with Kayleigh Summers: Website, Instagram, and The Birth Trauma Mama podcast

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!

362: Behind the Sessions: The Guilt of Wanting Alone Time as a Mom Sep 05, 2024

There are many different reasons that bring people into therapy. I often find myself angered by how societal impacts and pressures continue to haunt new moms to the point of making them feel bad about themselves. They can feel stuck and wonder if their feelings are normal or okay. One of the top things that bothers me is when moms feel guilty for wanting time alone. Doesn’t everyone deserve time for themselves? Moms get pressured like no other parent/guardian about wanting to take time for themselves in a guilt-free way. Moms should be supported in getting a break when they need it! Join me for a closer look at this topic.

Show Highlights:

Sources of this specific kind of mom-guilt
Myths around attachment parenting and other parenting styles
Is complete selflessness always the best thing?
The disservice we do to moms, kids, and partners when we expect a mom’s needs to be nonexistent
The effects of this pressure and guilt on a mom’s mental health
Wanting alone time does NOT mean you are selfish or that you don’t love your child.
The kind of support and normalization moms need to be more present with their kids and have mental stability in a guilt-free life
Ways moms judge themselves with internalized pressure, family pressure, and societal pressure
The truth: Every mom should be supported in shame-free and guilt-free ways to confidently take the breaks they need.

Resources:

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!

361: Healing Birth Trauma Through Storytelling and Sharing the Narratives of Black Mothers Sep 02, 2024

Today’s episode focuses on the narrative style of therapy, and it’s a topic that we haven’t covered on the podcast before. We always want to explore new therapeutic approaches and the various ways they can offer healing and support for more women. Everyone needs to know about the different therapies that are available to them. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Lyneia Richardson is a mother, healer, and licensed psychologist, and she works as a maternal mental health advocate dedicated to revitalizing the spirit of all mamas. She received her BA in psychology from North Carolina A&T State University and a master’s in mental health counseling from Johns Hopkins University. After earning a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Howard University, she focused her work on decolonizing therapy and education through a mothering praxis. She is currently a professor of counseling at McDaniel College and the proud owner of Melanated Women's Therapy LLC. Dr. Richardson recently published Mothering As A Work of Art, an anthology collection of personal narratives exploring the multiple dimensions of black mothering aimed at changing the narrative on mothering and what it means to mother in contemporary times. In today’s episode, she discusses these topics and the value of using narrative therapy as a pathway through healing birth trauma.

Show Highlights:

The narrative approach: to externalize and separate yourself from the problem (It’s the opposite of self-blaming and internalizing issues, challenges, and traumas.)
Understanding the difference between storytelling and narrative
The common experience for women of all races in not being listened to by their doctors and nurses
Dr. Richardson’s personal birth story and her work with social justice and advocacy to amplify the voices of black mothers
The challenge in advocacy work
Broadening the network to have a bigger outreach to help moms
Collective healing and community healing
Empowerment through a support network
Trying to normalize the struggle when social media makes everyone else’s life look perfect
Mothering As A Work of Art: How the book came to be
Being a creative mom
The value of sharing stories as a form of healing and therapy

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Lyneia Richardson: Website, Melanated Women's Therapy LLC, Instagram, and Mothering As A Work of Art

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!

360: Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy for Perinatal Mental Health Aug 26, 2024

Today’s episode is about the benefits of two lesser-known therapy modalities and how they can be used in perinatal mental health. Join us to learn more from our expert guest!

Abigail Burd is a licensed clinical social worker, reproductive mental health specialist, trainer, therapist, supervisor, and consultant in the San Diego area. She is also the author of The Postpartum Depression Workbook. Abby is passionate about the perinatal stage and is humbled by the privilege of becoming a parent to two children. Her career as a mental health professional began in 1998, and she has specialized in perinatal mental health since 2013. She is an active member of the Postpartum Health Alliance and has served on their executive board. She is a mental health counselor and clinical supervisor at MiraCosta College. She joins us today to discuss some novel approaches to perinatal mental health, including clinical hypnosis and strategic psychotherapy. From her experience and insights, she shares how these modalities can be useful for perinatal trauma and reproductive mental health, along with an overview of the training she offers.

Show Highlights:

An explanation of clinical hypnosis: what it is and what it is not
A common experience with clinical hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation that makes hard things seem “more palatable.”
An explanation of strategic psychotherapy to address anxiety and trauma
How clinical hypnotherapy and strategic psychotherapy are complementary modalities
Abby’s ideas about how these modalities can be helpful to people with perinatal mental health difficulties
Hypnosis is a form of dissociation, so therapists must tread carefully with those who have a history of PTSD.
Abby’s routine in hypnotherapy with clients to create a safe place
Abby’s training on novel approaches, differentiation, and utilization (Live via Zoom on 9/19 and 10/25 for therapists and psychotherapists, and CEUs are available!)

Resources:

Connect with Abby Burd: Website, Instagram, Facebook, and The Postpartum Depression Workbook

Check out the following resources on upcoming training opportunities:

–Blog Overview of the Trainings

–Registration for 9/19/24 Training

–Registration for 10/18/24 Training

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!

359: Behind The Sessions: Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety with Dr. Kat Aug 22, 2024

Even though the experiences might be different, there are many similarities in postpartum struggles. It helps all of us to know that ALL of our experiences are real, and no one has it “all figured out.” Thinking that everyone else but you must have it all figured out creates a lot of anxiety in the already difficult transition to motherhood. Anxiety is completely normal in the new and demanding world of motherhood, but sometimes that anxiety escalates into something that greatly impacts our ability to function throughout the day, our sleep, and our care for our families. It is painful–physically, mentally, and emotionally–and it brings shame and self-judgment, which only compounds the problem. There is no timeline or race to “get it all together.” Everyone’s journey is different. Let’s take a closer look at postpartum anxiety.

Show Highlights:

Mental health conditions make us feel bad, even if we aren’t fully aware of what’s happening.
Common signs and symptoms of anxiety: excessive worry, fear, overwhelm, restlessness, sleep difficulties, chest tightness, heart palpitations, shallow breathing, sweatiness, chills, tight muscles, and gastrointestinal issues
Anxiety can be magnified by trauma.
Symptoms of anxiety can make it difficult to pay attention and concentrate.
Trying to control/manage things and overpreparing are signs of anxiety.
The challenging aspect of anxiety for a therapist is to get people to believe that anxiety won’t last forever and that things CAN change.
Slow steps are important in the process of change.
Anxiety feels like failure–like you aren’t doing enough.
Therapy is ALWAYS worth it!

Resources:

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!

358: Supportive Benefits of Journaling for Postpartum Mental Health with Allie Mirosevic Aug 19, 2024

Many times, the path to healing isn’t one specific thing but a combination of things, and journaling is certainly one beneficial activity in all kinds of healing processes. Today’s episode will be helpful to you if you are facing challenges and need a healthy way to process thoughts and feelings. Learn more with us in this episode!

Allie Mirosevic is a wife, a mom of two, and an entrepreneur who lives in Los Angeles. She founded Bliss'd, a self-care brand aimed at helping fellow moms live more joyful and fulfilling lives through the power of journaling. After discovering her love of journaling in 2019 following her first challenging postpartum experience, her passion became helping other moms experience the transformative benefits of journaling through her easy-to-use gratitude and connection journals. Along with simple journaling tips, Allie joins us to share her journey through postpartum depression and how she treated the issues and found healing.

Show Highlights:

Allie’s story: a native Chicagoan transplanted in LA, a BIG pivot in careers, the plunge into entrepreneurship, and a difficult postpartum experience that fully revealed her purpose and passion
Allie’s postpartum challenges in 2019 with the birth of her son
Finding support through medication, therapy, and journaling
The big question when beginning to journal is, “What do I write?”
Fact: The blissful newborn experience is NOT every mother’s reality.
Allie’s experience as a new journaler: blank journal vs. guided journal?
Navigating a journaling practice as a very busy mom (Start with 5 minutes to build new skills and habits.)
Allie’s takeaway for listeners about the benefits of journaling

Resources:

Connect with Allie Mirosevic: Website and Instagram

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!

357: Understanding the Complexity of Perinatal Loss and Grief with Nneka Symister, LCSW Aug 12, 2024

Perinatal loss and grief are different from other types of grief. In this episode, we discuss how parents can care for themselves during the grief process and why people often don’t acknowledge this kind of grief. We, as a society, do not do a good job in supporting people through perinatal loss and grief. We can do better!

My guest is Nneka Symister, a licensed clinical social worker with over two decades of experience in social services. She has dedicated the past decade to private practice, working with diverse populations in New York, and currently specializes in PMADs, infertility grief, and loss. Working with both individuals and couples, her methods draw from a range of modalities, including CBT, EMDR, interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness.

Show Highlights:

An explanation of perinatal grief
Ways in which perinatal grief shows up as “invisible grief”
The complexities around perinatal grief that make it difficult to offer the right support
How we can “sit” with someone in their grief/loss without being dismissive of their pain
In dealing with your grief, protect your space and form a protective circle
The difference between grief and suffering
The compulsion to find fault and blame ourselves
The tendency to be a martyr and not ask for the help we need
Flexibility is needed in grieving as your needs change (There is no “proper” way to grieve!)
Assessing your basic needs during grief
Nneka’s message: “If you are grieving, trust your feelings. Please reach out to a therapist who can sit with you and give you the language to navigate this space to ensure that your needs are met in the best possible way.”

Resources:

Connect with Nneka Symister: Website, Instagram, and LinkedIn

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!

356: Behind The Sessions: Loneliness and Isolation Aug 08, 2024

The transition to motherhood can bring feelings of loneliness as life forces a new schedule and new priorities. A new mom’s responsibilities are never-ending, along with the added stress of insufficient sleep and managing a new normal in the household. Our society is set up such that a mom is most often the default parent, and this can lead to a disconnect in the relationship. As we will discuss in this episode, loneliness is about much more than just being alone. Join me for more on this topic!

Show Highlights:

Moms can be surrounded by people and still feel alone because they aren’t connected, supported, and understood.
Dealing with a limited bandwidth for conversation and connection to a partner
The value of feeling connected to a like-minded community
What loneliness looks and feels like
Finding connection and understanding through therapy, support groups, and a supportive community
A cultural system that isn’t set up to be supportive for new moms so they know what’s normal and what isn’t normal
How we fail new moms by letting them float around until they “figure it out”
Let me know how you’ve experienced loneliness, the impacts you’ve noticed, and your thoughts on how we can offer better support. Email me!

Resources:

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!

355: An OB’s Perinatal Mental Health Story and Helping other Physician Moms with Dr. La Toya Luces-Sampson Aug 05, 2024

Obstetricians play an important role in perinatal mental health, and hearing their perspective is always informative. It makes my heart happy to learn that more and more OBs are getting trained in perinatal mental health so they can offer more help to their patients. My guest shares her story to help normalize the perinatal mental health issues that many women face. Join us!

Dr. La Toya Luces-Sampson (Dr. Toya on social media) is a wife, mother, coach, and board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. Her work is geared to physician moms who are postpartum and beyond to help them go from feeling anxiety and resentment to feeling confidence and joy. She does this through private coaching and as the host of the Stethoscopes and Strollers Podcast.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Toya’s story of her second pregnancy and delivery, dealing with unusual pain, complications, and family stress
Marriage issues, couples therapy, and working through challenges on a trip to Mexico
Dr. Toya’s pursuit of her perinatal mental health certification to help other physician moms
How the system fails moms who need help
Starting her podcast, Stethoscopes and Strollers
to tell her story and help others
What Dr. Toya wishes she had done differently
Dr. Toya’s efforts to prioritize her wellness in pivotal life choices
The need to temper our opinions on social media to respect others’ choices
Dr. Toya’s perspective on the gaps in our healthcare system for perinatal mental health conditions
An unsustainable healthcare system in which people (patients AND doctors) cannot thrive
Dr. Toya’s message to moms: “Asking is your superpower. You deserve the care, rest, and support that you need, and it is setting you up for the rest of your motherhood journey.”

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Toya: Website, Instagram, YouTube, andStethoscopes and Strollers Podcast

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!

354: Cultural Crossroads: A Japanese Mother’s Journey through Birth, Postpartum PPD Stigma Jul 29, 2024

My guest today shares the culture shock she felt as a Japanese woman giving birth in the US and experiencing the vastly different healthcare system. Being away from her family was challenging, but she also felt frustrated with postpartum care in the US as compared to Japan. She also shares about the deep stigma of postpartum depression among the Japanese people, how she handled that as a new mother with PPD difficulties, and how we can improve perinatal care in the US. Join us to hear Keiko’s story!

Keiko Yoneyama-Sims is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Supervisor who lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, two teenage daughters, and a cat. Born and raised in Japan, she moved to the US for her college education. In her private practice, Keiko has worked with women experiencing PMADs for over ten years, along with facilitating workshops and networking events for local birthing professionals to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. With a primary focus on perinatal mental health, Keiko is currently working toward a Ph.D. in social work at the University of Denver. She is the health and wellness director of the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Asian American Professionals and has presented at international conferences, facilitated workshops, written articles, and co-authored a book chapter on perinatal mental health. Her collaborations with clients, supervisees, and colleagues emphasize equality in relationships using a strength perspective.

Show Highlights:

Keiko’s path into the work she does today
Keiko’s experience as a Japanese woman who came to college in the US
The culture shock over the differences in healthcare in Japan and the US, including billing procedures, care practices, postpartum care, and nutrition
The massive gaps in the US because postpartum care focuses solely on the baby–not the mother
Messages about motherhood need to change at the societal level.
The Japanese traditions of a 40-day resting period for new mothers, weekly midwife visits, etc.
How things are changing in Japan around perinatal mental health
Depression can have very real physical symptoms!
Keiko’s perspective on how we can make changes and improve the perinatal mental health system in the US
Keiko’s advice to Japanese-American moms

Resources:

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!

353: Behind The Sessions: Venting About How Moms Are Treated Jul 25, 2024

We would all love to only associate positive things with pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, but that’s just not everyone’s experience. Unfortunately, many people have negative emotions, triggers, traumas, and heartbreak around these major life events. I get mad on behalf of parents, especially mothers, during the perinatal time because of the real injustices many parents face. So many of these could be prevented if people were trained properly with awareness and compassion. I’m doing a bit of polite yelling in today’s soapbox edition of the podcast. Join me!

Show Highlights:

Responses I’ve gotten on my Facebook page about how parents are treated and the pressures put on them
Comments to an expectant mom about her pregnancy tend to run between two extremes
The transition to motherhood is NOT the same for everyone! We should be more thoughtful.
The ridiculous question immediately after a first child is born: “When are you going to have another one?”
Unfeeling comments to a mother after a traumatic birth or pregnancy loss
Insensitive and shaming comments about medications during pregnancy and while breastfeeding
People, especially older mothers of a certain age, make disparaging comments about new mothers who use a birth doula.
Women should NOT have to fight for the right to give birth exactly as they choose. (Medical providers do not have the right to force a procedure on someone else’s body.)
A doula is an advocate who can speak for you and help you make an informed decision in a hectic delivery room.
NO ONE has the right to tell you what you’re feeling is wrong or that you should change your opinion about your perinatal experience.

Resources:

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!

352: Treatment for Perinatal Mood Disorders: Psychiatric Medication Jul 22, 2024

Today’s episode focuses on medications during pregnancy and postpartum. This topic raises many questions and opinions, and women need more information to understand the options they can discuss with their doctor. Join us to learn more from today’s expert guest!

Dr. Priscilla Hidalgo, aka Dr. H, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained psychiatrist in private practice who serves patients in North Carolina and Florida. Her NC-based practice, Lux Psychiatry, focuses on helping busy and stressed people live happier lives with tailored treatment and direct care. Dr. H has a special interest in women’s mental health; she has been a guest speaker on multiple platforms, including podcasts and social media, where she has discussed women’s and perinatal mental health, work-related stress, and mindset.

Show Highlights:

Dr. H’s path to the specialty practice work she does today
Common experiences of Dr. H’s patients
“When should I see a psychiatrist?”
Dealing with a patient’s anxiety about taking medications
Giving people the information they need to feel empowered and have reduced anxiety
Why so many patients feel unseen and unheard at their doctor’s office
Common questions about medications related to perinatal depression and anxiety
Dr. H’s methods of dealing with medical providers
Working with patients on medication management, psychotherapy, self-compassion, anxiety, etc.

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Priscilla Hidalgo: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

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!

351: Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child with Kelley Coleman Jul 15, 2024

Parenting a child with disabilities brings a host of unexpected dynamics and challenges. No one knows the ins and outs of this journey better than a parent who has fought long and hard for her own children and used that knowledge to help others. Join us to hear more from Kelley!

Kelley Coleman is a feature film development executive-turned-author and advocate who draws on over a decade of parenting and advocacy experience. With an unmistakable depth of passion for this work, Kelley shares her journey with a focus on what mental health can look like through the different stages of being a parent of a child with disabilities and how she’s working to empower and support other parents. One way she offers support is through her book, Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports. This book is a fantastic resource for parents to help navigate the systems to find the right support.

Show Highlights:

The facts about the number of children born with disabilities
The shock most parents feel when their child is diagnosed with a disability
Shocking statistics: 66% of dads and 94% of moms of kids with disabilities WILL experience depression and/or anxiety
Dealing with weird reactions from others about your disabled child
Support, at its most basic, comes down to asking, “What do you need?”
Why Kelley refuses to apologize to others for who her disabled son is and how he behaves
Grieving what you “thought” life would be like and acknowledging that life with a disabled child is hard
Kelley’s book premise in a nutshell: “Caregiving is a job. There is paperwork, planning, and systems you have to figure out. Here’s the information you need.”
Kelley’s goal to support and empower other caregivers
The importance of connecting with other parents

Resources:

Connect with Kelley Coleman: Website, Instagram, and book (Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports)

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!

350: Behind the Sessions: Ongoing Stress and Healing with Dr. Kat Jul 11, 2024

Our session today focuses on an ongoing theme I see frequently with women in therapy. It’s centered on how many moms feel frustrated and blame themselves for not doing enough to feel better. There is so much to unpack around this topic. Let’s take a closer look!

Show Highlights:

We can’t “self-care” our way out of ongoing stress!
Fact: Times of transition are inherently stressful.
Scenarios in which stressors pile up and impact our mental health and well-being
Understanding the impact of stressors with a conscious awareness
Using context awareness to inventory your feelings
Building self-awareness by using a checklist to inventory your basic life functions around sleep, eating, hydration, hormonal changes, etc.
Identifying resources and your best sources of support

Resources:

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!

349: Healing from Perinatal OCD with Danielle Silverstein of Marriage and Martinis Jul 08, 2024

OCD can be a debilitating condition. My guest today shares her personal experience, including how some medical care can actually contribute to a worsening of symptoms. Hers is an important story for us to hear because no matter how devastating a perinatal mental health condition is, the overriding message is that healing is always available. Join us to learn more!

Danielle Silverstein knows the struggles of losing oneself amidst the busyness and chaos of life, but she is determined to keep finding, experiencing, and sharing fresh methods of self-discovery. She is committed to being outspoken when it comes to such important topics as maternal mental health, an experience that has become very personal for her. She has hosted the hit podcast, Marriage and Martinis, alongside her husband for the past five years. This endeavor has led to some of the most raw, open, and honest conversations that a “real” couple has ever shared in such a public way. Her wildly popular, record-breaking book and ebook,The Date Night Questions Experience, has helped partners worldwide connect in a refreshingly straightforward and uniquely impactful way.

Show Highlights:

Danielle’s story of her first pregnancy with her daughter, now 19: a lot of experiences that were scary and unknown for her and her husband
Living with (and noticing the signs of) a family history of OCD and anxiety—but not talking about it AT ALL
The debilitating effects of stopping OCD medication during her first pregnancy
Danielle’s doctors, 20 years ago, had NO concept of perinatal OCD and anxiety; they had no idea what to do to help her
Danielle’s pregnancy and first few months with her newborn daughter were moments of enjoyment overshadowed by anxiety
Wishing just one person had said something different to her about staying on her OCD/anxiety medication during her pregnancy
Danielle’s experience in reverting back to her childhood and moving back into her childhood bedroom during her pregnancy
The importance of finding THE right doctor–whether it means walking out of a practice or not (Do your research!!)
Important questions to ask your doctor about perinatal mental health
Why it feels hard to reach out for help when you feel shamed, pushed aside, and discounted by healthcare professionals
The trickiness of being in the creative space as a content creator because of judgy people and all kinds of voices coming at you
Why Danielle is committed to being outspoken about perinatal mental health and being the voice of support for ALL women’s experiences

Resources:

Connect with Danielle Silverstein and Marriage and Martinis: Website, Instagram, Marriage and Martinis Podcast, and The Date Night Questions Experience book

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!

348: Navigating Parental Leave and Being a Working Parent with Dr. Anne Welsh, Ph.D., PMH-C, RPLC, ACC Jul 01, 2024

Parental leave is a confusing topic to most of us because there is no uniformity from state to state and company to company. Many parents are probably not getting all the benefits available to them in parental leave because it’s such a confusing system. Today’s guest works relentlessly to help people figure this out and make the most of parental leave benefits and balancing parenthood and a career. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Anne Welsh is a clinical psychologist, executive coach, and consultant. She began her career at Harvard before opening her own practice with a focus on supporting working parents in growing their careers and families. As an expert on the transition from working person to working parent, Dr. Welsh has dedicated her life to unraveling the interplay between career aspirations, personal fulfillment, and women’s mental health throughout their lifespan. Being a mother of four allows her to draw from her own experience as a mother, her research career on the transition to motherhood, and over 15 years in practice to help parents feel less alone and more connected to themselves and their values, fully empowered to make their own choices.

Show Highlights:

Transitions: times of growth and struggle
Shifting priorities and identities in the transition to parenthood
Pressures and difficulties in being a working parent
Discrimination in workplaces against women who become, or want to become, parents
Dr. Anne’s work in supporting people to balance work and parenthood
The importance of communication and self-care
An uneven division of labor at home makes the transition back to work even harder!
Understanding parental leave coaching and its benefits
Navigating a return to work after experiencing a perinatal mental health disorder–and knowing how much to share with others
Flexibility for working parents makes all the difference–but some companies are too rigid and unwilling to work with new parents.
Dr. Anne’s Five Leadership Lessons of Parenting: people skills, processing skills, productivity, perspective-taking/planning skills, and playfulness
Reframing the challenge as something positive and good that’s adding to our lives rather than detracting from our work
Thinking of balance as an ongoing process rather than some kind of permanent “magical state”

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Anne Welsh: Website, Instagram, and LinkedIn

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!

347: Spicy Soapbox Edition! Default Parent with Dr. Kat Jun 27, 2024

There is so much more to the perinatal mental health story than just postpartum depression. I’m coming in hot today on my soapbox to speak on behalf of many very frustrated mothers. The problem is that they are the default parent, being 100%, or nearly 100% responsible for taking care of EVERYTHING. What makes me sick is the fact that we haven’t come far enough as a society to support new parents, new moms, and new default parents. Being the “cruise director” and the manager of everything for the family and household creates a tremendous amount of stress, depression, and anxiety. Let’s explore this topic in today’s episode!

Show Highlights:

Unless you are a single parent by choice, there is another parent who should be partnering with you.
If your partner isn’t helping, who else can you depend on for help?
Why I call “BS” on society’s attitude that tells moms to try harder and do better
My anger and frustration on the behalf of those who are stuck and suffering
My goal: to speak up for those who are not being seen and validated for their invisible labor
There isn’t an easy solution, but we can start by being supportive and helping the default parent feel a little less alone and a little more seen.

Resources:

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!

346: Psychotherapy and Professional Training for Treating Infertility with Shatiera Amankrah, LCSW, LICSW, PMH-C Jun 24, 2024

Infertility affects many people all around us, and discussions about this topic are not happening enough. Whether a long path or a short one, every infertility journey is different with a million factors at play. I’m grateful that my guest today is sharing her story!

Shatiera Amankrah is a licensed therapist specializing in infertility counseling, and she is certified in perinatal mental health. She is sharing her infertility journey and what she and her husband have been through, along with how she’s helping other professionals learn more about supporting families affected by infertility. Her private practice, Seeds of Hope LLC, provides a range of services, such as individual therapy, surrogacy screenings, donor egg and sperm screenings/consultations, workshops/training for professionals, clinical supervision, and consultation. Shatiera is licensed to practice in VA, GA, and Washington, DC, and has upcoming training sessions, both in-person (in the DC area on July 28) and virtual (on August 9 and September 8). Find out more at Seeds of Hope.

Show Highlights:

Shatiera’s story: grad school, marriage, and no progress in trying to conceive
Multiple unsuccessful IUIs, an issue with her husband, and decreasing sperm counts–all pointing toward IVF as the only option
Ups and downs in the IVF process: two unsuccessful attempts and then—Shatiera’s first-ever pregnancy with her daughter, now 8
The dilemma Shateira and her husband faced with their one remaining embryo
Another IVF transfer, and—their son, now 5, was the happy result
The emotional side of infertility from Shatiera’s struggle to become a parent and her current work as an advocate for others
Blaming yourself and listening to the “outside noise” just adds to the pain of infertility
The stigma men feel about male factor infertility
The importance of setting boundaries to guard against others’ advice and opinions
Infertility—--silent suffering
Shatiera’s experience of pregnancy and postpartum after infertility–and the anxiety and emotional pain that came
Shatiera’s path to a career in perinatal mental health
What training to pursue to become a perinatal therapist
Shatiera’s advice to anyone on the infertility journey

Resources:

Connect with Shatiera Amankrah and Seeds of Hope LLC: Website, Instagram, and TikTok

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!

345: A New Father’s Experience Through His Wife’s Postpartum Psychosis with Tony Pacitti Jun 17, 2024

It is astounding to note that 1 in 10 dads will experience a perinatal mental health condition, and research shows that dads also face hormonal changes. This Monday, June 17, 2024, is International Father’s Mental Health Day, and we want to bring fathers’ mental health to the forefront in today’s episode. When a mom goes through a perinatal mental health disorder, her partner is 50% more likely to also struggle. This is an important topic to discuss regarding the entire family system. Especially on social media, dads’ experiences are pushed aside and discounted because they don’t physically go through pregnancy and birth as a mother does, but we want to shed light on and give a voice to dads and the important part they play in the entire perinatal process. I’m grateful that my guest is sharing his story of becoming a new father. Join us to hear Tony’s story!

Tony Pacitti, a writer, navigated pandemic parenthood to welcome his twin sons in 2020. He shares how he coped with the initial shock of his wife’s postpartum psychosis and psychiatric care, the emotions he encountered, and the complexities of writing and talking about this topic from a father’s perspective. Tony writes regularly about this topic and has been featured on numerous podcasts to share his story and bring awareness to a father’s perspective of perinatal mental health conditions. You can find out more about Tony’s life and work at his website.

Show Highlights:

Highlights of Tony’s story: twins born in 2020 during the pandemic and his wife’s psychotic episodes that began a few days later with paranoia, confusion, and hallucinations
The shock, heartbreak, and fright Tony felt at seeing his wife’s psychosis play out in the hospital
The response and efforts of the medical staff to help his wife—even though no one ever used the term “postpartum psychosis”
After his wife and sons were home, she showed signs of depression and confessed to being suicidal.
The dual realities in what he and others were seeing and what his wife was seeing about the twins’ health and wellness
The back-and-forth experience of day treatment, short-term hospitalizations, and continued symptoms until she went for a long-term stay of more than a month
Tony’s support system of his parents, therapist, PSI, and friends who helped out with the twins’ care
The treatment (ECT: electroconvulsive therapy) and medications that finally worked and allowed his wife to come home
An update on Tony’s wife now: the healthy and improved version, “Sondra 3.0”
The truth about perinatal mental health conditions: the entire family system is greatly affected
Tony’s need to document their experience and acknowledge what they went through

Resources:

Connect with Tony Pacitti: Website

Click here to find resources about International Father’s Mental Health Day.

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!

344: Comparing Yourself to Others with Dr. Kat Jun 13, 2024

I want to explore a topic that comes up a LOT in therapy sessions: comparing yourself to others. It’s a trap that many of us are caught in, especially when it comes to engaging in social media. In general, we seem to think that everyone else has their shit together except us. I won’t keep you in suspense, but I’ll tell you upfront that nobody has it together all the time. Why do we spend so much time and energy playing the comparison game? Let’s jump in.

Show Highlights:

Parents are particularly vulnerable to making comparisons to others.
The top reasons that we compare ourselves to others: societal pressure, social media, curated imagery in TV/movies, and general insecurities
The downward spiral of negative self-judgment is a long road toward anxiety, depression, etc.
Dr. Kat’s advice: “When it comes to social media, take note of how it makes you feel.”
Comparison is seeing a snapshot of someone else’s life and comparing our worst to what looks like their best.
Comparison, perfectionism, and people-pleasing are all attempts to make ourselves “good enough” for other people.
Dr. Kat’s tips to combat comparisons:
Limit social media.
Realize that comparing yourself to a sliver of someone else’s moment is not the full picture.
Cut yourself some slack and live YOUR own life.
Realize that you are human—and all humans make mistakes.

Resources:

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!

343: Innovative Trauma Informed Care for High-Risk Pregnancy with Parijat Deshpande Jun 10, 2024

Hearing the words “high-risk pregnancy” strikes fear in the heart of every parent. Even though we may not understand all the ramifications of that designation, we know it means that an unpredictable journey is ahead. I’m excited to welcome back today’s guest and learn more about her work in the field of high-risk pregnancy. Join us!

Parijat Deshpande is the founder and CEO of Ruvelle, the only trauma-informed wellness company specifically dedicated to improving high-risk pregnancy outcomes, reducing preterm births, and supporting parents on the entire high-risk pregnancy journey. Parijat is a high-risk pregnancy expert who has a storied history of phenomenal work in this often-overlooked space. Her specialization in this field combines the somatic, mental, and emotional elements of the high-risk pregnancy experience. On a mission to end the high-risk pregnancy crisis, Parijat has served and supported thousands of clients through her live events, one-on-one work, and her bestselling book, Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy. She has also written the Body Language Journal.

Show Highlights:

Understanding the “high-risk pregnancy” designation–and why it does NOT guarantee a horrible outcome!
The need for more communication in the healthcare system about the likely reasons for a high-risk pregnancy designation, such as advanced age, recurrent pregnancy loss, asthma, depression, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy with multiples, etc.
Empower yourself by asking the right questions!
Highlights of Parijat’s work with clients who have lived through a bad pregnancy experience
The truth: Stress physiology affects reproductive health.
It’s important to return to baseline after experiencing chronic or traumatic stress.
We can learn how to control what we CAN control.
Parijat’s work with clients to empower them to be seen and heard, find balance, and re-create the narrative in subsequent pregnancies
How Ruvelle supports people in their high-risk pregnancy journeys
The impacts Parijat has seen in clients through improved health, newfound confidence, and lived experiences of empowerment

Resources:

Connect with Parijat Deshpande and Ruvelle: Website and Instagram

Get Parijat’s books: Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy and the Body Language Journal

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!

342: "Rattled" How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with Nicole Amoyal Pensak, Ph. D., PMH-C Jun 03, 2024

So many changes happen in the transition to motherhood, and these shifts run the gamut from physical, mental, emotional, and social changes to even chemical changes in the brain. I’m joined today by the author of Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain. Join us for an informative discussion on this important topic.

Dr. Nikki Pensak is a clinical psychologist specializing in perinatal mental health and providing evidence-based therapy to her patients. She also serves on the Expert Review Board for Parents Magazine, the Expert Board of Providers for Mother Untitled, and is a TEDx speaker. She shares with us her personal experience and what inspired her to write her book.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Nikki’s journey to perinatal mental health work through a focus on caregivers
Dr. Nikki’s hindsight into mothers after her postpartum experience
The mother: “The silent patient”
Dr. Nikki’s book is based on the premise that motherhood, as we know it in the US, is NOT working.
Three pillars in the transition to motherhood: postpartum treatment and mental health, matrescence, and the power of the maternal brain
Postpartum treatment should focus on healthy ways to increase neuroplasticity in a productive way.
Neuroplasticity in a new mother
The prevalence of suffering in new mothers–and the time and understanding they need in this huge life transition
A closer look at Dr. Nikki’s book, which addresses topics like mom shame, mom guilt, mom rage, relationship changes, bonding, back-to-work transitions, brain changes, and more
The value of having a postpartum mental health action plan in place
Dr. Nikki’s TEDx talk experience of speaking on “The Power of the Maternal Brain”
The disparity in healthcare and research funding for men’s issues and women’s issues—we can do better!

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Nikki Pensak: Website, Instagram, YouTube,Rattled book

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!

341: Behind the Sessions: Becoming a Parent When You Had Difficult Parents May 30, 2024

Relationship challenges are at the top of the list of things that come up in therapy sessions. I’m not just referring to partner relationship difficulties, but even relationships with other family members. Becoming a parent brings up a lot of relationship dynamics about childhood, family, and our own parents, especially if there was family disruption, abuse, neglect, or emotional unavailability. To be fair, I’m not parent-shaming or blaming. Parents of a generation or two back might not have had great parenting skills because they didn’t get the parenting that they needed. Join me as we explore this concept in today’s Behind the Sessions episode.

Show Highlights:

As a psychologist, I can only diagnose and understand my clients—not all the other people in their lives.
Our early experiences with our parents shape how we connect with people, how we bond and attach, and how we navigate relationships.
The pressure on a new parent can be intense and lead to anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and OCD patterns.
Healing our childhood trauma is a relatively new concept.
Relationships with our parents can run the gamut from having no contact at all to having an incredibly intrusive parent.
The generational healing journey begins with realizing that the way you were parented doesn’t have to be carried forward. You CAN break the cycle.
Mistakes are part of life and learning.
Seeing a therapist can help you NOT carry old traumas into the rest of your parenting journey.
A deeper understanding of yourself and your healing can help you see your parents through a different lens.
I look forward to expanding further on this topic in future episodes with several of my colleagues!

Resources:

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!

340: Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) with Roxanne Rosenberg, LCMHC, PMH-C May 27, 2024

Join us for a deep dive into a perinatal IOP and what that involves. Today’s expert shares helpful information so we can understand the value of this higher level of perinatal support.

Roxanne Rosenberg is the co-founder and clinical director of Anchor Perinatal Wellness, the Southeast’s only perinatal-specific intensive outpatient program (IOP). She is a member of the new federal Maternal Mental Health Task Force and has volunteered with Postpartum Support International at the local and national levels. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with honors from Yale University and her master’s degree in psychology from Duke University. Roxanne has been supporting pregnant and postpartum people for over 15 years through individual psychotherapy, intensive outpatient programming, birth doula work, and advocacy. Her trainings in perinatal mental health and women’s trauma have been available across the country. She is a bilingual Latina mom of two and is a survivor of perinatal loss and trauma.

Show Highlights:

What is a perinatal IOP?
Reasons why someone might need an IOP
Understanding the history of IOPs in the US (first began in Rhode Island in 2000; even now, there are only 32 across the US)
IOP resources are available both in-person and virtually.
Typical perinatal symptoms that indicate the need for an IOP
Barriers to IOP treatment, like insurance limitations (although most insurance will cover it!)
Roxanne’s role as the facilitator of the support system
Promising results in Roxanne’s IOP in the last two years
Benefits of support in a group setting with a structured program
Specific needs and concerns in the IOP environment
How to find a perinatal IOP (and housing if you need to go to a different state for care)
Anchor Perinatal Wellness supports and accommodates a parent with attachment to their baby by providing childcare.
Perinatal IOPs are an underutilized resource because people are unaware of their existence!
Roxanne’s vision to make these IOPs more available to everyone who needs them
The process of starting a perinatal IOP
Advice for therapists who want to send their patients for this level of perinatal care

Resources:

Connect with Roxanne and Anchor Perinatal Wellness: Website, Roxanne’s email, Anchor Perinatal’s email, Facebook, YouTube, and phone: 919-275-0806

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!

339: Perinatal Health Anxiety with Michelle Flynn, MA, MIACP May 20, 2024

Health anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum is a very real struggle for many people. My guest today joins us to share her experience and what she’s seeing from clients in her practice. You’ll learn how to notice perinatal health anxiety and what to do about it. Join us to learn more!

Michelle Flynn is a fully accredited perinatal psychotherapist and certified infant massage instructor based in Dublin, Ireland. She specializes in supporting parents at all stages of their parenting journey from conception through birth and postpartum. She works with a national organization providing psychotherapy to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and also teaches in a master’s program. Following her experience of perinatal anxiety and her struggle to access appropriate mental health support, Michelle turned her focus to perinatal mental health and set up her private practice, An Croi Beag Psychotherapy (“Little Heart” in Irish). Through her private psychotherapy practice and her infant massage groups, Michelle hopes to further support parents in perinatal distress, raise awareness about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and improve access to mental health services for birthing people.

Show Highlights:

Michelle’s journey into perinatal mental health and her overwhelming anxiety during her difficult first pregnancy
Michelle’s experience with healthcare providers who dismissed her concerns and made her feel invalidated and unsafe
Even mental health professionals feel shame and stigma about asking for help!
Subsequent pregnancies brought Michelle two more babies for “three under three,” but those were different from her first pregnancy.
The conversations we need to have with young people about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum so we can normalize it and remove the shame and stigma
Understanding the mental health system in Ireland—and how things are beginning to improve
What Michelle sees in her patients and their experiences
The challenges in treating health anxiety
The narrative around motherhood—and why we don’t open up when things go wrong
Michelle’s advice about identifying health anxiety for yourself, and what to do next

Resources:

Connect with Michelle Flynn: Website, Email, and Instagram

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!

338: Behind The Sessions: Returning to Work After a Perinatal Mental Health Condition with Dr. Kat May 16, 2024

Many factors influence the transition to parenthood, and most of those things are unexpected and unpredictable. No one “signs up for” a perinatal mental health condition, but it can seem to come out of nowhere and leave you blindsided–in addition to the normal adjustments that come with the addition of a new baby to the family. These PNMH conditions can impact every area of life significantly, including the return to work. Join me for a closer look at navigating this tricky transition.

Show Highlights:

New parents experience varied emotions about returning to work (“It’s okay to want to return to work, and it’s okay not to want to return to work!)
The truth: If you return to work when you’re not mentally well, the added stress of work will not help you get better.
Your healthcare provider can do assessments of your perinatal mental health symptoms–just ASK!
Planning ahead for the return to work can help you navigate the transition.
My best tips for returning to work:
Try to navigate your return slowly, and don’t take on big, new projects right away.
Pace yourself and give yourself space to figure out your changing needs.
Understand that your priorities might have shifted by having a new baby. (Things might not feel “normal” for a while.)
Be intentional and think about how you’ll balance work and home.
Set boundaries and protect your energy.
Prioritize your sleep!

Resources:

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!

337: Evidence Based Birth®️ with Dr. Rebecca Dekker May 13, 2024

Having information and being empowered to make decisions are ways to protect mental health. Nothing is more disempowering than finding out later that you had choices of which you were unaware at the height of a mental health struggle. All of these concepts apply perfectly to birthing situations. One of the main reasons this podcast exists, along with the work of today’s guest is to spread information so that it’s accessible to EVERYONE. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Rebecca Dekker, a nurse with her Ph.D., is the founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth®️ and the author of Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered. Previously, Dr. Dekker was an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Kentucky. In 2016, she shifted gears to focus full-time on the mission of Evidence Based Birth®️. She and Team EBB are committed to creating a world in which all families have access to safe, respectful, evidence-based, and empowering care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. EBB does this by boldly making the research evidence on childbirth freely and publicly accessible. Dr. Dekker is also the host of the

Evidence Based Birth®️ Podcast, which has over 5.5 million downloads!

Show Highlights:

The beginnings of EBB in 2012
The shift for Rebecca from her first birth to her second—-a clear change from disempowerment to empowerment
The evidence around preventable cesarean births, vaginal births, and the mother’s wishes
Rebecca’s advice for those who want to advocate or feel empowered:
Choose a provider and birth setting with a low cesarean rate. (Leapfrog is a recommended resource for information.)
Consider hiring a doula for added support.
Learn what the evidence shows about induction, Pitocin, and preparing your body with proper sleep, food, and hydration.
Assessing your provider for “continuity of care”
Fact: Switching providers can help prevent birth trauma!
Approaching your labor/delivery experience with a spirit of collaboration and teamwork
How PTSD can impact the decisions of healthcare workers
Rebecca’s tips for empowering yourself in the labor/delivery process, using the acronym BRAND [Ask, what are the benefits, risks, alternatives, (what happens if I do) nothing, and discuss (with your partner).]
Hot tip for laboring moms: Ask for time to pray (Rebecca explains why this gives you time and space.)
Components of a calm birthing environment for an empowered laboring mother
What Rebecca wants our listeners to know

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Evidence Based Birth®️: Website, Instagram, Facebook, Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered, and the Evidence Based Birth®️ Podcast

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!

336: In Conversation with Alanis Morissette and Postpartum Support International May 06, 2024

We have a very special episode to share with you today. I’m deeply honored to host Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, thought leader, and wholeness advocate, Alanis Morissette! She is joined by the president and CEO of Postpartum Support International, Dr. Wendy Davis!

Alanis found PSI as a resource when she was dealing with perinatal mental health challenges, and she has openly shared about the value of PSI resources while on tour. In addition to being a long-time, powerful presence in the music world, she has become an equally influential advocate for mental health. She has been vocal about experiencing postpartum depression, or “postpartum activity,” as she has referred to it. In our conversation, she shares like never before what her experience was like, how it impacted her life, and how she has found her way to healing. Being in the public eye as a well-known performer has brought a whole other level of pressure and scrutiny to Alanis’ life experiences under the bright–and sometimes stinging–light of celebrity.

Dr. Wendy Davis began as a volunteer with PSI in 1997, became the executive director in 2009, and later became the president and CEO. She was drawn to this work after healing from postpartum depression and has become a passionate advocate and leader in the world of perinatal mental health. I’ve been privileged to see Wendy in action at PSI and work closely with her in my role as the Board Chair. Her heart-centered and help-centered approach to leadership has grown PSI into the leading perinatal mental health non-profit in the world today.

Show Highlights:

Alanis’ struggle to balance the people-pleasing life of a celebrity with “the dark swamp of depression” that nobody wanted to see or hear
Being a high-achieving perfectionist who is self-reliant and autonomous puts a person at a greater risk for postpartum depression.
Figuring out the archetype of “mom” is a lifelong journey.
Motherhood brings profound vulnerability–and ALL the past traumas.
Alanis’ perspective: What does a struggling mother need the most? To be nurtured
Understanding how the 90s rock and roll scene was a strongly patriarchal environment that left Alanis feeling more isolated and less connected
Alanis’ role today as the champion of a sisterhood that protects and micromanages on behalf of women
The immense value of someone saying, “I see you.”
Alanis’ experience with anger, rage, panic attacks, and a loss of identity
Tenderness, love, and empowerment in motherhood
The elements of support that were most helpful for Alanis: the appropriate medications, finding community, strong relationships, and finding a space of safety to be “broken” (What didn’t help was someone saying, “You’re not alone.”)
What we all want: to make postpartum challenges more visible and to normalize the conversations around them
“Wholeness over wellness”
Alanis’ thoughts on the beauty and purity of being a mother to her children
Our immense gratitude for Alanis’ impact as a fierce advocate and champion of PSI’s work and helpful resources

Resources:

Connect with Alanis Morissette: Find out more about Alanis’ music and events on her Website; follow Alanis on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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!

335: Behind The Sessions: Communication Challenges After Baby Comes Home with Dr. Kat May 02, 2024

It’s no secret that a new baby brings many nuances to a couple’s relationship and family life. The couple relationship dynamics shift and change as new responsibilities have to be prioritized. Planning ahead with open communication can make things easier in every way. Let’s take a closer look in today’s behind-the-sessions episode.

Show Highlights:

The first few weeks with a new baby: patterns, plans, and problems
Sleep issues complicate everything!
The communication challenges around different parenting styles, cultural differences, and incorrect assumptions
Understanding how resentment builds and creates a rift in the relationship
The value of setting aside time for regular daily or weekly check-ins to stay connected
The importance of asking for help and giving each other space
Planning ahead is the key!

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

334: A Therapist’s Postpartum OCD and How Shame Prevents Seeking Help with Ellen Chance, Ph.D. Apr 29, 2024

Through the sharing of our stories, we educate ourselves and others about perinatal mental health challenges, and we normalize the fact that we should not feel shame for needing professional help and support. For so many people, shame over what they are experiencing keeps them from admitting the truth of their struggles and reaching out for help and support. We want to change that scenario! Join us for a candid conversation with today’s guest.

Dr. Ellen Chance is a counselor educator and the founder of Whole Counseling and Wellness, a mental health private practice based in Florida. Her practice specializes in women’s and maternal mental health and support through all stages of motherhood, from trying to conceive to beyond the empty nest. Dr. Chance has advanced training in perinatal mental health and is passionate about empowering women and mothers to prioritize their whole wellness, and she works from the belief that all individuals deserve to feel whole: complete, fulfilled, grounded, and connected. Her motivation to serve the perinatal population came from her lived experience with postpartum anxiety and OCD and the shame that kept her from getting the help she needed and deserved.

Show Highlights:

Shame drives and perpetuates the symptoms of anxiety and OCD.
Ellen’s story of fear and worry dominating her emotions during pregnancy–and dealing with breastfeeding struggles with her newborn
Ellen’s experience with concealing how she felt and where her thoughts were going
OCD, for Ellen, manifested itself through excessive worry and prevention of every bad thing that could possibly happen to her child—and the shame she felt as a trained mental health professional who could not admit that she needed help
Ellen’s fears of opening up, being judged for her compulsive behavior, and burdening someone else with her mental health struggle
Is it still intrusive thoughts if they aren’t about harming myself or my baby?
Steps that helped Ellen “clear the fog” and start to be herself again
Being open, transparent, and vulnerable about postpartum OCD didn’t happen until Ellen volunteered with PSI and started leading support groups.
Things that were helpful to Ellen on her healing journey

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Ellen Chance and Whole Counseling and Wellness: Website, Instagram (Ellen), Instagram (counseling practice), and Facebook

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

333: Understanding Why You Feel Rage with Bianca Sprague Apr 22, 2024

It is more common than you might think to experience both anger and rage in the transition to parenthood, and those emotions happen for a variety of reasons and are caused by a multitude of factors. In today’s episode, we are covering all aspects of rage: why it happens, how it happens, what contributes to it, and what to do about it. Join us to learn more!

Bianca Sprague, founder of Bebo Mia, has been a dedicated educator, author, activist, and doula since 2007. Passionate about accessible prenatal and postnatal care for marginalized communities, she advocates for mental wellness in families, drawing from her struggle with postpartum depression and family-life experiences. Bianca champions reproductive health and justice, focusing on breaking barriers for female and queer entrepreneurs and restoring joy, equity, and safety in family care through her expertise and innovative approaches. In this episode, we discuss the complex emotions that arise during the transition to parenthood, particularly for those who are under-resourced or experience domestic violence. Bianca explains how societal expectations and gender roles can lead to suppressed anger and rage for many, along with the importance of expressing anger and rage in healthy and productive ways.

Show Highlights:

Bianca’s story of rage being the “fuel” for her work over the past 20 years
Common issues in new parenthood are anger, frustration, and carrying a heavy emotional load.
Bianca’s birth and doula work–and how she saw anger in other families
The sources of much rage are a lack of equity at home and the lack of autonomy in the reproductive health journey.
Societal pressures to only express “good” emotions
Big expressions of anger come from a buildup of ignored emotions.
Truth Telling is key!
The unhealthy results of suppressing our intuition and emotions
Unlearning societal conditioning and finding inner peace
Ways to address anger and rage as a result of systemic oppression
Using anger and rage to drive activism and create change
The importance of acknowledging and processing anger in healthy ways
Check out the special resource package available exclusively for Mom & Mind listeners in the Bebo Mia community!

Resources:

Connect with Bianca Sprague and Bebo Mia: Website, Exclusive resource link for M & M Listeners, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

332: Behind The Sessions: Emotional Impacts of Infertility and Treatments Apr 18, 2024

In today’s Behind the Sessions episode, we focus on the pain and grief that people experience in the infertility and loss journey while trying to become a parent or add another child to their family. While it’s impossible to cover every aspect of this topic in one episode, I want to take a closer look and assure anyone in this situation that they are not alone. Join me for more!

Show Highlights:

Grief can take many forms, including anger, resentment, and jealousy.
The emotional toll (from hormones, the waiting process, etc.) of infertility treatments
The layers of complications that come with various reproductive technologies
Feeling “partner pressure” is a very real thing, even if it’s self-imposed.
The importance of setting and keeping boundaries with other people
The person struggling with infertility needs compassion, support, and a listening ear.
A good therapist and support network can help!

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

331: A Mom's Journey Through Neurodivergence and Perinatal Mental Health Apr 15, 2024

Many people don’t realize that a neurodivergent diagnosis in childhood can be a risk factor for perinatal mental health issues later in life. Join us for today’s conversation with Tiffany!

Tiffany Engen is a full-time mom of two young children, a survivor of multiple PMADs, a strong advocate for maternal mental health, a full-spectrum doula, a birth photographer, and a certified perinatal educator (PMH-C). Born and raised in California and currently residing in Arizona, Tiffany volunteers as a support coordinator and peer mentor with Postpartum Support International. She shares the difficulties around her childhood diagnosis, the incredibly negative impact of losing a parent during her first pregnancy, and her battle to overcome debilitating intrusive thoughts during her second pregnancy. Looking back on her journey, Tiffany recognizes how she was operating with insufficient support and community that could have made a difference for her.

Show Highlights:

Tiffany’s story of childhood neurodivergence, intense medications, and ensuing panic attacks
Her struggle to get off medications during her pregnancy and postpartum without the proper tools and coping skills
Freedom comes when you fully embrace who you are and acknowledge the differences.
Tiffany’s son’s neurodivergence, the loss of her father, and the difficult relationship with her mother
Adjusting to intense feelings—without medications to lean on
Tiffany’s second pregnancy—and the light switch moment that brought the first intrusive thought
Grasping at straws, seeing a shaman, trying to cope with OCD, and having only her brother and a best friend for support
The difficulties because of insomnia and paranoia
Finding normalization through the support of a Facebook friend
Internal suffering while covering it up externally
The dilemma in trying to find a doctor who would do more than simply prescribe medications
Tiffany’s path to become the helper and support that she needed

Resources:

Connect with Tiffany Engen: Website and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

330: How a Mom Can Stop "Doing It All" with Dr. Whitney Casares, MD Apr 08, 2024

“When moms take better care of themselves, they can take better care of others.” This is the message behind Modern Mommy Doc, the creation of Dr. Whitney Casares. She joins us to discuss her wide-ranging work to support new moms in the transition to parenthood and beyond. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Whitney Casares is a private practice pediatrician, AAP spokesperson, Medical Review Board Advisor for Prevention Magazine, and the mother of two young girls in Portland, Oregon. She hosts The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast and is the author of several parenting books, including Doing It All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant To Be. Her mission is to help working moms break the cycle of burnout in parenting and shift the focus to their own health and well-being to create a sense of balance that fosters greater joy in every area of their lives. In this episode, Dr. Whitney helps us understand the concept of physical and mental clutter and how to find clarity in life’s priorities with “centered vision.”

Show Highlights:

Modern Mommy Doc: the heart of the platform and how it began
Understanding how parent wellness and child wellness make a feedback loop
A parent’s stress response and the onslaught of conflicting messages from society and social media
An overview of Dr. Whitney’s book, Doing It All
Dealing with physical AND mental clutter
Breaking the cycle of mom guilt and the internalized pressure we put on ourselves
The value of practicing “slowing down” techniques (because we are so bad at it!)
Ways to bring awareness and gratefulness to each day
Organize your life and focus your time and energy by creating a “centered vision” for your life.
A closer look at what Modern Mommy Doc has to offer parents
Dr. Whitney’s advice for parents: “In the end, the only thing–the only person–you have is you. I love that parents are invested in helping their kids be the best they can be, making their homes hospitable, and getting everything done, but there is a decision that comes very early in parenthood: Are you going to care more about other people than you’re going to care about yourself?”

Resources:

Connect with Modern Mommy Doc: Website, Instagram, Doing It All book, and LinkedIn

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

329: Behind The Sessions: The Healing Journey: Understanding the Ups and Downs Apr 04, 2024

Just as a broken bone or surgery takes time for the healing process, the recovery process in healing from a perinatal mental health condition takes time. The process isn’t linear at all but is filled with ups and downs, and it comes with short-term and long-term aspects of healing. Join me for a closer look in today’s episode.

Show Highlights:

Complicating factors that show up in the healing process have ramifications in life, relationships, and capacity to function.
The healing journey does not come with a pre-set timeline.
Even helpful medications take 4-6 weeks to reach their full efficacy.
An increase in stress, a decrease in sleep, and other disruptions can bring back symptoms.
Therapy requires a big-picture view to get through the very normal combination of good days and bad days.
It’s okay to ask for help, even if you appear to be “recovered.”
Support is key, whether it’s from a partner, family, friends, support group, etc.
“Your healing process may mean you slow down and take breaks. Understand your capacity and give yourself grace and space.”
Healing doesn’t come through ONE magic thing but is unique to each person and their needs.

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

328: Autism and ADHD Diagnoses in Motherhood with Dr. Kiley Hanish, OTD, OTR/L, PMH-C Apr 01, 2024

Today’s episode covers an important topic that needs to be addressed as it affects many moms and families. My guest shares her experience of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life, after having her children. She shares how her diagnosis impacted her, what non-stereotypical autism looks like, why self-evaluation is beneficial, and why getting a diagnosis can be a privilege. We will also learn about the role of women’s hormones in autism and ADHD. Join us!

Dr. Kiley Hanish is a neurodivergent occupational therapist specializing in mental health during the perinatal period, which includes pregnancy, postpartum, and perinatal loss. She is the founder of Return to Zero: HOPE, a nonprofit organization that provides inclusive and compassionate education and support for bereaved families after pregnancy and infant loss. In addition, they also provide training and support to health providers to foster more competence when working with these families. Because of her personal experience and diagnosis, Dr. Kiley mentors her occupational therapy research group in exploring the sensory experiences of autistic mothers in their everyday lives.

Show Highlights:

The beginning (2022), when Kiley’s son was diagnosed with ADHD and she began to realize the scope and meaning of her sensibilities
A deep dive into autism in women, and how this research provided a new lens for Kiley to view her life
Kiley’s experience with postpartum PTSD after a stillbirth, sensory overload, and chronic fatigue
What the facts show: 80% of girls with autism are undiagnosed by age 18 (because of internal symptoms that don’t present themselves in stereotypical behaviors)
Co-occurring conditions with neurodivergence that are often passed off as something else
The impact of hormone fluctuations on autism and ADHD
The need to educate yourself because of the existing gap in women’s healthcare
Common challenges for mothers with autism: sleep difficulties, finding time alone to self-regulate, mood/anxiety disorders, and frequent feelings of overwhelm and overstimulation
The results of RTZ: HOPE’s survey

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Kiley Hanish and Return to Zero: HOPE: Website (RTZ), Website (Dr. Kiley),

Instagram

Resources mentioned in this episode: Unmasking Autism by Devon Price, All Brains Belong, Neurodivergent Insights, Autism and Grief Podcast, Uniquely Human Podcast, and Two Sides of the Spectrum Podcast

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

327: Mothering Without a Mother with Dr. Olivia Wedel, LPC, NCC, PMH-C Mar 25, 2024

The grief process can be messy and unpredictable, and it can vary widely from person to person and through the different phases of life. Grief comes up in multiple, unexpected ways in the motherhood journey when you have already lost your mother. Join us to hear a personal story of motherhood and mother loss from today’s guest.

Dr. Olivia Wedel is a licensed professional counselor in Texas. After almost 17 years working in the mental health field, Dr. Olivia started her private practice in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, and she enjoys working with students as a permanent adjunct faculty member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at TCU. In addition to postpartum and maternal mental health counseling, she offers non-clinical perinatal support services and postpartum planning for families, psychoeducation and support for parents with children ages 1-3, and community and provider education on perinatal mental health. She is a trained facilitator for the Circle of Security Parenting Intervention Program and is a certified provider for Mother Loss Grief Training.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Olivia’s personal experience of motherhood later in life after losing her mom while in her 20s
Blindsided at her son’s birth by joy, love, and grief for the loss of her mother
Feeling the paradox of motherhood joy and disorienting grief at the same time
Common feelings that come up in mothering without a mother
“Disenfranchised grief”--what it is and how it manifests itself
Feelings that can lead to postpartum anxiety and depression
Validating values through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Managing the motherhood journey without a loving, supportive mother
Dr. Olivia’s approach with clients whose mother is still alive–but there is not a healthy, supportive relationship
The importance of education and supportive resources for parents
The goal is to reduce the stigma and encourage parents and providers to reach out for support.

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Olivia Wedel: Website, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

326: Behind The Sessions: Why Are We So Hard On Ourselves? Mar 21, 2024

There is more to the story than postpartum depression. There are many complexities to the ways we talk to ourselves. I see perinatal folks give in frequently to thoughts of self-judgment and even self-hatred, which is not at all a healthy scenario for the transition to parenthood. It’s a time when there are many new things to learn and adjustments to make as we become parents. In today’s session, we answer the important question: “Why are we so hard on ourselves?”

Show Highlights:

Thoughts of shame, guilt, and not being “good enough”
Don’t we deserve the objectivity, compassion, and understanding that we would give to a friend? The answer is YES!
Our internalized belief systems come from the pressures we experienced early in life in our families.
Having a child to care for brings up a lot of feelings about the past and how we were cared for (or not cared for).
Therapy support can help develop necessary coping strategies like self-compassion, softness, understanding, validation, and forgiveness.
You CAN move forward without the pressure of perfection!

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

325: A Free Birth After Birth Trauma with Alexa Ericson Mar 18, 2024

Today’s episode is about a topic that may be unfamiliar to many. My guest shares her journey through her first pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, along with why she chose a very different scenario called free birth to welcome her second child into the world. Join us to learn more!

Alexa Ericson shares why she chose a free birth for her second child, what that is, and how that choice worked out for her. She explains how she found comfort through writing and decided to put her experiences into a book–with the hopes of helping other women. Her book of poetry, Motherhood, Disenchanted, covers “adventures into the nitty-gritty, sleep-deprived, chaotic, and sometimes dark thoughts that come fluttering through the early years of mothering.” After back-to-back pregnancies and years of isolated mothering due to her location and lockdowns, she felt a major gap in the discussion around the raw and tough, intimate moments of motherhood. Alexa used her writing as a form of catharsis and a way to work through difficulties. In this conversation, she discusses her marriage, body changes, breastfeeding, anxiety, exhaustion, loss of self, and more. Alexa lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, with her farmer husband and two kids.

Show Highlights:

Alexa’s story: how she, as someone with doula training, made her birth plan for her first child (born in 2019) with midwives, a doula, and a home birth
The reality of birth in the middle of a big storm, power outage, and a situation that felt out of control
Alexa’s overall account of her midwife experience
A downhill slide after her baby was born—and she was left with very few options and very little information
Alexa’s very difficult intro to motherhood with anxiety and overwhelm
Writing: the best lifeline for Alexa
Motherhood messaging in our society and on social media–and why real-life experiences don’t usually measure up
Alexa’s second pregnancy, when her first son was only 5 months old
Free birth–a birth with no medical professionals present
Alexa’s second birth story: a healing and peaceful experience with no rules, regulations, regimented prenatal care, or manipulation by medical providers
Hear Alexa share two poems from her book!
Alexa’s advice to other women: “If you aren’t feeling strong, try writing about it and get those thoughts out. It can help to put them on paper.”

Resources:

Connect with Alexa Ericson: Website, Instagram, and Motherhood, Disenchanted book

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

324: Postpartum Psychosis: A Couple’s Experience with Dr. Rowena and Derek Winkler Mar 11, 2024

Postpartum psychosis is often misunderstood and mischaracterized. It is important to humanize this condition, remove the stigma around it, and let people know that treatment is available and healing is possible. In today’s show, we get a rare glimpse into the life of a family through the eyes of both a husband and wife about their journey through postpartum psychosis. Join us to learn more!

Derek Winkler is a software engineering manager, father of two (Kerri-almost 4, and Robbie-6 months), and husband to Rowena. Derek shares his perspective of what he experienced as a husband and father and what kind of support he needed.

Dr. Rowena Winkler is a career and empowerment coach who helps high achievers unlock their academic genius and gain clarity in their jobs, businesses, and lives through the power of communication. Using her Ph.D. in Communications, along with mystical modalities such as astrology, human design, and Tarot, Dr. Rowena’s coaching method enables clients to tap into self-love and bold confidence to get unstuck and make a change. Rowena shares what postpartum psychosis was like for her from the start, through her hospitalization, and integrating back home.

Show Highlights:

How postpartum psychosis occurred after Rowena’s second pregnancy with their son in 2023 after a completely normal postpartum experience in 2020 (when their daughter was born)
How Derek noticed Rowena’s anxiety issues when their son was born, along with sleep deprivation and hypervigilance
How Rowena’s condition escalated, Derek noticed several red flags that were concerning and called 911 when their son was 2-3 weeks old
How Rowena felt herself slipping from reality–like she didn’t “have full ownership” of her body
How things progressed until Derek contacted 911 through a text, police officers and a mental health professional (from Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center) arrived, and Rowena went to the ER
What Rowena remembers about her paranoia in arriving and being admitted to the hospital (one day in the ER and 10 days in a psychiatric unit)
Why she needed a second hospitalization after her initial discharge and return home
How the healing process takes time after a severe mental health crisis
How an outpatient hospital program helped Rowena learn helpful coping strategies
Why our medical care system isn’t set up for sufficient family support after a psychiatric hospitalization
How PSI, therapy, and medications helped Derek in his caregiving role in being a supportive and understanding partner
How Rowena is coping today with new tools to use in starting a new job and being a wife and mother
Rowena’s takeaways: “Those of us who have been through this and have made it to the other side are here to help, support, and share that you are not alone. You can get through this.”
Derek’s takeaways: “It is the silver lining around a very dark cloud that we are able to share our story and help people learn about this condition. It is very difficult, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Postpartum psychosis is very treatable. If you are going through this, please reach out for help.”

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

Connect with Dr. Rowena Winkler: Website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube

323: Behind The Sessions: Feeling Loss in the Transition to Parenthood Mar 07, 2024

We can all agree that the transition to parenthood is huge and multi-faceted. For many parents, that transition feels like not just a big change but a monumental loss. It’s a loss of what once was and the life you had grown accustomed to in your pre-baby world. There are a lot of changes around the freedom and flexibility you once enjoyed, and essentially every area of life is affected. Things are different in your world regarding your attention and energy, as well. Join me in today’s Behind the Sessions look at why this transition feels like a loss–and what you can do about it.

Show Highlights:

Why it is perfectly acceptable to experience a mixed bag of feelings about parenthood—and each of those feelings should be acknowledged and validated
How acknowledging the huge changes within the context of life is an important step (Yes, things change, but exciting things are happening, also!)
How to handle outside pressure and negative parenthood experiences from others
Why people see a therapist for support and validation when they experience these kinds of identity shifts
Dr. Kat’s takeaways: “Whatever mixture of feelings and experiences play into your transition into parenting, it’s okay. It might not always feel good, and it might be confusing, but it’s totally part of the process as you are shifting and changing. Life is changing, and it’s normal to have feelings about that.”

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

322: From Business Owner to Survivor: Overcoming Postpartum Depression with Emma Hopkins Mar 04, 2024

I’m joined today by Emma Hopkins, a mom and business owner in the UK. At age 39, Emma became a first-time mother and experienced postpartum depression to the point that her entire life, identity, and livelihood changed. She walks us through the tough decision to give up the business that was her heart and soul to prioritize her basic survival. She finally found healing, reconnected with herself, embraced her new role as a mother, and built a new business based on her experience and education. Today she coaches other women who feel a lost sense of identity by helping them rediscover themselves, and she works as a champion advocate with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance in the UK.

Show Highlights:

Emma’s story of business ownership in the health and wellness space in Spain and the UK until motherhood at age 39 changed everything
Emma’s rude introduction to motherhood, which included severe sleeplessness, complete burnout, and full-blown postpartum depression
How she was forced to sell her beloved business–and lose her sense of identity in the process
What Emma wishes she had done differently
How the UK’s “health visitors” system left Emma feeling judged, tested, and failing
How Emma grieved for the person she was and the success and identity she lost
How she finally realized and admitted that she had postpartum depression
How the COVID-19 lockdown actually helped Emma connect and communicate with people again and gave her what she was missing
How Emma’s supportive husband and her daily walks helped her immensely
Why Emma began working with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance in the UK and has become a passionate champion to build awareness around maternal mental health

Resources:

Connect with Emma Hopkins: Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Maternal Mental Health Alliance (for UK listeners)

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

321: Interpersonal Therapy for Perinatal Healing with Elyse Springer, MA-CLP,LMFT,PMH-C Feb 26, 2024

Today’s conversation is about interpersonal therapy (IPT). You’ll learn what IPT is, how it differs from other therapies, and why it is a validated therapy that is well-suited for the perinatal population. Many more clinicians should seek training in this therapy modality which is full of useful tools and skills. Join us to learn more!

Elyse Springer is a longtime colleague and friend with much knowledge about supporting people in their perinatal mental health. She is a current board member for Postpartum Support International’s California chapter and serves as the Policy and Advocacy Chair. She is an emeritus Governing Council member for Maternal Mental Health NOW; she served an eight-year term and continues to provide ongoing training for the organization. She served as a board member of the national maternal mental health policy and advocacy group 2020 Mom Project from 2014-2019, and subsequently sat on the organization’s clinical advisory panel through 2021. In addition, Elyse is a training faculty and emeritus board member for the national perinatal loss organization Return to Zero: HOPE and training faculty for the paternal perinatal non-profit Love, Dad. Elyse is certified in perinatal mental health, and she is an EMDRIA-approved therapist and consultant, certified in Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) by the IPT Institute, and an IPT supervisor-in-training. She lives and works in Los Angeles, California.

Show Highlights:

What is interpersonal therapy (IPT)?
Why the goal of IPT is to ensure social support—and how this is accomplished
How IPT can help with specific relationship needs in the perinatal period
Three main areas of focus in IPT: grief/loss, role transition, and interpersonal disputes
Examples of how Elyse might work with a couple around role transitions in the perinatal period
What we should realize about decolonizing mental health and focusing on collaborative approaches of social support within a person’s culture
How problem-solving and role-playing are done within the IPT model
How IPT focuses on experiences, goals, and positive communication
How IPT sessions are structured as a 12-session model with periodic check-ins to follow up
Where to go for IPT training: IPT Institute

Resources:

Connect with Elyse Springer: Website and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

320: Behind The Sessions: Mental and Emotional Labor in Your Relationship Feb 22, 2024

There are a lot of dynamics at play in becoming a parent, and that is an understatement, to say the least! Often overlooked are the needed conversations around new boundaries, tasks, and the “invisible labor” that a new baby brings. These discussions are vital in protecting the relationship between partners and making the postpartum period more enjoyable for both parents. Today’s episode focuses on the mental and emotional labor that a mom most often takes on in the partnership–and I’m referring primarily to heterosexual couples in this all-too-common scenario.

Show Highlights:

How resentment can start to build and negatively impact the couple’s relationship
How a therapist will approach the issue with one individual–as opposed to couples’ therapy, which is ideal
Different scenarios common in a partnership after a new baby arrives that lead to stress, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and more
Why therapy for both partners can be extremely helpful, either individually or as a couple
Why communication around boundaries, tasks, and “invisible labor” is important
Why the divorce rate during the perinatal period is higher (67% of couples experience marital dissatisfaction during this time!)
What you can do to be proactive and protect your relationship as you prepare for a new baby

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

319: Trauma-Informed Approaches for Birth Workers and Birthing People Feb 19, 2024

Today’s show brings back a guest from years ago, and I’m excited to reconnect with her and hear updates about her life and work. She’s a lovely human and a beautiful soul who is doing meaningful work that helps many people. Join us!

Nkem Ndefo is the founder of Lumos Transforms and the creator of The Resilience Toolkit, a model that promotes embodied self-awareness and self-regulation in an ecologically sensitive framework and social justice context. Originally licensed as a nurse midwife, Nkem has extensive postgraduate training in complementary health modalities and emotional therapies. She has worked in a lot of settings from large-volume hospitals to mobile community clinics, and she brings years of expertise as a clinician, educator, researcher, and community strategist. She works in programs that address trauma inequity as she seeks to build resilience and shape liberatory change for individuals and organizations throughout the US and internationally. Her particular interest is in working alongside people most impacted by violence and marginalization, and she does important work in the birth community. We are discussing how systems are related to trauma and mental health, along with how systems impact birthing people and the healthcare providers in the birthing community.

Show Highlights:

An overview of Nkem’s broad scope of work around healing and liberation
Why we need systems that facilitate healing on the individual AND community levels
What it means to be trauma-informed in the realm of reproductive health and mental health
Why our healthcare system MUST recognize the need for trauma-informed approaches for birth workers
How we can change the systems with little steps—one at a time
What Nkem sees as the leading factors in why people are resistant to change
How tools and intention can grow our capacity to recognize overwhelm and activate boundaries around things that cause stress
How many different kinds of traumas contribute to mental health diagnoses
Why most of our trauma healing efforts in the current medical model fall short
How inadequate parental leave within the current system kicks off a cascade of mental health effects
Why doulas are NOT the solution or the fix to the broken system
Why we need to be courageous with our hopes and dreams of changing the broken system
An overview of Lumos Transforms and The Resilience Toolkit

Resources:

Connect with Nkem Ndefo and Lumos Transforms: Website, Instagram, X, and The Resilience Toolkit

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

318: Healing Perinatal Trauma Through Psychodynamic and Somatic Therapy Feb 12, 2024

My guest today is doing important work with perinatal mental health through psychodynamic and somatic therapy. There is a great need for this therapeutic modality to be available to people who need it and for more training to be accessible to care providers. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Helena Vissing is a licensed psychologist certified in perinatal mental health as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She is experienced as an adjunct faculty member and on the training committee of Maternal Mental Health NOW where she provides consultations and helps train providers. Helena has written a book on her biopsychosocial model for the treatment of trauma in the perinatal period published with Routledge and titled, Somatic Maternal Healing: Psychodynamic and Somatic Trauma Treatment for Perinatal Mental Health.

Show Highlights:

Why the perinatal period is a time of the clashing of biology and culture because of the vast changes to the body and nervous system
How Dr. Helena’s integrative treatment model combines somatic approaches with psychoanalytic tools
How Dr. Helena explains the basics of somatic therapy (aka somatic psychology or body psychotherapy)
How Dr. Helena explains the basics of psychodynamic therapy
How Dr. Helena’s book addresses trauma in the perinatal period with a broader concept beyond just PTSD
How the perinatal period is an opportunity for a parent to rework their relationships, along with their role and identity
Important principles around nervous system regulation in the perinatal period
Why sensory awareness is the starting point—and only happens when a person slows down
How Dr. Helena explains “maternal body fullness”
How trauma healing occurs when the tendency is avoidance
Dr. Helena’s message of hope: “It is possible to heal. Healing is not easy and may take a while, but it is possible.”

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Helena Vissing: Website, Book, and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

317: Behind The Sessions: Hyper-Independence Can Make You Anxious Feb 08, 2024

Becoming a parent can bring intense anxiety and high levels of worry about doing the right thing for your child. Some people have feelings of failure in meeting some high level of expectation that they have of themselves. I always wonder in therapy what has contributed to a person’s suffering in this way, and, as a therapist, I want to dig deeper into why this style of hyper-independence and hyperfunctioning at all costs is activated when some people become parents. Let’s dig deeper in today’s Behind-the-Sessions episode.

Show Highlights:

How hyper-independence can show up because of childhood events in which someone experiences emotional neglect
How being independent, not burdening anyone by asking for help, and relying only on oneself can be magnified in the postpartum
Why the pressure to be perfect can lead to high anxiety and even depression in the presence of impossibly high standards
Why asking for help and admitting that you aren’t perfect can alleviate the stress, overwhelm, and constant energy drain that a hyper-independent parent might feel
How a perinatal mental health professional can help someone manage these dynamics
Dr. Kat’s advice for hyperfunctioning parents: “Have compassionate support for yourself, try to be flexible in understanding that it’s okay to ask for help, and prioritize your sleep, rest, and self-care.”

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

316: Overstimulation and Sensory Overload in Motherhood with Holly Peretz, OTR/L Feb 05, 2024

We have all been in the place of overstimulation, even if we didn’t recognize what was happening at the time. The transition into parenthood is ripe with opportunities for overstimulation and sensory overload. Today’s episode helps us better understand how and why we are overstimulated, along with useful tips for managing overload and expert insight into how we can be more supportive of ourselves and others. Join us to learn more!

Holly Peretz is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist with over 14 years of experience working with children and parents. Her role as a therapist and parent educator ranges from hospitals, preschools, hydrotherapy, and online as she supports toddler parents and clinicians in creating a childhood that “bakes in” the science of what makes toddlers thrive in this critical period of development. Holly also hosts the annual Toddler Play Conference and the Thriving in the First Year Summit.

Show Highlights:

How to understand what Holly does as a pediatric occupational therapist
Why sensory overload is a real thing for parents
The science behind what sensory processing is and how we experience sensory overload
Why sensory processing issues are not limited to people with autism
Why becoming a new parent is a prime time for sensory overload
Tools for supporting a parent who is overstimulated and overloaded
How Holly’s sensory profile quiz can help you understand sensory processing needs

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

Connect with Holly Peretz

Holly's Sensory Self-Care

315: Premature Births, Trauma Healing, and “Cards for Hope” with Savannah Jane O’Malley Jan 29, 2024

Hearing the stories of others helps us to know that we are not alone. So many families face premature births, NICU stays, and traumatic birth experiences. As always, our message is that there is support and hope. Join us for Savannah’s story.

Savannah Jane O’Malley is a wife and working mother of three former preemies. She works full-time, pursues her artistic passions part-time, and she “moms” all the time. When her twin boys were born 3.5 months early, everything she thought her life was supposed to be was shattered. The one-pound warriors spent their first three months fighting for a chance at life despite many devastating diagnoses, countless ups and downs, and finally achieving incredible triumphs. Going through these experiences helped Savannah discover her true role as a mother, and it set her on a brand-new trajectory.

Through social media, public speaking, writing, and painting, she is a voice of hope for families going through similar trials, and she is an advocate for those with disabilities, especially for those who have cerebral palsy, like her son. She is a cheerleader for families during their NICU experiences, a mental health advocate for mothers, and a self-proclaimed spreader of reckless hope. In this episode, Savannah shares her birth stories, what her post-NICU mental health was like, her son’s cerebral palsy diagnosis, and how her Cards of Hope campaign helps mothers after traumatic births.

Show Highlights:

How Savannah’s daughter’s birth at 36 weeks was much different than what she experienced when her twin sons were born two years later at 24 weeks
How Savannah’s healing journey began when she started blogging during her 101-day NICU stint
How her sons both suffered brain bleeds, major heart and brain surgeries, and a cerebral palsy diagnosis for Lachlan
How the twins’ birth was traumatizing in many ways but especially because no one told her what was happening or what to expect
What it was like to see her one-pound babies for the first time in the NICU–and feel herself physically and emotionally shut down
How her recovery was complicated by bladder repair surgery and wearing a catheter for two weeks
How she finally began to connect with her babies almost a week after their birth and understood their fight for life
How Savannah and her husband navigated time in the NICU and time with their two-year-old daughter
What it was like to go through the twins’ very serious diagnoses and surgeries
How Savannah learned to hyperfunction when the twins came home until all the traumas came crashing down on her
Why she is passionate about helping people understand birth trauma
How therapy has helped Savannah begin to heal
Why she began “Cards of Hope” to help mothers of birth trauma
How she is healing while grieving the loss of what she thought her life would be

Resources:

Connect with Savannah and sign up for Cards of Hope: Website

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

314: Behind The Sessions: It's Okay To Fall Apart Jan 25, 2024

If no one has told you lately, it’s okay to fall apart. If you aren’t functioning at 100% and don’t feel like you can do what you are supposed to do today, it’s okay. We are human beings, not machines, and we aren’t meant to push through every single thing in life to produce and do and be and succeed and surpass. Life is not a competition, but a lot of people act like it is. We feel the pressure to keep going and pretend like we are okay to the point of pushing past the need for rest—and our mental health is slowly wearing away. Join me in today’s Behind-the-Sessions episode!

Show Highlights:

Why January can have you feeling depressed, anxious, and feeling like a failure
Why it’s okay to stop pushing yourself to do more and be more
How surrendering to your strong feelings is okay—and temporary
How pushing ourselves ends up being counterproductive
How we get depleted and need to reclaim the ability to slow down
Why the drive to be a “self-care warrior” can deplete us
Why you need to consider “stepping off the hamster wheel” and taking time to rest, recuperate, and reevaluate
How to assess your needs and ask yourself what you need for each day

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

313: Psychiatric Treatment of Maternal Mental Health Conditions with Dr, Liz Cox, MD Jan 22, 2024

There are many questions and much misinformation about treatment options and medications for maternal mental health conditions (MMHCs). The key to having more awareness and understanding is to get correct information from qualified experts. Only when parents are educated and informed can they make the best decisions about their care! Today’s guest has valuable information to share to help us all become more knowledgeable. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Liz Cox is a reproductive psychiatrist in private practice based in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has been in practice for over ten years, previously serving as the Medical Director for UNC Women’s Mood Disorders at Wake Med North in Raleigh and as Residency Education Director in Women’s Mood Disorders at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Department of Psychiatry, where she is currently an adjunct faculty member. Dr. Cox has authored numerous scholarly publications, including textbooks, about the treatment of MMHCs, and she is passionate about decreasing the stigma of MMHCs, increasing awareness, and advocating for appropriate treatments.

Show Highlights:

How Dr. Cox came into the specialty of reproductive psychiatry
Why many medical students aren’t getting much training and exposure to the treatment of women’s mood disorders
What Dr. Cox is seeing in her work and research regarding the prevalence of perinatal depression (50-70% of women are undiagnosed!)
Why Dr. Cox is passionate about treating the full person and the whole family
How a treatment plan should prioritize self-care, sleep, movement, good nutrition, therapy, and appropriate medications
Why there is such misunderstanding about medications for MMHCs
The risks of untreated symptoms for mothers and babies
How medications can help alleviate anxiety, shame, and stigma
Why a reproductive psychiatry specialist can be helpful
Dr. Cox shares her personal birth experience and why she chose to ask for medication
What to expect in a consultation with a reproductive psychiatrist
What Dr. Cox wants listeners to know: “MMHCs are treatable conditions. No one should suffer needlessly or be shamed and stigmatized for asking for help.”

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Liz Cox: Website and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

312: Intrusive Thoughts and COVID with a Newborn with Jackie Werboff, LMHC, PMH-C Jan 15, 2024

The height of the COVID pandemic caused so much fear and anxiety, all for good reason. The moms who gave birth and faced postpartum difficulties during this time were under immense pressure to try to keep themselves and their babies safe.

For many, it ended up being the perfect storm that led to perinatal mental health crises. Join us to hear our guest’s story.

Jackie Werboff is a licensed mental health therapist in private practice in Florida.

When she became a mother in 2021, her specialization was in treating complex and developmental trauma. After her experience, she earned her certification in perinatal mental health and began working with mothers, birthing persons, and their families. In today’s episode, she shares the medical and emotional experience she had with COVID at just two weeks postpartum, which sparked undiagnosed depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts, along with much worry and fear. Jackie explains how she dealt with returning to work after maternity leave when some of her symptoms returned and what it was like to go into a second pregnancy after so many difficulties the first time.

Show Highlights:

How Jackie experienced her first child’s birth in 2021 in the middle of a COVID reemergence in Florida–and got COVID at two weeks postpartum
How her breastfeeding was affected by her illness until her milk was gone
How Jackie’s physical and mental health declined to a scary and dark place with intrusive thoughts, trouble breathing, and an emergency hospitalization
How Jackie’s husband had to take short-term leave from work to care for their son, who also tested positive for COVID while Jackie was hospitalized
How Jackie’s #1 motivation was to get better to go back home to her baby
How things began to improve after a few weeks, with her baby feeling better, sleeping better, and the miraculous return of her milk
How Jackie felt shame as a professional therapist with mental health symptoms and about her “inability to parent”
How Jackie’s husband supported her and checked in with her frequently because she felt overwhelmed and emotionally fragile
How therapy helped Jackie make the tough choice to shift out of treatment center work into private practice
Why Jackie decided to become certified in perinatal mental health
How Jackie is feeling more prepared now during her second pregnancy

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

Connect with Jackie Werboff

Wide Awake Counseling Website

311: When Your Family Isn't Supportive with Dr. Kat Jan 11, 2024

Is there anything more complex than family relationships? Our family members can run the gamut from the most loving and reassuring people in our lives to the absolute worst and most difficult people we encounter. One of the major reasons people seek out therapy is to deal with the huge amounts of stress that our family members bring to our lives. This can be especially true, and even magnified, in the transition to parenthood, a difficult pregnancy/postpartum, or a time of grief/loss associated with the parenthood journey. It’s these times when finding support is more crucial than ever, and it can be saddening, frustrating, angering, and very disappointing when the ones you love the most are not supportive and helpful. Join me for a closer look at this topic!

Show Highlights:

How the scenario of a non-supportive family member might play out as your expectations of support are not met

How family members can be intrusive, judgmental, or even absent

Why you might experience a disconnect with your parents and grandparents as you embark on your reproductive journey in very different ways than they did

How, in therapy, we attempt to figure out, untangle, and understand the complex feelings about our families

How therapy work explores how your feelings are impacting you and what can be shifted as we work toward specific goals

My takeaway advice: “Start a practice of reflection and a habit of naming your feelings. Find a therapist who can help you process your feelings, and know that you are not alone.”

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

310: A NICU Dr. Shares Her Own Experience with Preterm Babies, PTSD and Anxiety with Alison Hanson, PharmD, BCPPS Jan 08, 2024

As we are moving along in 2024, I’m overwhelmed that we are approaching the 8th anniversary of this podcast! Hearing people’s empowering stories of many different types of experiences has put us on an amazing journey! Today’s story is from a NICU doctor who got a new perspective when both of her babies had to spend time in the NICU. Join us to hear Alison’s story!

Alison Hanson is a pediatric clinical pharmacist, wife, and the mother of two children. She loved with a passion her work in the NICU which lasted almost seven years. She was blindsided by severe postpartum anxiety and PTSD after her daughter was born prematurely and spent three weeks in the NICU. After working through a lot of healing, she was again caught by surprise by her son’s traumatic birth which resulted in a four-week NICU stay and more postpartum anxiety and PTSD. Alison hopes that sharing her story will help others who work in healthcare and struggle to return to work after facing postpartum anxiety and/or PTSD.

Show Highlights:

Alison’s story of how she came to specialize in pediatrics and work in the NICU
How her first pregnancy, in 2019, brought anxiety, sudden preeclampsia, and a premature daughter at 34 weeks
How Alison recognized the signs of anxiety and PTSD when her daughter came home from the hospital after three weeks in the NICU—even though life seemed perfect in many ways
How she became obsessive about not being separated from her baby during her maternity leave
Why she talked to her Ob-gyn about her anxiety and started medications but couldn’t find time for therapy
How Alison began having panic attacks back at work in the NICU and pushed herself harder and harder
How Alison began therapy and was diagnosed with PTSD when her daughter was 9 months old–and her healing journey began
How Alison’s second pregnancy resulted in another preeclampsia diagnosis at 28 weeks and a two-month hospitalization until her son was born at 37 weeks
How other medical complications necessitated a four-week hospital stay for her son
How the second NICU experience was much more manageable because of the support system Alison had put into place
What Alison wants other people to know about PTSD

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

309: The Good Enough Mother with Dr. Sophie Brock Jan 01, 2024

Motherhood shouldn’t be filled with guilt and shame! Today’s episode focuses on the social constructs of motherhood and the myth of perfect motherhood. My guest gives a fresh perspective on how we can think differently about motherhood and create a world where mothers feel empowered, supported, and valued. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Sophie Brock is a Motherhood Studies Sociologist and mother living in Sydney, Australia. Her work analyzes motherhood in our culture and explores the ways that the individual experiences of mothers are shaped by broader social constructs. Sophie provides self-study courses for mothers and mother-supporting practitioners, mentoring for mother-supporting professionals, The Motherhood Studies Practitioner Certification online training, and her podcast, The Good Enough Mother.

Show Highlights:

An overview of Sophie’s work
How Sophie defines motherhood studies, motherhood, and mothering by using the analogy of the fish tank
Thoughts on the “perfect mother”
Why more privilege makes things easier on mothers and more bias means a more difficult time navigating systems
How mothers can resist social constructs and reclaim their power
How we are socialized into the “perfect mother myth” by our culture and our relationships
Why patriarchal systems benefit from the perfect mother myth
How mothers can be empowered to build a new ideal of motherhood by opening their awareness in a new way
How Sophie works with mothers to help them
Sophie’s key takeaway about the significance of motherhood and the fact that every mother should feel seen and valued

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Sophie Brock: Website, Instagram, Facebook, and The Good Enough Mother Podcast

*Get Dr. Sophie’s The Fish Tank of Motherhood Model and Training.

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

308: Behind the Sessions: Post-Holiday Blues with Dr. Kat Dec 28, 2023

Welcome to our last episode of 2023 as we continue our Behind the Sessions series. These episodes are created to give you a glimpse behind the scenes of therapy sessions. Even in today’s world, there is so much stigma and so many misconceptions about what goes on in therapy sessions and when someone can benefit from therapy. You don’t have to “just be strong” and pull yourself through the hard things in life. Around the holidays, many people feel disconnected and isolated for various reasons, and it can be a devastating time for your mental health. Let’s talk about how to manage the post-holiday slump.

Show Highlights:

Why managing a pregnancy or life with a newborn/toddler around the holidays can be extra stressful
Why moms usually feel pressure in greater ways to be the “default doer,” the manager of gatherings, and the coordinator of delicate family relationships
How fears of sickness (COVID, flu, and RSV) can cause increased holiday pressure
How to navigate family scenarios around setting boundaries, making others respect your boundaries, setting limits on your time, and putting exit strategies in place
How to manage your emotional/mental load, your own internal process, and complex emotional relationships with family members
Why grief is more pronounced and more difficult around the holidays
How to “call out stuff” in managing your stress
Tips for getting yourself back to baseline:
Allow yourself time to recuperate.
Ask yourself each day, “What do I need today?”
Identify small, baby steps to reduce your load of stress.
Treat yourself with compassion, love, and kindness.

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

307: Golden Hour Birth Stories with Liz and Natalie Dec 25, 2023

One of the main goals of this podcast is to empower and support people through sharing stories because we know that hearing the experiences of others can help us feel not so alone in our struggles. Today we meet two moms who host the Golden Hour Birth Podcast, where they “create community around storytelling.” Join us!

Liz and Natalie describe their podcast as two average Midwest moms having conversations around birth stories. They laugh and cry with other moms while holding space and normalizing all the unknowns that cause people to pivot through the empowering journey of parenthood. In their podcast episodes, they emphasize the importance of sharing birth stories, hearing birth stories, and finding ways to heal.

Show Highlights:

Get to know Liz and Natalie!
Why birth stories empower people and let them know they are not alone
Why this is a time when many people find freedom in sharing their experiences and not staying quiet anymore
Common themes that keep coming up in birth stories
The importance of a mother’s intuition
Highlights of Natalie’s birth stories
Why it’s okay to be open in sharing about medications and therapy
Highlights of Liz’s birth experiences
Why many moms don’t realize they have birth trauma until they share their birth story
How Liz and Natalie see community, connection, and support happening through their podcast
Why they are starting an online course to help more people

Resources:

Connect with Liz and Natalie: Podcast, Instagram, and Facebook

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

306: Perinatal, Racialized, and Muslim Mental Health with Hajara Kutty Dec 18, 2023

As far as we have come in recent years in removing the shame and stigma of mental health care and educating the public about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, we still have a long way to go. Today’s guest shares her experience and describes the scope of her work with underserved segments of the population. The fact is that every person deserves the same access to quality healthcare for their physical and mental well-being! Join us to learn more!

I’m joined by Hajara Kutty, an educator and perinatal mental health advocate who has worked for nearly two decades to create awareness around perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and support those who experience these issues. She is on the Postpartum Support International Advisory Council, and her writing on mental health has appeared in various national media outlets. She discusses some of the issues she has identified that negatively impact racialized perinatal women and what she has seen in her role as a Muslim coordinator for PSI.

Show Highlights:

How Hajara became involved with postpartum mental health work through her experience of becoming a mom about 20 years ago
Hajara’s perspective on how far we’ve come with perinatal mental health and how far we still need to go in helping women
How Hajara has gotten involved through advocacy work, writing, helping to create programs, and raising awareness
What it means to be “racialized”--and why racialized women are treated differently in many cases, not having access to quality care and resources
Why Canada and other countries are doing a better job than the US in addressing the problem of accessible healthcare
How socioeconomic status limits a person’s access to quality mental health resources
The negative impacts for Muslim parents who experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
The encouraging feedback Hajara receives from Muslim parents who are accessing PSI support

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

305: Behind the Sessions: How to Manage Holiday Stress with Dr. Kat Dec 14, 2023

Today’s topic is showing up in therapy sessions everywhere right now with the holidays and the end of the year. Many people have conflicted feelings about their relationships with their families and upcoming family events; while we feel the pressure to be happy, cheerful, and joyous, we need to realize that some people have much dread, stress, and pressure during this time. Some people are just not okay. Let’s talk about how to better manage whatever holiday stress you might be feeling.

Show Highlights:

How to have a realistic perspective around expectations, pressure, stressors, and the overall mental load of the holidays
Why many people have strong feelings of sadness, loss, and grief around the holiday season
How to take stock of the factors contributing to your stress
Why holiday traditions usually change when a new baby comes along—and families are not always accommodating or understanding
How to set boundaries (both physical AND emotional) and be intentional with self-care to manage the stressors and overwhelm of the holiday season

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

304: Disordered Eating and Body Image in Pregnancy and Postpartum with Kathryn Gantt, MHS, LDN, RYT 200 Dec 11, 2023

Disordered eating, eating disorders, and body image issues are very common experiences for many women, yet they are overlooked by most medical providers during pregnancy and postpartum. Today’s guest is passionate about educating us about these topics and offering more understanding to struggling women. Join us to learn more!

Kathryn Gantt is an eating disorder dietitian, certified yoga instructor, and mom of two who uses her experience to help people change their relationships with food and their bodies. She gives us an insightful look at the challenges obstetricians and care providers face without the education, experience, and certifications to deal with patients with eating disorders and body image issues. Our discussion also touches on the prevalence of weight bias in the medical field and how “diet culture” contributes to body image struggles during pregnancy and postpartum. Kathryn focuses her work on pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, mindful/intuitive eating, Health At Every Size (HAES), and non-diet approaches when counseling clients. She serves on the executive board of the WNC Chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and is passionate about helping people understand the societal pressures that impact our physical and mental health during pregnancy and postpartum.

Show Highlights:

How Kathryn came into her specialty of working with eating disorders
How weight bias shows up in the medical field with very little understanding of eating disorders
The difference between eating disorders and disordered eating—-and how body image issues fit into these categories
Why all obstetricians work with people with eating disorders, whether they realize it or not
How Kathryn works with Obs to do simple screenings for eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image issues
How disordered eating and eating disorders relate to anxiety in pregnancy and postpartum
How diet culture has shaped much of our thinking about pregnancy and women’s bodies
Why the nutrition piece during pregnancy and postpartum doesn’t matter if we ignore mental health issues
How to recognize signs of an eating issue—and what to do next

Resources:

Connect with Kathryn Gantt: Website (Learn more about the upcoming retreat on body positivity for women in Gatlinburg, TN, on January 19-21, 2024) and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

You can now watch the Mom & Mind Podcast on YouTube! Check it out!

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!

303: Perinatal Mental Health through In Utero Diagnosis with Kate Stacom, MSW, LICSW Dec 04, 2023

Today’s guest shares the personal story of her unborn baby’s traumatic diagnosis in utero. She hopes her story assures others that they are not alone in facing this type of diagnosis, and she explains coping skills and how to remain hopeful through a bleak and terrifying time. Join us to learn more!

Kate Stacom is a licensed clinical social worker and mother of two who has lived experience of perinatal trauma, depression, and anxiety. Her perinatal mental health journey began when her daughter, Clare, was diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) at 36 weeks gestation, leading to a traumatic birth and several chaotic weeks before and after delivery. Kate has become a passionate advocate for more mental health support and the role of intuition and spirituality for caregivers after hearing the news of in-utero diagnoses of congenital anomalies. Kate has a private practice where she utilizes her clinical skills coupled with her intuition to help others live meaningful, joy-filled lives where they feel most connected to their soul purpose.

Show Highlights:

Kate’s pregnancy story: gestational diabetes, a mother’s instinct that something wasn’t right, and an in-utero CDH diagnosis at 36 weeks
How Kate felt the range of emotions from anxiety, fear, grief, anger, and guilt
What it was like to get MRI scans on her unborn baby, be induced at 39 weeks, and go through a traumatic birth with massive medical interventions
How Kate and her husband navigated a long NICU stay where they constantly worried that their daughter would not survive
How Kate and her husband handled their daughter’s surgery as a newborn and the isolation they endured at the hospital
How Kate went into survival mode during her daughter’s six-week NICU stay
Why the anxiety didn’t stop when they brought Claire home
A happy update of how Claire is thriving today as an energetic four-year-old
Kate’s biggest takeaways about what helped her the most through her experience
Kate’s advice to other parents in similar situations

Resources:

Connect with Kate Stacom: Website, Instagram, and Facebook

Mentioned by Kate for more information about congenital diaphragmatic hernias and help for families: Tiny Hero

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

You can now watch the Mom & Mind Podcast on YouTube! Check it out!

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!

302: Behind The Sessions: When You Don't Know How You Feel Nov 30, 2023

Have you ever found yourself in situations where trying to figure out your emotions feels like trying to untangle a knot? Or perhaps you have experienced an overwhelming whirlwind of conflicting feelings, which happens often. Life is anything but linear. It is messy and full of ups and downs that challenge us emotionally.

Over the last 70 years, there has been more emphasis on psychology, and we understand so much more about getting in touch with our feelings. But even so, some of us are still learning as we go.

In today's Behind the Sessions episode, we look into what it is like not to know how you feel. Join us as we unravel the complexities of tuning into our feelings while navigating the emotional rollercoaster of life and the reproductive experience.

Show Highlights:

How disorientating the experience of pregnancy and parenthood can be
How the pressure to appear fine can feel uncomfortable when we do not know what we are feeling
Why we need to acknowledge and accept our feelings, even when they are uncomfortable or hard to confront
What happens when we deny or avoid our feelings?
Why being confused about your inner life, emotions, and mental health during the perinatal transition is normal
The benefits of therapy for exploring and understanding feelings and becoming empowered to make positive changes in life
The value of healing and growth through self-awareness
How building a better relationship with ourselves benefits our overall well-being
Why should we prioritize our mental health?

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

Mom and Mind on Instagram and Facebook

301: Dr. Berlin's Informed Pregnancy Project with Elliot Berlin, DC Nov 27, 2023

We are delighted to have Dr. Elliot Berlin back on the podcast for the first time since he was with us last in 2018. He joins us today to share the latest from his Informed Pregnancy Plus world and discuss his incredible work in perinatal chiropractic care for pregnancy and labor. Our bodies go through so much to support pregnancy and make birth happen, and Dr. Berlin truly knows how to help!

Dr. Berlin is passionate about helping people achieve optimal health- especially women navigating pregnancy and postpartum experiences. With his wealth of experience, he has dedicated his life to supporting new and expectant mothers in finding comfort and well-being during pregnancy and birth. He is committed to giving his patients top-quality care, using unique techniques and specialized equipment. Despite being based in Los Angeles, his platform, the Informed Pregnancy Project, reaches people everywhere.

The Informed Pregnancy Project includes the well-loved Informed Pregnancy Podcast, the Informed Pregnancy Blog, and the recently added streaming service, Informed Pregnancy Plus. Dr. Berlin joins us today to offer valuable insights and highlight the importance of informed decision-making throughout the pregnancy and birth journey. So, let's dive in and meet Dr. Berlin!

Show highlights:

Dr. Berlin explains how the pandemic affected the birth world and shares his Covid-19 experience
How chiropractors help to restore normal motion and function to the musculoskeletal system
How Dr. Berlin combines chiropractic and massage to create a more functional system
How pregnancy-related issues like headaches and jaw problems can be released through manual therapy
How addressing musculoskeletal issues during pregnancy prevents discomfort and ensures a smooth delivery
How chiropractic treatments help to position the baby and prepare women for breech births
The benefits of chiropractic treatments for an optimally-functioning body during vaginal births
The importance of chiropractic care for babies and children, especially for excessive crying and digestive issues
Dr. Berlin explains how gently newborn infant chiropractic gets done
How Dr. Berlin’s presence and skills as a doula help women feel more calm and relaxed during the birthing process
How his platform empowers women and helps them make informed decisions for their pregnancy and birth experiences

Resources:

Visit the Informed Pregnancy Plus platform

Find out what Dr. Berlin is doing on his website, Instagram, and Twitter

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

300: ADHD and Perinatal Mental Health with Jacqueline V. Cohen, NCC, LPC, ADHD-CCSP, NBCCH-D Nov 20, 2023

Welcome to a very special episode! It’s our 300th episode, which is mind-boggling to think about. Not only that, we also address ADHD in the perinatal period, a very important topic. We all can benefit from a deeper understanding of ADHD and how it impacts perinatal mental health. Join us to learn more!

Jacqueline Cohen is a Licensed Professional Counselor, ADHD-Certified Clinical Specialist Provider, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, coach, consultant, writer, and speaker. She has been in private practice for over 15 years, specializing in perinatal mental health and adult ADHD. Her practice, Therapy Mama, is in Marietta, Georgia, although she is also licensed in Colorado and Florida. She experienced postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth of her son in 2001 and was diagnosed with ADHD ten years later as her son was also diagnosed. Along her journey of discovering how her brain works, she realized that her postpartum depression and anxiety were largely a result of living with undiagnosed ADHD. This experience was the impetus for her work in helping others in similar situations in the journey to parenthood. In this episode, we discuss what ADHD is, what it looks like, and how it might be experienced in the perinatal period. I’m excited to explore this topic with Jacqueline!

Show Highlights:

How Jacqueline became interested in how perinatal mental health and ADHD intersect
How she discovered that her postpartum depression and anxiety were due to undiagnosed ADHD
Why “being bored” can cause depression and anxiety in someone with ADHD–because of the way the brain works
The basics of what ADHD is
How ADHD impacts working memory, impulsivity, organization, time management, planning, and prioritizing
Types and descriptions of ADHD variations
How ADHD relates to being a highly sensitive person
Why someone with ADHD is likely to procrastinate
Why many people are diagnosed with ADHD later in life and don’t realize they have suffered
How a new mom might realize she has undiagnosed ADHD
What masking is, why lower estrogen levels exacerbate ADHD symptoms, and the connection to rejection sensitivity dysphoria
Shortfalls in the ADHD assessment process

Connect with Jacqueline Cohen

Therapy Mama Website

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

Books mentioned in this episode:

Journeys Through ADDulthood by Sari Solden

Women with ADD by Sari Solden

Gender Issues and AD/HD by P. Quinn and K. Nadeau

ADHD 2.0 by John Ratey and Ed Hallowell

A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults by Tom Brown

The Queen of Distraction by Terry Matlen

The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov

The Couples' Guide to Thriving with ADHD by Melissa Orlov

A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD Workbook by Sari Solden and Michelle Frank

Understanding Girls with ADHD by K. Nadeau, E. Littman, and P. Quinn

299: Behind the Sessions: “I’m a Failure” with Dr. Kat Nov 16, 2023

The idea of feeling like a failure comes up often in therapy; I hear it multiple times each week. People who are struggling often feel like they are a failure, and this is heartbreaking to hear. Let’s go behind the scenes and talk about what’s happening underneath the feelings of failure.

Show Highlights:

Why being perfect and being a failure are NOT the only two options
Failure and perfection—defined and explained
Why failure and perfection cannot be the measure of parenting success
Why a defense against shame is often underneath the unreasonable goal of perfection
Examples of how perfectionism can show up in the parenting journey
Examples of what could really be happening to cause you to yell at your child
How to have a more compassionate view of your journey
How to gain perspective on your negative self-judgmental thoughts
Why we need to have more self-compassion—and model it for our kids

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

298: A South Asian Mom's Mental Health Journey: Missed Diagnosis with Jigyna Patel Nov 13, 2023

Today you’ll hear Jigyna Patel’s story. She and I met recently at the PSI Conference, and I knew her perspective as a South Asian mom of Indian heritage would be valuable for listeners to hear. She’s a Houston-area mother of three, and she is a passionate perinatal mental health advocate who loves her volunteer work with PSI. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

Jigyna’s story of her first pregnancy, nine years ago, which involved PCOS, infertility, emergency C-section, and a traumatic birth
How Jigyna felt depression and disinterest in her new baby after taking her baby home to much help from family members, but felt much stigma and shame to get out of her “funk”
How her symptoms progressed to anxiety, panic attacks, severe sleep deprivation, hallucinations, delusions, intrusive thoughts, and suicidal thoughts
How she started the journey with a therapist, but eventually had to move with her baby into her parents’ home for six weeks
How medication, better sleep, journaling, and frequent walks helped Jigyna feel better and better over the next few months
How Jigyna and her husband had conflicting opinions about having another baby
How a second pregnancy (via another IUI) with twins (!) launched Jigyna into deep depression—until she decided to take charge and make a plan
How the twins’ birth was an amazing delivery, via C-section, and led to Jigyna’s struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety–but none of the other symptoms from before
Why Jigyna became active with PSI after researching and realizing that she had experienced postpartum psychosis with her first baby
How Jigyna’s Indian culture impacted her journey with pressure and stigma
How she learned the value of sleep and took steps to prioritize her sleep and self-care as a mom of three
Why she felt guilty for not “wanting” her pregnancy with her twins at first–and how her group support has shown that this is a common feeling for moms of multiples
How Jigyna handled bonding and connecting issues with her babies
Highlights of her current work with PSI

Resources:

Connect with Jigyna: Email

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

297: A Mom's Journey to Reconcile Faith and Mental Health Support with Dara DeMari Nov 06, 2023

In far too many segments of our society, there is a stigma and terrible shame around perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Even now, when there is a huge push to validate mental health support for those who need it, many women are suffering in silence. The Christian faith is one subset of society where postpartum support is truly lacking, and simply “praying more” or “reading more scripture” are not valid ways to treat mental illness. Because of her suffering on the motherhood journey, my guest is on a mission to help other Christian women have the confidence to find the help they need. Join us to hear Dara’s story.

Dara DeMari is a born-again Christian, wife, and mother of four young children. All of her pregnancies culminated in premature births and NICU stays for her babies. Although she grew up in a church family, her postpartum struggles left her feeling incredibly isolated, alone and shamed. With a full spectrum of perinatal mood disorders ranging from anxiety, OCD, rage, and depression, it took Dara years to shed the stigma of shame and be ready to share her story. She has made it her personal mission to gather stories of other Christian women who suffered in silence and help them use their voices to encourage women in the church to speak up and speak out about postpartum mood disorders. The goal is to comfort and encourage new mothers to feel confident in asking and receiving the support and help they need. Dara is in the process of forming a nonprofit called Postpartum Faith to help educate people and give those of Christian faith the resources available to face postpartum mood disorders head-on and overcome them with confidence.

Show Highlights:

How Dara’s motherhood story began: a miscarriage and subsequent high-risk pregnancy with twins who were premature and required a three-week NICU stay after birth
How further problems and another three-week hospital stay for her newborn son led to severe sleep deprivation for Dara
How breathing issues for her son and feeding problems for both babies led to huge anxiety issues for Dara, including OCD, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts
How Dara reached out for help to her Ob-gyn but was turned away with no direction or resources offered beyond the advice to “find a therapist”
How the Christian faith has a stigma associated with mental health and offered Dara no help
How Dara progressed to feeling desperate for help and frozen in anxiety
How relief finally came when she was directed to the postpartum stress center
How Dara’s next pregnancy and birth happened just as COVID lockdowns occurred and resulted in premature birth, respiratory distress, and another NICU stay
How Dara began to experience postpartum rage and reached out to her therapist
How her next pregnancy also resulted in a premature birth and NICU stay, which set Dara on the road to postpartum depression
How Dara realized what is lacking in the church as far as postpartum support for women–and what she wishes the church would do
Why she is starting a nonprofit to help other women
How Dara’s struggles and intense suffering have positioned her with a passionate purpose to help other Christian women

Resources:

Connect with Dara and Postpartum Faith: Website

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

296: Behind The Sessions: When Your Family Doesn't Get It with Dr. Kat Nov 02, 2023

Welcome to another episode in our bonus series, Behind the Sessions. A topic that comes up frequently with my clients is how they are impacted in therapy when their family doesn’t get it and does not understand what is happening for them. This disconnect can even go as far as families judging or blaming the person for what they are experiencing. It’s a difficult topic that can leave people feeling isolated and very much alone.

While I am primarily addressing the emotional pain and struggle of moms in the perinatal and postpartum times, this message can apply to those in other phases of life, as well. There is no intention here for family-bashing, but the message is that we can all do better in supporting those who are facing real challenges, and it most often begins with a compassionate listening ear. Join me for this bonus episode.

Show Highlights:

How a suffering person faces blame from family members who can’t/won’t be supportive and ends up feeling alone, isolated, sad, and even gaslit
Feelings can coexist: you can BOTH love your kid AND need a break
What happens over time when someone isn’t supported and validated
How family members respond by blaming, shaming, or going into “fix mode”
Why a suffering person has to understand that asking for help and talking about their emotions is not “complaining”
How healing begins when one can acknowledge and accept their experience without minimizing it
Helpful tips on engaging in conversation with a family member to get the support you need

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

295: Group Peer Support with Annette Cycon and Nelly Willis Oct 30, 2023

There are not many group models that are supportive of a wide range of people concerning their languages, environments, and backgrounds. My two guests today have formed a powerful support system that needs to be replicated everywhere in the world. Join us to learn more!

Annette Cycon has been a social worker for over 30 years, specializing in group work. With Liz Friedman, she co-founded the nonprofit MotherWoman in Massachusetts, and she went on to lead that organization for 15 years. Their mission was to increase awareness and access to mental health resources for perinatal women at risk for or experiencing perinatal emotional complications. This included designing and training peers and professionals in their unique trauma-informed support group model for moms. In 2017, they founded GPS Group Peer Support to broaden the scope of their work to include those struggling with addiction and recovery, newly-arrived refugees, first-generation college students, frontline workers suffering trauma as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and others, in addition to perinatal parents and caregivers. GPS is now being implemented in communities internationally and in seven languages.

Nallely (Nelly) Willis, CLC, BBA, PMHC, has spent ten years providing nationwide peer support in English and Spanish to families experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She is uniquely attuned to the challenges that expecting and new families face, and she supports them through lactation, childbirth, doula, and postpartum consultation, education, and support. Nallely ran a nonprofit organization, Heartsounds Inc., serving perinatal, low-income Latina, and BIPOC mothers across southern AZ. She has been with GPS Group Peer Support for six years, rising to the position of Program Director, as well as being a GPS Certified Coach, Support Group Facilitator, and Master Trainer in English and Spanish. Nallely has been a volunteer for nine years with the Arizona Chapter of Postpartum Support International in Outreach and Education and on the Bilingual Warmline. She is currently a counselor with the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.

Show Highlights:

The background of GPS: How it began and what the program is all about
The benefits of group peer support programs
How GPS trains people to run peer support groups with a consistent structure and sequence based on learning how to listen
Why a group program needs to have consistency and “sameness”
How group programs invite people to say the hard things in a safe space
How GPS is filling in the gaps with high-quality mental health care for communities of color
Why the training for therapists through GPS is much-needed and unique
Highlights of the 100% Spanish GPS program for the Latino population
Highlights of the upcoming training, conferences, and website resources available through GPS

Resources:

Connect with Group Peer Support: Website and Facebook

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

294: Matrescence and Child Development with Christine Carrig Oct 23, 2023

Becoming a mother is an intricate dance of transition that impacts every part of a woman’s life down to her very identity. Matrescence is the name for this “motherhood development process,” and it’s not an easy journey for every woman to navigate. This process is every bit as vital to a healthy, thriving family as child development, but it’s often overlooked or pushed to the back burner. Join us as we dive into this topic in today’s episode!

Christine Carrig is the founding director of Carrig Montessori School in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has been a Montessori teacher and administrator with a focus on early childhood education for nearly two decades. Since becoming a mother eleven years ago, Christine has brought the same level of passion and inquiry to maternal development as she has always had for childhood development. She is the writer in residence for Khora, the Maternal & Reproductive Psychology Lab at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she focuses her writing on the intersection between child development and maternal development in hopes of bringing a more holistic view to the parent-child dyad. She lives in Queens, NY, with her husband and their four children.

Show Highlights:

How Christine came into the work she does today
How Christine defines and explains matrescence
Why matrescence can be compared to adolescence in the scope and intensity of the changes
Why we need to support and validate mothers and not try to “fix” them
How Christine’s personal experiences with motherhood have aligned with what she has learned about matrescence
How to understand the matrescence process through the story of “the six blind men and the elephant”
How to keep a helpful perspective of the parent-child dyad
How a lack of honoring matrescence shows up for parents in Christine’s work
How mothers are negatively influenced by social media input on topics like gentle parenting
Why we need to have balance in child development AND mother development instead of taking a largely child-centric approach

Resources:

Connect with Christine Carrig: Carrig Montessori School, The Family Flow, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Click here to read Christine’s Insider article about gentle parenting mentioned in this episode.

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

293: Behind The Sessions: Emotional Pain with Dr. Kat Oct 19, 2023

Today’s topic is one that all of us have experienced, and many may be going through it right now. Why are we hesitant to talk openly about our emotional pain and suffering? Part of the problem is that society misconstrues the expression of pain or suffering as weakness, and we have the mistaken idea that strong, capable people do not show any weakness. Emotional pain and suffering are part of the human experience. It’s okay to seek help, talk about your feelings, and not suffer alone. Remember, you are not a burden and that healing is possible.

Let’s take a closer look in today’s Behind the Sessions episode. We have a new episode every other Thursday to give additional insight into therapy and the perinatal mental health and reproductive health specialties. Our goal is to pull back the curtain so that asking for help and finding help can feel more accessible and possible. Join us!

Show Highlights:

Why the language we use is important in understanding our emotional experiences
How therapy and emotional support give safe spaces to share and loosen emotions that we may have fears about expressing openly
How to build tolerance for big emotions
Examples of “containers” for emotions: acupuncture, yoga, spiritual practices, meditation, etc.
Why others can’t always tell that you are suffering, leaving you feeling invalidated, diminished, and minimized
How I witness the beautiful power of healing through therapy
How to let people around you know that you need support

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

292: Sports Psychology Strategies for Empowered Birth with Dr. Carla Meijen Oct 16, 2023

Welcome back for another great episode! I’m joined by Dr. Carla Meijen to discuss her book, Empowered Birth: Lessons From Sport Psychology for Your Maternity Journey.Her book is a fascinating take on how pregnancy can be viewed as an endurance sport. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Carla Meijen is an accredited sport psychologist and Associate Professor of applied sport psychology at St. Mary’s University in London. In her work, she focuses on the mental demands of endurance performance, stress, and emotions in sports, and how to turn pressure into a positive challenge. Dr. Meijen has published her research in academic journals and has provided expert analysis for publications including the New York Times, Runner’s World, The Sunday Times Magazine, Cycling Weekly, Women’s Health, and the BBC. Dr. Meijen explains how to approach birth as a positive challenge and how it can be linked to endurance sports. She also shares sport psychology strategies that can be adapted to the birth process and how decompression can help in the postpartum period.

Show Highlights:

How Dr. Carla’s work relates to pregnancy and the postpartum as a strength-based approach to the maternal journey
Why people seek out a sport psychologist
How a sport psychologist teaches people to manage pressure, expectations, and challenges
How we learn to view our demands, stress, and resources in terms of perceived control
How anxiety can have beneficial physiological responses
A look at Dr. Carla’s book
How we can think of goals as outcome-based or process-oriented
Strategies that apply well to the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum processes: chunking goals, self-talk, imagery (visualization), and more
Why tools should be customizable to each individual’s needs
How to apply a six-step approach to making sense of emotions and feelings
Why Dr. Carla includes in her book the importance of social support

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Carla Meijen: Website, Instagram, Twitter, and Empowered Birth book

Mentioned in this episode: The Postnatal Depletion Cure by Dr. Oscare Serrallach

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

291: Healing from PPD and PPA with Medication Support with Victoria Vaughan, DVM Oct 09, 2023

We are tackling a hot topic that carries with it many misconceptions. Unlike with other medical conditions, there are fears around taking medications specifically for anxiety and depression. Our goal with today’s show is to help shed the stigma and misconceptions about medications in pregnancy and postpartum, letting women know that it’s okay to use medication support if that’s what you and your doctor decide. Join us to learn more!

Victoria Vaughan is a military spouse and mom to a beautiful baby boy. She lives in Fayetteville, NC, and works as a small animal veterinarian. She struggled with postpartum anxiety and depression, and she wants to be an advocate for other women struggling in the postpartum who may be hesitant to consider antidepressant medications.

Show Highlights:

Victoria’s story: an easy pregnancy but a long and complicated labor and delivery that resulted in a three-day NICU stay for her son
How Victoria felt overwhelmed when they took their newborn son home because they both cried all the time
How her son had nursing difficulties and a tongue tie that needed to be repaired
How she was desperate for answers, tried to find support, and knew that she wasn’t caring for herself properly
Why she reached out to a postpartum therapist for her intense anxiety but wished the therapist had explored medication options with her
How Victoria realized she had postnatal depletion but kept suffering and felt hopeless and helpless
How Victoria’s mom recognized that she needed help and pushed her to find it
How postpartum depression medication helped right away at about 3-4 months postpartum
Why there is a huge stigma around postpartum depression/anxiety medications
What Victoria wants others to know about PPD and PPA medication support

Resources:

Connect with Victoria Vaughan: Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

290: Behind The Sessions: Starting Therapy Oct 05, 2023

Welcome to a new series of the Mom & Mind podcast called Behind the Sessions. We will have a new episode every other Thursday to give additional insight into therapy and the perinatal mental health and reproductive health specialties. Our goal is to pull back the curtain on as much as possible so that asking for help and finding help can feel more accessible and possible. I’ll be diving into topics that come up in therapy sessions around emotional and relationship challenges, along with sharing things that bother me about societal pressure and many other things that impact the perinatal population. We will sprinkle in the occasional chat between me and another perinatal therapist to normalize the process of getting help and healing.

In today’s episode, we will focus on what it’s like to start therapy for the very first time, which can entail a difficult thought process in taking those initial steps toward healing. Join us to learn more!

Show Highlights:

Why it’s harmful that society pressures us to “figure things out” on our own
Common hesitations related to therapy and “opening up” around vulnerability, affordability, and the specifics of the therapy process
Why we need to change the narrative around what it means to get mental health help
How to find a therapist and ask the right questions
What to expect in initial therapy visits
Why additional support from family, friends, and therapy groups is helpful

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

289: “To Carry Wonder” A Memoir and Guide with Emese Parker, RN, WHNP-BC, MPH, PMH-C Oct 02, 2023

New insights and fresh perspectives on pregnancy and postpartum are always helpful! I’m intrigued and excited for today’s guest who discusses her new book, To Carry Wonder. This unique book is a beautiful weaving of her personal experience, clinical information, and perinatal mental health information and is much different from most “pregnancy books.” I know this conversation and Emese’s book will offer help and hope to many people. Join us to learn more!

Emese Parker is a board-certified women’s nurse health practitioner (NP), perinatal mental health specialist, public health geek, and author of a fun, new pregnancy book called To Carry Wonder. After completing bachelor’s degrees in exercise science and nursing, Emese earned her master’s of science in nursing from Boston College and a master of public health degree from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has over 20 years of experience in healthcare and loves partnering with women of all ages as they navigate their distinct journeys in life.

Show Highlights:

How Emese came into the field of women’s health and perinatal mental health
The difference in pregnancy and postpartum care/support between an Ob-gyn and a nurse practitioner
Why Emese’s book covers many more topics than the common pregnancy and postpartum topics
Why Emese’s book can help women at all stages of life
How the book helps with the way we question ourselves and feel shame around our mothering experience
Why a portion of Emese’s book proceeds will help the International Justice Mission, an organization committed to combating slavery and violence around the world

Resources:

Connect with Emese and get your copy of her book! Website and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

288: Healing from Reproductive Trauma with Beth Warren, LCSW, PMH-C Sep 25, 2023

My guest today helps us understand reproductive trauma, what it looks like, and how to recognize it. She explains the difference between trauma and PTSD, how these conditions can show up in the reproductive period, and how they can impact individuals, partnerships, and families. Most importantly, her message is one of hope because there are proven ways to heal from reproductive trauma, and that’s the overriding theme of today’s episode. Join us to learn more!

Bethany Warren is a psychotherapist in private practice in San Diego who has worked in reproductive mental health for 25 years. She has authored The Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Workbook and Healing from Reproductive Trauma. She is certified in EMDR therapy and perinatal mental health, specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, birth and reproductive trauma, pregnancy loss, and infertility. She’s also an EMDRIA-approved consultant and facilitates EMDR training. She is a current member and previously served as the President of the Board of the Postpartum Health Alliance. Beth joined us for three previous episodes: 15-Postpartum OCD, 107-EMDR for Perinatal Mental Health, and 216-Understanding Attachment and Bonding. Visit our podcast archives to find these episodes.

Show Highlights:

Understanding trauma vs. PTSD
How psychological and trauma-related words are often overused and misused in pop culture
What PTSD might look like
How people can experience trauma in the perinatal journey
Why we need to recognize and validate ALL reproductive trauma—not just birth trauma
Thoughts on triggers—and why some people are triggered by the word “trigger”
How to be mindful of social media posts and the tendency to dissociate
How partners can also experience reproductive trauma and shouldn’t be overlooked
How reproductive trauma impacts people through grief and loss
How to begin the healing journey with treatment, therapy, new skills, and support groups

Resources:

Connect with Beth: Website and Instagram

Visit our Mom & Mind podcast archives to find other episodes with Beth: 15-Postpartum OCD, 107-EMDR for Perinatal Mental Health, and 216-Understanding Attachment and Bonding.

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

287: Postpartum Anxiety After Traumatic Birth with Savannah Burton, LPC-MHSP, S, PMH-C Sep 18, 2023

Today’s personal story comes from Savannah Burton. She’s the mother of two and the owner and therapist at My Memphis Therapist Counseling and Consulting. She is a University of Memphis alumnus and a postpartum anxiety advocate and survivor after experiencing different challenges with the birth of her two children. With a passion for maternal mental health, Savannah feels fortunate to live out her dream of helping others as a therapist and entrepreneur. She explains what it feels like to not like being pregnant, to feel hesitant about motherhood, and to be fearful about the decision to have a second child.

Show Highlights:

The truth: nothing can adequately prepare you for what to expect after the birth of your first child
How Savannah experienced a dramatic birth, unplanned C-section, breastfeeding struggles, maternity leave issues, shame, guilt, and anxiety
How she struggled to have a functional life and felt guilty if she prioritized self-care
How a new job and a more relaxed schedule helped her learn to preserve herself
How Savannah has learned to structure her work and home life to be present with her kids AND take care of herself
How she navigated a second baby, COVID, and opening a therapy practice that was limited to telehealth during the shutdown
Why Savannah loves helping other moms who don’t feel “cut out” for motherhood
What Savannah wants other moms to know about feelings of shame and finding support

Resources:

Connect with Savannah: Website and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

286: "Foundations in Paternal Perinatal Mental Health" with Dr. Daniel Singley Sep 11, 2023

I’m excited to welcome back Dr. Daniel Singley back to the show. He joined me about seven years ago when we were a brand-new podcast, and he’s been busy doing meaningful work in the world around paternal mental health. Join us to learn more about why the mental health of fathers cannot be overlooked in perinatal care.

Dr. Daniel Singley is a San Diego-based, board-certified psychologist and director of The Center for Men’s Excellence. His research and practice focus on men’s mental health with particular emphasis on reproductive psychology and the transition to fatherhood. He won the American Psychological Association’s 2017 Practitioner of the Year Award from the Division on Men and Masculinities. He is a past president of the APA’s Section on Positive Psychology and is the current president of the APA’s Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities and the President’s Advisory Council for Postpartum Support International. Dr. Singley conducts training and presentations around the country to assist individuals and organizations to enhance their level of father inclusiveness. He also founded the grant-funded Basic Training for New Dads, Inc. nonprofit and the Padre Cadre social networking application, Just for Dads, to give fathers the tools they need to be highly engaged with their infants and their partners.

Show Highlights:

How things have changed over the past seven years in paternal perinatal mental health–and why there is still much work to do
Why it’s a systemic problem in our society that men can’t take time off when a new baby arrives
How a dad’s mental health is affected in the reproductive period
What the numbers show about the prevalence of perinatal mental health disorders in fathers
How neurobiological shifts happen in fathers during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
How society’s message to fathers about being the emotional rock and provider for their family is a damaging one
The impact on a new baby, kids, and the family system when a dad gets the mental health help he needs
What perinatal mental health issues might look like in new dads
An overview of Dr. Singley’s advanced PSI training, Foundations in Paternal Perinatal Mental Health (Find out more at www.postpartum.net.)

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Singley: Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

285: Perinatal Mental Health Symptoms and Healing with Yoga with Ruthie Ayzenberg Sep 04, 2023

Today’s episode features another personal account of struggle through postpartum issues and a journey to healing. Join us to learn more from Ruthie’s story!

I’m joined by Ruthie Ayzenberg, LMFT, LPCC, PMH-C, CYT, a dedicated California-licensed psychotherapist with over a decade of experience specializing in maternal and perinatal mental health. She provides therapy, postpartum CBT/DBT skills coaching, and support groups through her private practice, Mental Fitness Therapy. She explains how her transition into motherhood helped propel her into the perinatal mental health field, and she highlights signs and symptoms, also known as “orange flags,” that are often missed in new moms. Ruthie shares how she incorporates yoga into therapy and how new moms can use yoga practices to manage daily stress and optimize their parenting. Despite being a therapist, Ruthie was caught off guard by the challenges of new motherhood and the juggle of parenting demands. This inspired her to pursue her certification from PSI and gain experience working with El Camino Hospital’s MOM program, creating groups and providing care for struggling perinatal moms and their families. In her practice and her work, Ruthie draws from a variety of therapy modalities, including Experiential, IFS, Brainspotting, EFT-Tapping, Expressive Arts, Mindfulness, Yoga, and CBT/DBT skills. Ruthie’s experience living in Russia, Israel, and the US has instilled in her a deep respect for cultural uniqueness, and she incorporates cultural strengths, creativity, and spirituality into her therapy work. Ruthie strongly believes that the best gift for a child is a parent who is striving for health, regardless of their imperfections.

Show Highlights:

How Ruthie struggled with the “two sides of motherhood”
How the birth experiences with her daughter and son were totally different for Ruthie
How the guilt-driven decision to return to work at 6 weeks postpartum created the perfect storm of stress, guilt, shame, and irritability
How Ruthie obtained the perfect job at the MOMS program at El Camino–and relished the healing environment there
Why so many therapists and medical professionals miss the signs and symptoms of perinatal mental health issues
How Ruthie found help and healing through yoga and psychedelic-assisted therapy
Signs and symptoms of postpartum issues that are commonly missed in physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral categories
How Ruthie helps others find healing and recovery through the 5 S’s: sleep, sunshine, social support, self-care, skills, and spirituality
How yoga helps connect the body and mind to bring healing
How yoga nidra (a practice that can be done at home and for free) can help new moms who struggle with sleep deprivation
Ruthie’s takeaways: “I want to give hope to listeners that you are capable, competent, and skillful. There are many different paths to healing, and they can be simple and small.”

Resources:

Connect with Ruthie and Mental Fitness Therapy: Website, LinkedIn, and Na'aleh Yoga Podcast (try Yoga Nidra with Ruthie!)

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

284: Blindsided by Anxiety and PTSD with Molly Vasa Bertolucci, PMH-C Aug 28, 2023

Struggles in the transition to motherhood can be a great motivator to help others. Such is the story of today’s guest. Becoming a mom during the early months of the COVID pandemic left Molly feeling blindsided by her birth and postpartum experience, even as a therapist. Unexplained seizures sent her newborn daughter to the NICU, an experience that fueled her postpartum anxiety. Later, she had a missed OCD diagnosis and went through the understandably difficult decision to have a second child. Join us to hear Molly’s story!

Molly Vasa Bertolucci is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and the founder of Poppy Therapy. She helps new moms, postpartum women, and moms who want to find meaning and courage in the emotions, big decisions, transitions, and new experiences that come with motherhood. She is a mother of two and is passionate about perinatal mental health. When she’s not doing therapy, Molly interviews moms about their first year of motherhood for her podcast, Our First Year.

Show Highlights:

Molly’s story of feeling blindsided and isolated by her daughter’s traumatic birth and postpartum anxiety
How an earlier miscarriage and the COVID shutdown preceded Molly’s traumatic birth experience at a birth center
How breathing complications for her baby, being sent home too soon (after five hours), and unexplained seizures prompted a NICU stay of about ten days for her daughter
How the continued COVID shutdown, nearby wildfires, mandatory CA curfews, and the death of a beloved family pet kept Molly feeling isolated, traumatized, and anxious
How Molly experienced OCD with feeling consumed by fear and doubt as her life spiraled into chaos and upheaval
How shocking intrusive thoughts prompted Molly to get help when her daughter was 6 months old
How Molly found help and relief through EMDR with a therapist and from the Hand to Hold support group for NICU parents
How medication helped with Molly’s OCD symptoms that she describes as mental and emotional torture
Why it was a difficult decision to have a second child, even though that birth turned out to be a healing experience much different than the first time
Why Molly decided to specialize in perinatal mental health and begin a podcast
Takeaways from Molly: “There is help! If you are not feeling like yourself, reach out for support. There is a whole world of support out there for you.”

Resources:

Connect with Molly and Poppy Therapy: Website, Instagram, and Podcast

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

283: Postpartum Healing after D-MER and Sleep Deprivation Aug 21, 2023

Today’s guest shares her experience with postpartum depression and how she got through it to the other side. Sleep deprivation is common for new parents, and it can definitely get in the way and diminish the magic of the brand-new relationship with their baby. Along with depression and the unusual condition of D-MER, sleep deprivation can make parents feel disconnected to the point that they misinterpret who they are and how they are functioning as new parents. Join us to learn more from Alicia’s story!

Alicia Delory is a freelance writer, editor, content strategist, and the mother of a four-year-old daughter. She is the author of the Amazon military family bestseller, Something is Better Than Nothing, and she’s currently hard at work on her second book. Alicia candidly shares her parenting story, including the reasoning behind sleep training with her daughter, which always spurs much debate among parents and experts. We discuss why parents should be free to follow their gut instincts in parenting decisions without the pressure of other people’s intrusion and the backlash that comes with those decisions.

Show Highlights:

How Alicia’s pregnancy and birth did NOT turn out like she wanted and expected–and only heightened her health anxiety
How Alicia experienced D-MER (dysphoric milk ejection reflex) and tongue, lip, and buckle ties with her newborn
Why she had bonding issues with her baby as the massive snowball of anxiety, D-MER, and diastasis hit her
How things came to a head with feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and a life with no joy
How a PSI Climb Out Of the Darkness Walk helped Alicia to see the light at the end of the tunnel
Why Alicia decided to do sleep training with her daughter and found immediate relief and improvement
How switching to formula feeding helped relieve some of Alicia’s anxiety
How prioritizing herself and self-care made Alicia a better mom for her baby
How Alicia transitioned back into good sleep, productive work, and pelvic floor therapy—then the pandemic hit and turned everything upside down, making her terrified to leave her home
How anxiety medications and therapy helped Alicia realize that anxiety is not a character flaw
How she worked to be more comfortable in leaving her house and going out in public
Why Alicia did a TEDx talk about her experience to help other moms
Why there is undue pressure for the one who becomes the “default parent”

Resources:

Connect with Alicia Delory: Website, Instagram, TikTok, and TEDx talk (Recognizing the Duality of Permission for New Moms)

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

282: What to Know About the New Postpartum Depression Medication Aug 14, 2023

I’m excited that today’s episode covers the new postpartum depression medication, Zuranalone (brand name Zurzuvae). This is the first pill for PPD and was just recently approved by the FDA. It differs from the IV infusion Braxanalone, which was FDA approved in 2019. As with any new medication, there are many questions to consider if we are to stay ahead of any misinformation and hesitations. Join us to learn what you need to know and understand about this fantastic new tool in the treatment of PPD.

Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody is the Assad Meymandi Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is an internationally recognized reproductive psychiatrist and clinician-scientist who also directs the UNC Center for Women’s Mood Disorders. Her work has focused on developing a comprehensive integrated clinical and research project in women’s mood disorders across the reproductive life cycle. Dr. Meltzer-Brody investigates the epidemiologic and biological predictors of perinatal biomarkers, as well as the impact of adverse life events.

Show Highlights:

An explanation for the layperson about Zuranolone—and why this is an exciting breakthrough in pill form
How SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) came to be used in the treatment of PPD, even though they have downsides and significant side effects
Why the new drug is different than traditional antidepressants previously used to treat PPD
What the clinical trials revealed about Zuranolone side effects, efficacy, and breastfeeding considerations
When Zuranolone will be available
The overall significance of this new medication
Why postpartum is different from major depression–and should be treated differently

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

281: Supporting Black Maternal Health and Mental Health with Chetina Guadalupe, LMFT Aug 07, 2023

Today’s show focuses on how Black birthing people and mothers might experience trauma in the healthcare system that impacts them during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. There is great complexity in the emotions that people feel during the transition to parenthood, and today’s guest is dedicated to providing support, resources, and healing. Join us to learn more!

I’m joined by Chetina Guadalupe, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, consultant, and the owner/creator of Always Live Lovely. In her work, she provides support through individual and couples therapy, music, a podcast, and speaking engagements. She is passionate about breaking the stigma and equipping people with tools for deeper understanding that leads to their healing.

Show Highlights:

An overview of Chetina’s therapy work and podcast, Breaking Barriers
Why Black women have real fears about maternal mortality
How labor and birth experiences differ greatly from person to person because of inconsistencies in the healthcare system
Why people of color have to advocate for themselves within the healthcare system in different ways
Why Chetina chose to have the support of a doula when she gave birth to her son
How Chetina went into warrior mode during labor and delivery with a singular, focused purpose
Why you have to know yourself, your triggers, and what makes a safe space
How to find empowerment and not give in to shame, guilt, and triggers
What healthcare providers can do to support a Black birthing person

Resources:

Connect with Chetina Guadalupe: Website, YouTube, TikTok, Podcast, and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

280: Emotional Journey Through Loss to Surrogacy and Spontaneous Pregnancy Jul 31, 2023

Today’s episode sheds light on the truth that we never know what someone has been through, especially regarding the journey to parenthood. It’s so easy, and often inaccurate, to assume that another person’s path has been somehow easier than our own. My guest’s story includes many elements, including infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and the decision to use a surrogate, also known as a gestational carrier. A beautiful part of her story is that her best friend chose to carry her twins for her, and a spontaneous pregnancy added another happy plot twist to the mix. Join us for Katelin’s story.

Katelin Buchanan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with extensive experience treating those with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse disorders, and major life transitions. She is passionate about working with women coping with infertility, pregnancy loss, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She co-founded a private practice, Women’s Therapy & Wellness, that treats women virtually throughout the state of Virginia. She has completed advanced perinatal mental health training through Postpartum Support International, serves as a volunteer with Postpartum Support-Virginia, and is trained in both EMDR and perinatal IPT.

Show Highlights:

Katelin’s journey: knowing something was “off,” PCOS, multiple IUIs, IVFs, and recurrent pregnancy loss in a five-year struggle to have a child
How her best friend, Erica, offered to carry her baby–but had a miscarriage on the first attempt
How Katelin began therapy along her journey and reached a point where she couldn’t continue
How Erica carried Katelin’s twins, who are now five-years-old
The emotional toll of the infertility journey
Why Katelin had to withdraw from many people to protect her mental health
How a local Resolve support group helped Katelin have an outlet
How she dealt with the anger that came with her journey
How she became spontaneously pregnant when her twins were 2-½ after being told it would never happen for her
How Katelin had severe postpartum anxiety and did a lot of grief work with her therapist
What it’s like to be the intended parent in a surrogacy/gestational carrier situation
Katelin’s advice about taking a self-care audit and finding joy in life

Resources:

Connect with Katelin Buchanan: Website

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

279: An OB's Postpartum Journey: Healing and Helping Others with Dr. Jessica Vernon Jul 24, 2023

Sadly, many moms fall through the cracks in the field of perinatal mental health because healthcare providers don’t have the proper knowledge about perinatal mental health conditions. Today’s guest is a doctor dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women and families. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Jessica Vernon is a mom who experienced a perinatal mental health condition. As an Ob-gyn, she is dedicated to helping educate residents in her field with adequate training and information about perinatal health and wellness so they can identify, assess, and make referrals for appropriate treatment. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She also is an advocate for maternal mental health and is the Director of Perinatal Mental Health at NYU Langone Ob-gyn. In addition to mental health, Dr. Vernon is passionate about health equity and is the physician advisor for the NYU Black Motherhood Matters Committee and the physician director of the NYU Holistic Care Program for Black Mothers. She has been quoted in the media as an expert and has shared her personal experience with postpartum anxiety and depression on national television. When she gave birth to her second daughter, she was able to implement the lessons and tools she learned with her first child. She utilizes social media, along with her website and blog, Metamorphosis to Mom, to connect and share supportive, authentic content and curated resources related to the reproductive journey.

Show Highlights:

How Dr. Jessica felt hyper-vigilant as a first-time mom and later saw that she had severe anxiety and OCD with sleep deprivation, intrusive thoughts, and feelings of isolation
How medication helped her after two long years of suffering
How obstetric training falls short in dealing with all the nuances of PMADs
How Dr. Jessica changed to focus more in her practice on those who are struggling and suffering with PMADs
How Dr. Jessica’s passion to help her patients is providing extra care and support for many
How Dr. Jessica and a colleague developed a curriculum for trainees, created a lecture series, and are equipping the next generation of Ob-gyns
Why it’s difficult for some Ob-gyns to screen and treat patients with a more holistic approach
Highlights of Dr. Jessica’s program and initiatives at NYU, including holistic care for Black birthers
How Dr. Jessica’s second pregnancy went differently with planning, medication, supportive resources, and self-care
How we can work for big system changes
Why Dr. Jessica thinks Obs should strive for better human connection with their patients and find ways to allow space for them and their feelings

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Jessica Vernon: Website, Instagram, and on TikTok

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

278: A Postnatal Depression Journey with The Shems Doula, Abla Benyahia Jul 17, 2023

I’m joined today by Abla Benyahia, a Moroccan, London-based postpartum doula and birth educator. She is the mother of two children under two years of age, and she’s a postnatal depression survivor. Passionately supporting women during their postpartum journey, Abla helps them navigate through mental health challenges and mom’s guilt to reclaim their true identities. Abla experienced postnatal depression after the birth of her first child, which was followed quickly by her second pregnancy. She shares her experience of what helped her, what didn’t help, and what she wishes she had done differently, along with her perspective as an Arab and Muslim mother. The mission of Abla’s work is to help people understand the importance of self-care and why it’s essential to get help as quickly as possible.

Show Highlights:

How Abla was born in Morocco before living in France and settling in London with her husband
How her first pregnancy went well, despite PCOS and the pandemic
How she experienced depression even before her baby’s birth, triggered by the fact that her family couldn’t travel internationally to be with her
How her birth plan couldn’t work like she wanted it to
How Abla’s religious beliefs factored into her birth experience and how giving birth in London was much different than in Morocco in support of a new mom both in the hospital and at home
How a loss of sleep and breastfeeding problems created the foundation for postnatal depression and intrusive thoughts
How a conversation with a friend led Abla to admit that something was wrong and that she needed help
How the support of a doula, therapist, and physiotherapist made a huge difference for Abla
Why Abla felt anger that none of the women in her daily prepared her for postpartum depression
How Abla’s husband learned to help and support her, helping her to prioritize self-care and quality time together rather than household tasks
How Abla’s second pregnancy occurred quickly and unexpectedly and gave her the chance to have her preferred birth plan AND her birth doula
How a helpful village of support made Abla’s second postpartum experience very different
Why Abla decided to become a certified doula and focus on helping other women

Resources:

Connect with Abla: Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

277: Debilitating Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts and OCD Jul 10, 2023

One of the best ways to help moms with various postpartum difficulties is to let them know they are not alone. Helping to do that is what Mom & Mind is all about, and today’s guest wants to help shed light and understanding on intrusive thoughts and OCD. We hope many people will benefit from hearing Jenn’s story. Please join us!

Jenn Holmes lives in Mississippi with her husband and two-year-old son. She is the Mississippi State Lead Coordinator for Postpartum Support International, and she’s sharing her story to help other moms. Jenn experienced debilitating intrusive thoughts within days of giving birth to her son. She didn’t know what was happening and became very frightened by her thoughts. As Jenn shares in our conversation, her thoughts became very graphic, which is a real-life scenario for those who experience intensive intrusive thoughts. She shares details that may be hard for some people to hear, so please use your judgment as to whether you are ready for those. If not, you can skip over those parts or come back to listen at any time.

An important note that Jenn mentions is that she thought she may be experiencing psychosis because of what she had heard in the media about postpartum psychosis and mothers who harmed themselves or their children. In truth, there is a wide range of postpartum psychosis experiences, and the media portrayal is often incorrect, sensationalized, or inhumane. If you’d like to learn more about postpartum psychosis, please listen to Episode 258 with Michele Davidson. To learn more about postpartum OCD from a clinical perspective, please listen to Episode 205 on destigmatizing intrusive thoughts with Dr. Nichole Fairbrother.

Show Highlights:

How Jenn’s perfect pregnancy and non-traumatic C-section delivery gave way to her first intrusive thought before she even took her baby home
How her thoughts progressed in graphic severity or harm to her baby and herself
How Jenn found a Facebook friend who said she had postpartum OCD and told her about coping strategies–(the woman Jenn credits with saving her and her baby)
How Jenn’s intrusive thoughts turned even more vivid and catastrophic, making her unable to function in daily tasks without thoughts of harming her son
How Jenn’s Ob diagnosed her with severe postpartum depression, prescribed helpful meds, and suggested a “naming and taming” approach to intrusive thoughts
How Jenn is doing today
How she saw a psychiatrist, a social worker, and two therapists who had no idea what was going on with her
Why books, resources, and mental health professionals need to do more regarding postpartum depression, intrusive thoughts, and OCD
How Jenn helps others today through work with Postpartum Support International

Resources:

Connect with Jenn: Instagram and Facebook

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

276: Healing from Tokophobia, PTSD and OCD with Rebecca McMartin Jul 03, 2023

We already know that the perinatal experience can be multi-layered and differently nuanced for each person. The story we’re hearing today brings several conditions into the spotlight of our attention and highlights the need for awareness and sound treatment around the world. My guest shares her experience with tokophobia, a term that may be unfamiliar. It refers to “a pathological fear of childbirth.” You can only imagine that this condition would cause a mental health crisis and complicate the perinatal experience. Join us to learn more in today’s conversation!

I’m joined by Rebecca McMartin, the host of the Perinatal Stories Australia podcast. She is a podcaster and digital creator based in Sydney, Australia, but she sees herself first as a storyteller and mom of a little boy. Following an acute mental health crisis when her son was born, Rebecca found relief in writing and stories as a way to process her pain and grief. From that experience, she decided to harness the power of storytelling to start Perinatal Stories Australia, which is a podcast, blog, and social media platform for Australian women to share their lived experiences with perinatal mental health. In today’s episode, Rebecca shares her complicated perinatal story and explains tokophobia. In her case, tokophobia led to PTSD, and her experience with intrusive thoughts and OCD served to complicate her story. We also talk about the importance of mother-baby psychiatric units, which are not as common in the US as in Australia and the UK.

Show Highlights:

An overview of Rebecca’s story: a history of anxiety and OCD from childhood that carried into adulthood and an uncomplicated pregnancy
Why Rebecca “did all the work” leading up to her pregnancy to avoid anxiety getting in the way of her experience
How dealing with anxiety comes down to holding onto the bits of life we can control and feeling overwhelmed by seemingly simple decisions
How everything changed for Rebecca as her third trimester came along with unnatural fears of childbirth and dying, fears of leaving her house, and tokophobia
How Rebecca’s doctor suggested a C-section because there is a certain level of control
How Rebecca found comfort through her Ob, the attending midwife, a social worker, and the hospital staff
Why a lot of self-blame and guilt accompany mental illness
How her anxiety changed during the postpartum to other fears, worries, and health anxiety
How Rebecca experienced PTSD shortly after her son’s birth, along with nightmares, insomnia, intrusive thoughts, and medication that wasn’t helping—all in the first week
How a health professional suggested that maybe she didn’t want to be a mother anyway, and that’s why she was struggling
How Rebecca’s social worker got her into the mother-baby psychiatric unit for help–and she finally felt SAFE
How local mental health crisis services helped Rebecca after her hospital stay and release
Why remedying sleep disturbances should be the FIRST step in helping new moms
How Rebecca realized (after her MBU stay) that she had tokophobia
Why self-compassion was a big piece of what Rebecca had to learn
Why Rebecca decided to start her podcast to tell her story and the stories of others–and to provide the resource that she once needed

Resources:

Connect with Rebecca: Website (and podcast), Facebook, and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

275: Advocacy Through Climb Out of the Darkness and I AM ONE Podcast Jun 26, 2023

We have a very special episode today, as we’re hearing from two guests about their important work through Postpartum Support International that is based on their lived experiences through perinatal mental health conditions. They are working tirelessly to help others access the resources they could have used, and they share how community support and other types of healing have helped them. We hope many people can find encouragement and support through their advocacy efforts and their openness in sharing their stories. Join us to hear from Emily and Dani!

Emily Jankowski Newton is a passionate perinatal mental health advocate and the Director of PSI’s Climb Out of the Darkness Program. This annual event is a community gathering for those who have experienced perinatal mental health conditions and their supporters. Through attending one of these events, Emily connected with other parents, found the help she needed, and saw the beginning of something incredible in her life. A combination of treatments, including talk therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes helped her recover from postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD. Emily works tirelessly today to raise awareness, build community, and connect folks worldwide to life-changing perinatal mental health resources.

Dani Giddens is a Perinatal Mental Health-Certified (PMH-C) advocate, a trained Group Peer Support (GPS) Leader in her community, and Assistant Director of PSI’s Climb Out of the Darkness Program. Hearing one person’s story on a podcast changed the trajectory of her life and was the catalyst to help her find a therapist and open up about her postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD. Most importantly, she realized she was not alone. Dani is one PNMH advocate with a microphone–and she’s not afraid to use it through the I AM ONE podcast.

Show Highlights:

Highlights from Emily’s story: the difficult birth of her first baby, hard recovery, sadness and anxiety, a second baby two years later, and the realization of her postpartum anxiety and rage
Highlights from Dani’s story: became a parent through frightening and unexpected events; felt rage, intrusive thoughts, and exhaustion; and was diagnosed years later with postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD
Why we need to check in on new moms and ask about their emotional health
How Emily found healing through blogging, therapy, being honest about her feelings, and attending her first Climb event
How Dani found healing through a significant podcast moment when she realized that she, too, could share her experience to help others
How Emily explored Climb Out of the Darkness, which she describes as the nexus of a support group, playdate, and summer camp
How Dani became involved in the Climb to support a friend–and eventually became a co-leader
Why a Climb event is a great place to discover and connect with healing resources
Details about Climb events and teams, which are now spreading internationally to Greece, Japan, and several African countries
How you can get involved in a Climb, either in person or virtually
Details about the I AM ONE podcast: how the idea was birthed and began in 2022, including the powerful intention behind the title

Resources:

To find out more, visit Climb Website (you can sign up through July 15 to lead a Climb in October or sign up to lead in June of next year), I AM ONE podcast, and PSI Website

Instagram links: @psiclimbout, @iamonepodcast, and @postpartumsupportinternational

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

274: Healing From Paternal Postpartum Depression with Kevin Seldon Jun 19, 2023

Today, we are highlighting the importance of mental well-being for fathers worldwide. Today’s episode features a devoted father who shares his personal journey through postpartum depression after the birth of his child.

Kevin Seldon is the founder of a leading social-impact consultancy with clients ranging from award-winning artists and Fortune 500 companies to world-renowned non-profits. However, more than a decade of building a company focused on inspiring passion in others and five years of struggling to build a family left him devoid of any passion within himself. When he and his wife finally found themselves expecting their first child, Kevin took an extended leave from all of his business endeavors and turned off his phone for a year to focus on his family and reconnect with himself. He found the experience exhilarating, exhausting, and lonely. Being shocked at the lack of support available to dads who seemed to be completely excluded from parenting culture led him to launch DILF, as in “Dad I’d Like to . . . FRIEND,” a top parenting podcast. DILF has broken into Apple’s Top 50 Parenting Podcast charts around the world, while recently hitting #6 on the US charts. What began as a simple forum to seek support from dads Kevin would want to . . . friend has evolved into a global community focused on the mental health of parents. In this community, ALL parents are welcome, regardless of cultural background, sexual orientation, and gender. The conversation moves beyond life with kids to focus more on the life of each human (who happens to be a parent), to focus on how they can thrive while attempting to be the best version of themselves.

Show Highlights:

How Kevin sunk into a deep depression during the five-year infertility journey with his wife
How his wife’s diabetes led to a difficult pregnancy and traumatic birth that resulted in a NICU stay for his son and emergency surgery for his wife
How Kevin tried to be present and bond with his son in the NICU but felt rejected in the parenting process when they went home
How he knew something “was off” with his mood/temperament but found comfort and connection through doing nighttime feedings with his son
Why Kevin decided to take a year off from work to spend extended time with his wife and son
How he still battled depression but experienced a pivotal moment of bonding with his son during a nighttime feeding
How Kevin became a stay-at-home dad not welcome at mom groups and with no dad friends—-and launched a podcast that became widely popular
Why dads feeling alone and isolated is a world problem with very little recognition and support
How dads can have postpartum depression because of the change in identity, sleep deprivation, change in relationship, etc.
How our mental health is affected by our lack of human connection–and what we need to teach our kids
How Kevin realized that he had postpartum depression (even though his wife didn’t know) and what the statistics show
Why it’s important to give men the space to talk about their feelings
How Kevin and his wife navigate “maternal gatekeeping,” co-parenting, and their team dynamic as a couple
Why the term “co-parenting” needs to be redefined
Why Kevin’s podcast seeks to be inspiring, positive, open, and supportive
Key takeaways about allowing space for everyone and protecting mental health and relationships

Resources:

Connect with Kevin: Website, Podcast, Parenting Survey, and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

273: Paternal Mental Health: The Emotional Wellness of Fathers Jun 12, 2023

Fathers are often overlooked in the conversation around perinatal mental health, and that needs to change. June is not only the month of Father’s Day but also International Fathers’ Mental Health Day, celebrated on June 19. Fathers, and men in general, have been conditioned to look past their feelings in most cultures, but we know men have complex emotional responses to the challenges of fatherhood. We need to offer more support for fathers in the co-parenting relationship, and these conversations are necessary and beneficial. Join us to learn more from today’s guest!

Adam Angel, LCSW, has 15 years of experience working with youth, adults, and families. His specializations include paternal mental health and developmental trauma. He currently facilitates both peer support and death-oriented therapy groups for fathers at various stages, specializing in supporting fathers who have suffered perinatal loss in stillbirth and early infancy. Adam’s specialization in developmental trauma is supported by his master’s level training in the NeuroAffective Relational Model, also known as NARM. We need to change the narrative around fatherhood and recognize men as the complex, emotional beings that they are.

Show Highlights:

What paternal mental health is and how Adam offers support to fathers
Why fathers feel left out of much of the perinatal experience and don’t want to be “the other” part
Common mental health challenges for dads in the perinatal period
How support groups and group therapy help fathers find safe spaces for conversations–even in the virtual space
What NARM is and how it works in therapy sessions
Why men need help dealing with shame, guilt, emotions, and the role model gap
How Adam uses Fair Play Life in therapy with fathers–and how it can be a tool to support relationships
Why both partners need to value all three relationships: you and your partner, you and your baby, and you and yourself
What fathers can do to get started with mental health conversations

Resources:

Connect with Adam: Website and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support! Find more information about International Father’s Mental Health Day events!

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!

272: A Dance in the DSM: My Tango with Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and OCD Jun 05, 2023

We all can learn from the stories others share about their struggles. Perhaps the most important benefit of that kind of sharing is to let people know that they are not alone. Today’s guest shares her experience because she wants people to understand what it’s like dealing with perinatal mental health issues and why it is vitally important to see a mental health professional. Her memoir, A Dance in the DSM: My Tango with Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and OCD, documents her story. Join us to hear Jessica’s story.

After graduating from Fairfield University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a concentration in creative writing, Jessica Cuomo went on to teach high school English for six years, library science for two years and currently teaches communications at a local high school. With the birth of her first child, she experienced her first mental health crisis, which inspired her to share her story in hopes of helping others who suffer from mental illness. It is not easy to share the uncomfortable and highly-stigmatized parts of a mental health journey, but Jessica’s story helps to normalize the struggle and offers concrete advice for support and recovery.

Show Highlights:

How Jess’ perinatal mental health was affected with her first pregnancy 11 years ago–when the mental health landscape was very different in the US
How mental health episodes occurred with anxiety and intrusive thoughts accompanied by hyperemesis gravidarum and neuroses of worrying about the baby
How an intense delivery and the hormone rollercoaster left Jess worrying obsessively about SIDS and not sleeping
How Jess recognized OCD symptoms when she saw a professional for a mental health screening
Why she felt guilty when she went back to work–and she saw her OCD symptoms worsen
How therapy helped with settling the intrusive thoughts
How her second pregnancy went better until a few weeks postpartum when she stopped sleeping
How a heightened awareness, panic attacks, adjusted meds, a ruptured cyst, a psychopharmacologist, and a lifeline friend at the right moment converged to be Jess’ “Yellow Wallpaper Moment”
Why Jess’ mission is to let people know that their mental health IS their physical health
How Jess’ book, A Dance in the DSM: My Tango with Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, and OCD, was meant to be a story of hope that busts through the stigma and lets people know that help is available

Resources:

Connect with Jessica Cuomo: Website, Twitter, Instagram, and Book

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

271: The Importance of Pelvic Health May 29, 2023

There is an overall lack of information and education about pelvic health in the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum world. A new mother’s ability to care for her newborn has everything to do with her mental, physical, and emotional health, but modern medicine and our society have lost touch with this message. Our systems are designed to nurture the infant, neglecting to empower mothers with dignity, truth, and preparedness. Let’s change that! Join us to learn more!

Dr. Laura Williams is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Board-certified Women’s Health Clinical Specialist. She practices and lives in Colorado with her husband, three-year-old daughter, and a second child on the way. She founded Hearth Healing, a 100% virtual postpartum healing service as a pelvic health consultant. Although not a substitute for in-person healthcare, postpartum healing consultation should be viewed as a vital way to bridge the gap in maternal care. People deserve information about how to improve symptoms that impact their quality of life after childbirth without having to wait months or feel limited by a lack of childcare or transportation.

At Hearth Healing, Laura provides individualized answers to postpartum healing questions, early healing strategies, self-management advice, and guidance on appropriate resources, products, and providers. Our discussion focuses on the lack of information about healing after childbirth and the options during pregnancy for pelvic health. Laura explains symptoms to look out for and when to seek additional help–because pelvic health impacts mental health.

Show Highlights:

What “pelvic health” is and what Dr. Laura does in her work
How Dr. Laura helps people prepare for the postpartum and know about available resources
How pelvic health impacts bowel and bladder functions, which are often overlooked
Why pelvic floor PT is necessary after certain surgeries
Why pelvic health problems are a loss of function—and a physical therapist like Dr. Laura can help people maintain function and optimize their quality of life
Why we need to prioritize wellness to be good parents–and to set examples for our kids
Why healthcare providers need to do a better job asking the right questions and screening patients for pelvic floor health
When someone should/could see a pelvic PT
How Dr. Laura helps patients virtually through her practice, Hearth Healing

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Laura: Website and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

270: Black Maternal Mental Health with Keisha Reaves, LPC, PMH-C May 22, 2023

Maternal mental health has a profound impact on individuals, couples, families, children, and our society as a whole. It’s important that every parent, regardless of race, color, or ethnicity, has access to resources and support when they need it most, and that just isn’t the case in our country. Today’s conversation focuses on maternal mental health in the Black community, and our perspective comes from a dedicated, mission-driven mental health provider who wants to make a difference in the lives of Black mothers. There is so much for us to learn and understand about this topic, so join us now for the conversation.

Keisha Reaves is the owner and clinical director of Push Thru Therapy. As a Georgia native, she has witnessed the stigma of mental health and has made it her mission to normalize therapy. With more than 16 years in the mental health profession, she is now a Certified Perinatal Mental Health provider serving birthing parents who are trying to conceive, have fertility issues, experience infant loss, are transitioning into parenthood, and those with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She has volunteered with Northside Hospital’s Infant Loss/ Bereavement Group and served for three years on the Postpartum Support International Georgia Chapter Board as the Training Coordinator, as well as currently volunteering as an educator to providers treating birthing parents in their practices. She is a facilitator for the Mocha Moms Group at the Atlanta Birth Center, and she facilitates a Black Moms group through Push Thru Therapy. In today’s episode, Keisha shares her personal story, along with giving us perspective on the factors that make Black maternal mental health and reproductive education so vitally important. She is intensely passionate about maternal mental health and strives to spread information, education, resources, and support to women of color.

Show Highlights:

How Keisha’s journey brought her to the important work she does today
How Keisha’s first pregnancy played out with many signs of postpartum depression and anxiety—and she didn’t realize it at the time
How she experienced sleep deprivation, brain fog, feelings of isolation, and had no friends and family close by to help
How Keisha felt shame and stigma around seeking therapy as a mental health clinician–and why she determined to help others through her work
What Keisha sees as gaps in adequate support for Black women—and why so many people of color are afraid to ask for the help they need
How Black mothers in the South experience societal and generational pressure to a greater degree because of the history of slavery
Why antepartum anxiety is a big challenge for many mothers
How Keisha’s second pregnancy was a different experience because she was proactive and had support in place
How unique worries and concerns (and anxiety) show up for Black mothers in today’s world–and why Keisha focuses on helping Black mothers to “be present in the joy of motherhood”
How a therapist who “looks like me” can be more helpful with sympathy and empathy
What Keisha would like to see in our progress with maternal mental health
What steps Keisha is taking now in her work to reach more people with education and information, both for mental health providers and mothers

Resources:

Connect with Keisha: Website, Push Thru Therapy Website, Instagram, Push Thru Mom Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

269: Dr. Kat's Postpartum Story - Interviewed by Karen Kleiman May 15, 2023

Today is a very special episode because I not only have the pleasure of hosting this podcast, but I am also the guest. Yes, that's right! Today, in honor of Maternal Mental Health Month, I'm opening up my heart and sharing my postpartum story with you once again; I last told my story way back in Episode 1 in June 2016. I want all of you who know me as Dr. Kat professionally to understand why I am so deeply passionate about the cause of maternal mental health. Join us now!

Karen Kleiman is a well-known international maternal mental-health expert with over 35 years of experience. As an advocate and author of several groundbreaking books on postpartum depression and anxiety, her work has been featured on the internet and within the mental health community for decades. In 1988, Karen founded The Postpartum Stress Center, a treatment and training facility for prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety.

Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D. PMH-C, “Dr. Kat,” is a perinatal mental health-certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques, and host of the Mom & Mind Podcast, covering personal stories and expert interviews related to perinatal mental health. She is also the board chair of Postpartum Support International, an organization whose mission is to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide. Dr. Kat began specializing in perinatal mental health after her own experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD over 12 years ago. Dr. Kat continues to work virtually with clients across California.

Show Highlights:

How Dr. Kat’s first pregnancy, even though planned and easy, resulted in a long, difficult labor that jump-started postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD
Why new moms struggle to know what’s normal, not normal, too much, or not enough
How feeling inadequate and incompetent as a new mom was part of Dr. Kat’s anxiety and her battle with perfectionism
How she felt alone and disconnected even from her husband, and NO ONE knew what was happening on the inside
How scary intrusive thoughts put her in emotional turmoil
Why shame and stigma are greater for mental health professionals–and will silence them at times
How Dr. Kat carried on her therapy work with clients as the depression grew, making her feel trapped, exhausted, embarrassed, and confused
How finally taking the PHQ-9 depression screening test for herself finally opened her eyes to the truth of what she was going through
How she shut down even with her therapist and turned to a naturopathic physician, acupuncture, and other healing alternatives
Why therapists MUST address the suffering client in front of them with curiosity and questions
Why Dr. Kat is so deeply driven to help other moms break through and find the help and support to know that THEY WILL BE OK

Resources:

Connect with Karen: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Book: Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts and LinkedIn

Check out Karen Kleiman’s other books: Website and Amazon

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

268: "Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts" with Karen Kleiman May 08, 2023

We continue in the month of May, Mental Health Awareness Month! We always need more awareness and advocacy for mental health in general, but for far too long, maternal mental health has been underrecognized and underdiagnosed. So many people have suffered without good resources and the proper support in place. Today’s guest has vast experience with perinatal mental health, and it allows her to see the long view of how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go. Join us to learn more!

Karen Kleiman is a well-known international maternal mental health expert with over 35 years of experience in the field. She is a strong advocate and the author of several groundbreaking books on postpartum depression and anxiety. Her work has been featured online and in the mental health community for decades. In 1998, Karen founded The Postpartum Stress Center, and in 2022, she founded The Karen Kleiman Training Center, which is dedicated to the advancement of clinical expertise and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. All of her advanced trainings are heavily influenced by The Art of Holding Perinatal in Distress™ model of intervention, created by Karen. In this conversation, we take a close look at intrusive thoughts and identify those that are normal and those that need an increased level of intervention. Karen’s latest book is Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers. Her other books include The Postpartum Partner, What About Us?, This Isn’t What I Expected, The Art of Holding in Therapy, and Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts.

Show Highlights:

Why Karen writes books as a unique avenue to empower moms
How the pandemic doubled and tripled exponentially the anxiety and fears for new moms
How the “scary thought” range can vary from mild to very awful–and they don’t always come with thoughts of hurting your baby or yourself
Why postpartum depression doesn’t always feel like symptoms–but like the mom is broken
How to know if scary thoughts are “too scary” by measuring a mom’s distress:
How much is it interfering with her ability to get through the day?
How much is it interfering with who she is and how she functions?
How women are built to function well with very high levels of distress
Why Karen hopes her book can help moms ask for help when they need it
What the statistics show around intrusive thoughts about harm to a mother’s baby
How every new mom experiences some obsessions and compulsions around their baby’s safety
Why the core of Karen’s work has become holding space for the authentic suffering of moms when they think they are “fine”
Why relationship problems have to be addressed along with postpartum depression and anxiety
Why connection to a partner is the #1 most important way to help a suffering mom

Resources:

Connect with Karen: Website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Book: Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts, and LinkedIn

Check out Karen Kleiman’s other books: Website and Amazon

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

267: Groundbreaking Spanish Language Perinatal Mental Health Training and Resources May 01, 2023

Sabemos que 1 de cada 7 mujeres (1 de cada 10 padres) experimenta síntomas de depresión y ansiedad durante su etapa posparto. Los Trastornos del Estado de Ánimo Perinatal (PMD) durante el embarazo y dentro del primer año después del parto, pueden manifestarse en las personas de todas las edades, niveles de ingresos, raza y cultura.

En este episodio, me acompañan Karla Cardoza, LMFT, PMH-C, y Marianela Rodriguez, Ph.D., PMH-C para hablar mas sobre este importante tema e informar a las mamas de habla Hispana.

Comparten sobre el desarrollo de los programas de Postpartum Support International para la salud mental de la mama. Nos informan sobre el trastorno del estado de animo y ansiedad en la etapa perinatal, y los recursos disponibles en español.

También comparten lo importante que es que más profesionales en el campo medico obtengan la certificación para entender sobre la salud mental materna.

¡Acompáñanos! Y comparte este podcast con todas las mamas que hablen español.

266: Supporting LGBTQ+ and Non-Traditional Families with Marie Sloane Apr 24, 2023

The conversation around parenting in non-traditional families needs to be expanded and better understood in today’s world. More and more families are being created with dynamics that make them non-traditional in some way, and support on the path to parenthood for EVERYONE is crucial. Join us to explore this topic in today’s episode!

Marie Sloane is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist based in Arizona. She focuses her practice on helping new parents of all backgrounds, specifically LGBTQ+ families and those with non-traditional family dynamics, like co-parenting, single parents by choice, queer parents, polyamorous families, and others. As a single parent for four years and a survivor of postpartum depression, Marie brings compassion and lived experience to parents adjusting to a variety of new dynamics and transitions. In our conversation, Marie explains why support for any parenting journey is vital, especially for those on a non-traditional path.

Show Highlights:

How Marie came to the important work she does today after experiencing postpartum depression after the birth of her son
How Marie didn’t know how to take care of herself, advocate for herself, or set healthy boundaries as a struggling new mom
Why Marie felt alienated and isolated as she left her unhealthy relationship without good support in place
How counseling helped her reframe her trauma and rebuild her self-esteem–and why she wanted to become a counselor
How Marie has learned to navigate the world of co-parenting with her son’s father
Why Marie found the niche (during the pandemic) of working with LGBTQ+ parents and non-traditional families
Why many non-traditional parents are reaching out for a non-judgmental and affirming space
Why Marie encourages her clients to find a combination of online support and local community support (Explore locally to find other family groups like yours!)
How “deconstructing” happens for those who grew up with a very specific worldview around faith, family, morality, etc.
What Marie sees that is lacking in perinatal mental health and support for LGBTQ+ families
How we can best educate ourselves to support non-traditional families around us

Resources:

Connect with Marie: Website and Facebook

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

265: Functional Medicine and "The Family Nervous System™" Apr 17, 2023

What happens to a person’s nervous system during times of stress, specifically in the transition to parenthood? The impacts of this stress on an individual’s nervous system are also felt in the entire family system. My guest has spent 25 years specializing in physical and neurological recovery in children with challenges and working with the entire family to recover “the family nervous system™”. I hope you are intrigued and want to know more! Join us now!

BG Mancini is a licensed acupuncture physician and practices as a primary care provider via telemedicine. Her focus is on functional medicine and nervous system resilience in children and families to identify the root causes of physical, emotional, and neurological challenges. She uses different tools in her work with families, and she specifically discusses one tool called SSP in today’s conversation. Her desire is to bring joy into parenting and help people feel good in their brains and bodies, thus connecting more deeply to themselves and their children.

Show Highlights:

How BG came to the healing work she does today with families
Why the gut microbiome is integral to mental, emotional, neurological, and hormonal health
The importance of the vagus nerve in the body’s responses to stress and trauma–and in the gut-brain connection
How the SSP (Safe and Sound Protocol) helps to scaffold the nervous system to identify threats and safety
How the SSP can be customized for children and adults with all manner of issues and challenges
Why getting an assessment about your digestion and the brain-gut connection is the best first step in stress management
How the app makes SSP available to everyone (with supervision)
How BG conducts her work through Zoom with people of all ages

Resources:

Connect with BG: Website (FREE 30-minute course for parents), Instagram, and Facebook

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

Books Mentioned by BG:

Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcersby Robert M. Sapolsky

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

264: Encore of Unwell Women with Elinor Cleghorn Apr 10, 2023

Today’s episode is a replay of one of my most popular episodes that I’m sure you will enjoy. Please tune in and share with your friends.

We, as women, have absorbed much history into ourselves over time regarding our bodies and our health. We wonder why we feel unheard and dismissed, and the more we learn, the more enraged we should become about how modern Western medicine has treated women with medical and mental health conditions. Join today’s conversation for deep insight and a message of hope.

Dr. Elinor Cleghorn is a feminist cultural historian, and her critical writing has been published in several academic journals. After receiving her Ph.D. in 2012, she spent three years as a post-doctoral researcher at the Ruskin School, University of Oxford, where she worked on an interdisciplinary medical humanities project. She is the author of Unwell Women: Misdiagnosis and Myth in a Man-Made World, a book that I recommend highly to all our listeners.

Show Highlights:

What brought Elinor to write the book after a lupus diagnosis that followed a very complicated pregnancy with her son
How Elinor began her research with urgency into her lupus diagnosis and the history of medicine, expanding into other commonly misdiagnosed diseases in women
Why Elinor began at the beginning, learning about ancient Greece and the formation of medical practice
How women’s bodies were viewed largely as reproductive vessels to produce and mother male heirs
Why men in ancient patriarchal societies began to assert social control over women and their bodies
How the Western medical model has been affected by social thinking, myths, and fantasies about women’s roles
How the word hysteria has been applied to a misunderstanding of women and was originally derived from a word for the uterus
How medical leverage was used in horrible ways against black enslaved women in 19th century America, leading to gynecological violence and reproductive abuse
Why Elinor wanted her book to expand to cover women’s experiences all over the world and not just be her personal story
What Elinor has discovered about women’s mental health across history
How dominant ideas have shaped societal views about the ideal motherhood and “how mothers SHOULD feel”
Elinor’s hopes for readers of the book: “Remember that your body is your own, no matter how medical caregivers might make you feel.”

Resources:

Unwell Women: Misdiagnosis and Myth in a Man-Made World by Elinor Cleghorn

Connect with Elinor: Twitter and Instagram

263: Coping Through Treatment-Resistant Postpartum Depression with Lynn Wilhite Apr 03, 2023

The message of today’s conversation is that postpartum depression and anxiety don’t always have simple, easy fixes. Medications, therapy, and other supports don’t help some as quickly as others. In these cases, suffering mothers need to know that they are not alone and that others are going through the same challenges that come with lingering depression. Today’s guest shares her story to bring awareness to this issue. Join us to learn more.

As a social worker and mom of a three-year-old son, Lynn Wilhite suffers from postpartum depression. She has been struggling since pregnancy, with medications being unable to help her effectively thus far. She has created the Instagram page, My Journey with PPD, as a way of trying to reach other moms and partners with similar experiences. Lynn hopes to bring awareness to the fact that PMADs don’t always have an easy fix and loved ones need to support a mother for the duration of her journey.

Show Highlights:

How Lynn’s PPD story began as she planned, with her psychiatrist, adjustments to her antidepressant and sleeping medications to prepare for her first pregnancy
How not sleeping for an extended period of time brought on her depressive episode
How her son’s birth went well, except for the NICU interventions brought on by her medications—and her first dose of “mom guilt” occurred
Where Lynn is today–three years postpartum and over 40 medications later
How her son had sensory processing disorders and needed several therapies, perpetuating her mom guilt
How Lynn tried multiple medications, trying to find something that worked
How suicidal ideations and problems in bonding with her son brought additional challenges
How Lynn experiences grief, even today, over her guilt and all the things that haven’t gone well in her motherhood journey
Why Lynn was hospitalized at two years postpartum after trying every medication available in different combinations
How a move to a different state left her with a gap in therapy and support
How a new medication is starting to lift the depression fog for Lynn and give her cautious optimism
What Lynn’s current therapy work is doing to help
What Lynn wants people to know and hear from her story

Resources:

Connect with Lynn: Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

262: Impacts of High Functioning, Severe Postpartum Anxiety and Depression Mar 27, 2023

My guest today shares her personal story of severe postpartum anxiety and depression while appearing in a high-functioning state to those around her. It is important for us to hear real-life accounts from those who look like “everything is fine.” Join us for a closer look from this unique perspective.

Caitlin Shadek is a mom of three boys, ages 3, 6, and 8. She is a lawyer who has practiced as a commercial litigator for the past 14 years, but she recently left her job to attend Rutgers University School of Social Work to obtain her master’s degree in social work. Her desire is to work with women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and help bridge the gap in their care between the OB/GYN and the pediatrician. Caitlin felt that lapse in care firsthand when she suffered from severe postpartum depression and anxiety after her first two pregnancies and entered a hospital treatment program when her third son was a toddler. Her own experiences have been the impetus behind her career change and desire to help treat and advocate for better women’s mental health care. She is currently an intern at a practice specializing in infertility and prenatal/postnatal counseling.

Show Highlights:

How Caitlin’s story begins about nine years ago with her first pregnancy and the immediate feelings of dread and panic she felt at the moment of birth
Why she was afraid to go home from the hospital with her new baby
How wearing a catheter for six weeks added to the anxiety she felt about caring for her baby
How dark thoughts plagued her–but she never shared them with anyone and pretended that everything was fine
How she began therapy and medication when her son was about nine months old, but the dark thoughts and depression continued
Why she wanted a second child–despite the serious issues in her life (including self-harming behaviors)
How she felt guilt about continuing her medication while pregnant and experienced postpartum depression AGAIN
How Caitlin went back to work and put on her “high-functioning postpartum depression face”
How her struggles continued into her pregnancy with her third son, and things felt a little different after his birth
How the pandemic threw their family into survival mode with everyone at home together
Why Caitlin worked very hard to put on a good face until everything culminated in December 2021–and she knew she was NOT OK
How Caitlin’s therapist sent her to the ER during an intense COVID resurgence because of her depression and suicidal thoughts
Why Caitlin agreed to go to the psychiatric floor for treatment–and then tried to change her mind
How she was released to go home and enrolled in an outpatient DBT program that changed her life
How Caitlin decided what her next phase of work would be–to become a social worker and provide other mothers with the help she had needed
Why maternal mental health falls between the OB/GYN and pediatrician and is often overlooked
What Caitlin would say to someone in a similar situation

Resources:

Connect with Caitlin: Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!

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!

261: Parenting Stress and Coping with Your Child's Medical Condition Mar 20, 2023

Hearing that your child has a medical diagnosis throws a new kind of stress and strain into the parenting arena. Whether the diagnosis is transient or severe, increased parental anxiety is a common issue that presents many twists and turns. Today’s guest shares a pediatrician’s perspective on supporting parents’ mental health through this process. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Kelly Fradin is a pediatrician and the author of Advanced Parenting: Helping Kids Through Diagnoses, Differences, and Mental Health Challenges. She is a mother of two and a child advocate based in New York City.

Currently the Director of Pediatrics at the Atria Institute, she was inspired to become a doctor because of her experience of surviving childhood cancer. She is a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, and she has dedicated her career to caring for children with complex medical conditions, using her skills in academic clinics, private practice, inpatient units, and schools. In addition to sharing information from her new book, Dr. Fradin shares realistic and powerful parenting advice and children’s health information on her Instagram account: @adviceigivemyfriends.

Show Highlights:

How Dr. Kelly’s childhood cancer journey opened her eyes to the mental health needs of parents
Why we should normalize and talk about the challenges that come with new parenthood–and anticipate that trying times will come
Why it is important to have an honest relationship with your doctor and your child’s doctor
How feeding challenges come up for a new baby as a very common issue and diagnosis
How a child’s diagnosis can lead to excessive worry, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts
How a more serious diagnosis and a larger medical care team lead to a more complex responsibility and anxiety
Why parents should NOT try to “do it all” themselves but should accept help and delegate responsibilities to others
How a NICU experience can impact parents’ mental health (While in the NICU, don’t be afraid to ask for what you need!)
What the reality is in coping with a diagnosis and the stigma that follows in the “what’s next?” phase
Why it helps fight feelings of isolation to be open with your circle of family and friends
Why it’s OK to give yourself permission to feel anger in addition to frustration and sadness
How a couple may experience their child’s diagnosis in very different ways
What Dr. Fradin’s book shares about information and coping strategies for parents

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Kelly Fradin: Website, Instagram, and Book

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

260: Immigration and Culture Shock: Coping Through PPD and PPA with Eszter Kalman Mar 13, 2023

Perinatal mental health is important for every new mom, but there are extra challenges for moms who are immigrants living in a country and culture that are unfamiliar. Such is the story of today’s guest. Join us to hear how she overcame many difficulties to turn her trauma into her renewed purpose to help others!

Eszter Kalman is a mom of two who struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety. She experienced the loneliness of motherhood after moving to the US from her native Hungary. She shares with us what it was like to discover her new life as a new mother and immigrant and how she learned to cope with the cultural differences that met her at every turn. Eszter also faced the difficulty of transitioning into motherhood after losing her own mother in Hungary and living in the US with none of her family nearby. It was her postpartum journey that led her to make meaning of her own experience by going back to school to become a therapist and help other moms. She has worked as a Helpline volunteer for Postpartum Support International and the Postpartum Health Alliance of San Diego for many years. From her beginnings in Hungary to time spent living in Spain and Italy, Eszter has resided in San Diego for the past 12 years and proudly calls it her home. She loves the sunny weather, exploring parks and beaches, and going for long walks with her dog.

Show Highlights:

How Eszter experienced culture shock when she first moved to California as an immigrant from Hungary and quickly married her husband and found herself pregnant just a few months later
How Eszter, as a new mom, had to adjust to her husband’s family, which was very different from what she was used to as far as honoring privacy
How her pregnancy was easy with no mention of the possibility of postpartum depression and anxiety
How postpartum depression and anxiety kicked in almost immediately when she and her newborn son went home, and she felt alone and unsupported
How Eszter missed her mother in the first days of motherhood because she has passed away a couple of years earlier
How Eszter realized that she wasn’t enjoying motherhood and was jealous of other moms who were
How Eszter learned not to express her true feelings because she was invalidated by everyone around her
How one nurse made an impact as the one person who understood Eszter and tried to help her
How Eszter finally got connected to a therapist and found the help she needed, but was hesitant to reveal that she was getting therapy because of the cultural stigma
Why it became healing for Eszter to be able to openly talk about her experience and share it with others without shame and guilt
Why Eszter loves the work she does today in private practice to help other moms with perinatal mental health
How Eszter is creating resources, like a course and podcast, especially for other Hungarians
Why turning your trauma into your purpose makes meaning out of your experience
Eszter’s hopeful message for new moms: “The sooner you learn to ask for help when you need it doesn’t mean that you are weak; it means that you want to remain strong.”

Resources:

Connect with Eszter Kalman and Golden Tears Therapy: Website, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

259: Journey Through Infertility and Having a Gestational Carrier with Lizzie Smith Mar 06, 2023

We know that family building can happen in many different ways. Today’s show highlights one of the most harshly judged routes to having a child. Let’s take an insightful look at the beautiful process of surrogacy, also known as gestational surrogacy. This family-building option can be something that brings out the best in us as humans! Join us for the conversation!

Today’s personal story comes from Lizzie Smith, a 40-year-old school administrator who is the mother of 17-month-old James. She and her husband went through almost a decade of infertility before their miracle baby boy was born. Lizzie explains surrogacy to us, along with why people might need a gestational carrier. She also shares common misconceptions about surrogacy and why there is such judgment around this topic, which prompts many rude and hurtful comments from others.

Show Highlights:

A look at Lizzie’s journey: trying to get pregnant, having tests done, seeing a reproductive endocrinologist, and going through the long process of four failed IVF transfers
Why they considered surrogacy after the fourth failed IVF attempt–and felt hopeful for the first time in years
How the long process of surrogacy began in 2018 with an agency and Lizzie and her husband, the intended parents (IPs)
Why it’s a long and difficult process to choose a surrogate, a person with whom you are choosing a unique relationship
How going through the surrogacy process during COVID added another layer of difficulty
How the surrogacy process began for Lizzie with multiple tests and medical clearance for their chosen surrogate–with many opportunities for roadblocks along the way
How their embryo transfer took place in late 2020 after all the contracts and legal documents were signed
How the pregnancy progressed with Lizzie and her surrogate texting and communicating almost daily
How Lizzie and her husband were able to be present at the birth because COVID had calmed down
How Lizzie’s relationship with her surrogate continues today
How the surrogacy process brought unique challenges for Lizzie
How years of frustrating infertility brought many negative feelings to Lizzie about her “broken body”
How Lizzie dealt with the comments and opinions from others about her surrogacy choice–and felt pressure to “prove” herself as a person worthy of parenthood
Common misconceptions about surrogacy and the reasons people choose this option
Why support is important to intended parents going through surrogacy
What Lizzie wants people to know and understand about surrogacy

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

258: Postpartum Psychosis with Michele Davidson, PhD, CNM, PMHNP-BC, PMH-BC, SANE, RN Feb 27, 2023

Postpartum psychosis is a topic we have highlighted on the podcast before, but the need for more information about this devastating condition always increases when it is mentioned in a tragic news story. There are so many questions and concerns when this condition turns up in the national spotlight because many people don’t understand what a mother might be going through as a result of postpartum psychosis. Regardless of the details around a specific situation, it is clear that factual information and education are needed more than ever around perinatal mental health. Join us for a closer look with today’s guest.

**Trigger warning: I want to give a heads up that our discussion does include the topic of infanticide, so please determine for yourself if you are able to listen to this episode if this is a sensitive subject for you.

Michele Davidson is a fellow board member with me at Postpartum Support International; she has multiple degrees and has been a certified nurse-midwife for almost 30 years, delivering more than 1000 babies in her career. After her personal battle with postpartum psychosis, she became a PMHNP with a specialization and certification in perinatal mental health to help other families who are suffering from this disorder. Dr. Davidson served as an associate professor of nursing at George Mason University and helped develop the certificate in forensic nursing. She was also the coordinator of the Ph.D. program, during which time her research focused on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She co-developed the Davidson Conceptual Model of Prodromal Postpartum Psychosis Symptomatology, which has been used in reproductive psychiatry practice. She is the author of over 35 textbooks and 50 peer-reviewed articles, including the Nurse’s Guide to Women’s Mental Health, which was awarded the American Journal of Nursing Book Award, and Old’s Maternal Newborn Nursing, which is published in 12 languages. On the current PSI Board of Directors, she serves as the Infanticide Coordinator and was the previous PPP Coordinator for 12 years. She resides with her husband in coastal Virginia and has four children and is the owner and founder of Chesapeake Bay Psychiatry, which specializes in perinatal mental health and serves families in VA, MD, and CT.

Show Highlights:

A basic explanation of postpartum psychosis (PPP), which is just one of the conditions under the umbrella of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (along with depression, anxiety, and OCD)
What the main risk factors are for PPP
Why PPP is different from postpartum depression and has a very different presentation
What the most common symptoms are of PPP, most of which are auditory or visual
What it might look/sound like if a loved one is battling PPP
What the statistics show about people with PPP relating to suicide and infanticide
How and when psychosis might occur, both during pregnancy or the postpartum
The connection between PPP symptoms and continual lack of sleep
What it might feel like to experience the beginning stages of PPP
How PPP symptoms can wax and wane–and how this characteristic plays out in the legal system and the stigma of PPP
How PPP played out in Michele’s life as evidence that it CAN happen to anyone, even without the common risk factors
Why early intervention, perinatal specialists, and other support resources are vitally important
Why it is important to not stop taking medications for mood and anxiety disorders
Highlights of helpful resources for perinatal mental health
Postpartum Psychosis Awareness Day is May 5! Wear purple to show your support!

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Davidson: Website

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

257: Native Hawaiian and Pasifika Perinatal Mental Health Feb 20, 2023

Understanding culture is extremely important, especially in the field of perinatal mental health. The cultural context has everything to do with how someone experiences the world and manages their mental health. Join us in this episode to learn more!

Kalena Kaopuuokalani Lanuza is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) and a doctorally prepared, fully-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and certified lactation counselor. She currently resides in the unceded territory of the Ventureño Chumash, which is commonly known as Ventura, California. We discuss the connection between colonialism and settler colonialism, cultural and intergenerational trauma, and mood and anxiety disorders in Native Hawaiians and Pasifika. Kalena also shares her current work and how the reconnection to culture and land can be important for Native Hawaiian and Pasifika people who were removed from their ancestral lands.

Show Highlights

How Kalena became interested in perinatal mental health
How Kalena’s personal experience with perinatal anxiety with the birth of her son in 2014
How Kalena opened her practice last June with the intention of being available for other Native Hawaiians
Why Kalena named her practice with the symbolic name “Mana”
How Kalena found “the truest space” for her to fulfill her calling and work to help other mothers
Why changes are needed in health care to establish and maintain cultural competence
How Native Hawaiians are inextricably connected to their land
How the ramifications of colonialism and settler colonialism influence mental health challenges
Why Kalena has to be mindful of ALL the different facets that come into play when working with indigenous people
How “lumping” together different populations/cultures has been detrimental–and the data needs to be segregated and recalculated
Why we need more and more cultural competency and cultural humility in today’s world
Kalena’s message to other providers about sitting with each person and giving them space
How specific aspects of perinatal mental health can be best supported through a cultural lens
How the identity of a Native Hawaiian solely wrapped up in “vacation mode” is hurtful and inauthentic

Resources

Connect with Kalena Lanuza: Website and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

256: Managing Overstimulation for Highly Sensitive Parents Feb 13, 2023

Today’s important topic is near and dear to my heart. We are discussing what it’s like to be a highly sensitive parent, and if you’ve listened for very long, you know that I am a highly sensitive parent. We can’t shy away from this topic, because it affects many parents, and it puts a different spin on the challenges that are part of the journey to parenthood. Join me to learn more!

Amy Lajiness, LCSW, PMH-C, is a psychotherapist and parenting coach with nearly a decade of experience in working in the field of mental health and wellness. She is passionate about teaching highly sensitive, empathic, and overwhelmed moms how to harness their strengths and manage challenges to thrive in parenthood. Amy provides therapy for women and parents in California and offers resources, courses, and video coaching for highly sensitive parents around the world. Amy helps us understand what it’s like to be a highly sensitive parent, along with the ways sensory overload and multiple competing expectations cause parents more stress. Amy shares practical ways to reduce sensory overload and overstimulation and ways to create realistic expectations for yourself as a parent. Being a highly sensitive parent comes with many gifts, and these gifts can be leveraged in positive ways to support yourself and your children.

Show Highlights:

How Amy realized in her 20s that she experiences the world in different ways–and that was magnified as she became a parent
How Amy’s mission became to support parents who don’t fit into a set “box” of postpartum depression or anxiety but find parenting difficult because of their sensitivity
The basics of what it means to be an HSP (highly sensitive person) parent: feeling guilt, having a hard time keeping up with parenthood demands, feeling rage/irritability/desire to escape, and losing touch with who they are outside of parenthood
How the acronym DOES can be used for the scientific explanation of being an HSP: Depth of processing, Overstimulated easily, Empathy, and Sensitivity to subtle stimuli
Why it is important to realize that the signs of an HSP in parenthood can be gifts in certain ways
Why highly sensitive parents have to give themselves permission to take a break and take care of themselves–before they hit the WALL
How highly sensitive parents deal with stress, overload, and multiple expectations
Why highly sensitive parents need to look with introspection and understanding at what they CAN and CAN’T do
Practical tips for HSP parents for reducing sensory overload (beyond therapy), like taking micro-breaks, finding balance, setting timers, establishing boundaries, etc.
Why we need to dismantle the myth that “good parents” want to be with their kids 24/7 and never need breaks
Why the main gifts of HSPs are attunement, empathy, and mindfulness, along with experiencing beautiful things with our children and connecting with them physically and emotionally

Resources:

Connect with Amy: Website, Instagram, Facebook

Visit Amy’s website, find what you’re looking for, and apply coupon code “MOMANDMIND” for 20% off any purchase through all of 2023!

Books mentioned in this episode: The Highly Sensitive Child, The Highly Sensitive Person, and The Highly Sensitive Parent (all by Dr. Elaine Aron)

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

255: Sexual Abuse Survivors and Perinatal Mental Health with Deborah Flam Feb 06, 2023

Today’s show is about the effects of sexual abuse on pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people. This topic may be difficult for some, even though we are not discussing specific details of sexual abuse events; please determine for yourself whether you are ready to listen to this episode or not. You can find all of our episodes available for you whenever you are ready at www.momandmind.com. If you are ready, join us to learn more in today’s episode!

Deborah Flam is a reproductive therapist in New Jersey. She is also a volunteer support group facilitator and a NJ Support Coordinator for Postpartum Support International. She is on the board of PSI-NJ as the Community Outreach and Engagement Board Member. Her training is in perinatal mental health, infertility, birth trauma, perinatal/infant loss, and compassionate/bereavement care. Deborah also has specialized training on the impact of sexual abuse on childbearing individuals. She has volunteered for the Ocean County Sexual Response Team as a Confidential Sexual Assault Advocate and provided training for nursing and social work students on issues related to sexual abuse. In sharing her personal story, Deborah explains how her trauma history impacted her pregnancy and postpartum experience. She also shares how clinicians can help prepare sexual abuse survivors for their baby’s birth and how medical professionals can provide trauma-informed care.

Show Highlights:

Deborah’s story of anxiety that began with her positive pregnancy test and escalated to depression–even though she was already seeing a therapist
How she was in complete denial about her pregnancy, feeling like the baby was a parasite in her body
How her labor began at 35 weeks in an unexpected way–and she didn’t feel anything and was eventually sent home
How her 37-week appointment found her in labor again—and her son was born a few hours later
How Deborah’s postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD, avoidance, and intrusive thoughts plagued her after giving birth
How she learned that the pregnancy and postpartum experience can feel terrible
What the statistics say about the likelihood of women experiencing physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime
Why many sexual abuse survivors feel shame, fear, and fragility related to pregnancy and their medical care
How the gender of the baby can trigger fears and strong emotions among survivors, along with the common medical practices related to pregnancy and birth
How some survivors are triggered by fear and shame around bodily functions and bodily fluids during labor and delivery
How even the sights, sounds, and smells of the hospital can be triggering for survivors
Why nursing personnel should be attentive to the passive patient who seems calm and perfect, the patient who is completely dissociated from the experience, and the “difficult” patient
Deborah’s tips for how medical providers and therapists can show up better for sexual abuse survivors in very simple “workarounds”
How Deborah’s PMADs experience has led to beautiful healing

Resources

Connect with Deborah

Website

Resources mentioned in this episode and recommended by Deborah:

RAINN

Black Mamas Matter Alliance

Time’s Up

FORGE

Anti-Violence Project

The Network La Red

Survivor Moms' Companion

When Survivors Give Birth book by Penny Simkin

It's OK That You're Not OK book by Megan Devine

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

254: Mental Health Challenges through Miscarriages, Pregnancy, and Postpartum with Megan Monds, LCSW Jan 30, 2023

Many people experience some kind of mental health condition through pregnancy and postpartum. The reproductive journey brings many challenges, and today’s guest gives us a glimpse into her story of recurrent loss, pregnancy, postpartum, and how she came to self-advocacy and empowerment through her challenges. Join us to hear Megan’s story!

Megan Monds fills many roles in life, none more important to her than mother to her two small children, ages 5 and 3. She is a highly-sensitive person who works as a mental health therapist for children, adults, and families. Her passion is working with children and adults with complex trauma histories, and she has her own lived experience with anxiety, depression, and trauma. By sharing her story, she hopes to empower and validate others who are facing a challenging journey to parenthood.

Show Highlights:

How Megan’s story includes three miscarriages before giving birth to her first child
How Megan coped with her first miscarriage by using avoidance–and carried on with her very busy life
How two more miscarriages occurred during the next two years, and they didn’t seem as emotionally jarring as the first one even though childhood trauma reappeared
How her first full-term pregnancy was hard, making it difficult to connect to her baby
How her induction and all the medical interventions did not follow her birth plan at all–again, feeling like it was all happening TO her and beyond her control
How Megan saw a therapist and did the work on herself after her daughter was born
How she felt more whole, healthy, and understanding during her next pregnancy with her son–much different than her pregnancy with her daughter
How her son’s birth played out in a much more peaceful way than the raw and intense birth of her daughter
How Megan’s sensitivity and anxiety contributed to her trauma response and impacted every aspect of her emotional experience
How Megan realized with her second birth that she could have more control over her environment and her mental state
What Megan wants others to know about mental health and getting support
Why it is empowering to realize that your experience is more important than what any expert or provider might say, especially when “there isn’t research to support your experience”
Why it’s OK if your needs and preferences don’t make sense to others
Why it’s important to come at your challenges from a place of curiosity instead of rigid expectations

Resources:

Connect with Megan: Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

253: Healing Through Trauma from Birth and the Pandemic Jan 23, 2023

Those trained in perinatal mental health can still struggle with perinatal mental health conditions. Having professional knowledge of the issues doesn’t make someone immune from any mental health problems. I’m grateful that today’s guest is sharing her story to show that those in the helping professions can experience the same struggles that any other person does. Join us to hear Kelsie’s story!

Kelsie Hammons is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist in Arkansas. She became a mother in early 2020, which meant that her entire postpartum experience took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although she was trained and knew about the supportive tools to mitigate postpartum stressors, she struggled with the additional unpredictable layers of stress in healing from her traumatic birth experience while the pandemic was raging. She attempted to find her own rhythm during the isolation as she felt that she was mothering against the current. Kelsie’s experience lit a fire within her to work to support women during these transition times and help them feel more connected and regulated.

Show Highlights

Kelsie’s professional career launched about the same time as her pregnancy with her baby, born in February 2020
Her birth didn’t go as planned and required an emergency C-section–and then her postpartum coincided with the pandemic shutdown
A struggle to find her new identity as a mother while feeling isolated and unsupported
What supports Kelsie had in place before her birth
Gaslighting herself and her feelings of anxiety until she reached out for help when her daughter was several months old
Kelsie coped with what she knows now was a trauma response
Healing has to come at its own pace–and how Kelsie learned this through therapy work
Why it was monumental for Kelsie to process her birth experience
How Kelsie is able to offer regulation tools to women with understanding because she knows what worked best for her
Problems occur when external pressures interrupt internal values for new moms
Kelsie’s work has transitioned to Heart Led Mental Health

Resources

Connect with Kelsie Website (coming soon!) and Instagram

Thrive Counseling and Wellness

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources. I’d love to hear from you!

Click HERE for information on the grief course.

Visit my website for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

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

252: Preparation and Prevention of Perinatal Mental Health Conditions with Kayce Hodos, LCMHC, PMH-C Jan 16, 2023

Today’s focus is on thinking ahead in your perinatal mental health journey. Most of us learn about our problems as they are happening, and we have to learn how to cope along the way. When someone who has “been there” is open and honest about their experience, we can plan ahead and be better prepared. Join me to hear the journey story of today’s guest.

Kayce Hodos has spent the better part of her 20+ year career in mental health focused on loss and life transitions. After having her son in 2012, her coping skills were put to the test as she struggled through the darkness of postpartum depression and anxiety. With the help of her therapist and supportive husband, Kayce was able to climb out of her pit of despair. When she was healthy again, she had a newfound passion for supporting women through their adjustment into motherhood. Today, she works to empower new mothers with real life strategies for thriving while caring for a tiny human.

Show Highlights:

An overview of Kayce’s journey into motherhood from 2012 until now
How she struggled with breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and the overall transition into motherhood–even though she had a great support system
How crawling out of the pit of depression inspired Kayce to help other mothers
Why prevention of mental health problems is missing in preparing new parents for the birth of their child
How we can help people learn about perinatal mental health–and prepare them for the possible difficulties
How preparation and prevention of mental health problems can happen during three phases: pregnancy, problem-solving, and parenting
Why it’s important to build in practices and local resources to support your mental health
Why there is a BIG need for providers to be honest with women about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders so they aren’t so scary to encounter

Resources

Connect with Kayce

Website and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

251: No More Shame: Therapists Need Help, Too Jan 09, 2023

Talking about your own mental health can be even more difficult if you work in the mental health field. There is shame and stigma attached to a therapist who admits that they need help because the assumption is that therapists don’t need help with mental health. My guest shares her story of postpartum struggles and the effect on her relationships and life as she experienced stress, anxiety, and isolation when her second child was born during the pandemic. Join us to hear her perspective.

Laura Galindo is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, New York, and Connecticut, where she currently resides. She has been in the field for over a decade, providing therapy for individuals who have chronic mental illness, and she works with those who are actively serving in the US military. She runs her private practice in Connecticut, where she is certified in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), EMDR, and perinatal mental health.

Show Highlights:

How Laura’s second daughter arrived just days before the world entered the COVID shutdown
How Laura’s maternity leave ended up not going according to the plan, along with feeding problems with her newborn
How the pandemic shutdown prevented Laura from receiving the help she needed and left her feeling very isolated
How Laura felt “mom guilt” very deeply and still feels resentment about the pandemic
Why it was hard for Laura, the therapist, to admit that something was wrong with her
How seeing a therapist for EMDR and using “movement as medicine” began to help Laura in many ways
Why Laura was torn and conflicted about returning to work and felt guilty about cutting her maternity leave short
How Laura finally realized that she had to “fill her own cup” before trying to be a good wife, mom, and therapist
How Laura faced the questions from coworkers about shortening her maternity leave– and handled the additional anxiety of learning the new telehealth system
Why Laura questioned her therapy skills and knowledge because of her unrealistic expectations for herself
Why Laura became certified in perinatal mental health as a result of her experiences
How Laura first realized that it was time for her to seek help
What Laura would say to struggling parents

Resources:

Connect with Laura: Website and Instagram

https://www.thrivecounselingandwellnessgroup.com

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

250: Coping with Holiday Burnout Jan 02, 2023

Welcome to another episode and a New Year! A new year brings times of reflection, especially with all that we’ve been through over these last few years with the pandemic, and some people are still struggling with getting back to “normal.” Wherever you are, it’s OK to be integrating into this new normal in whatever ways you can, and every decision is part of a more complex dynamic. Today’s focus is on the burnout that comes with holiday celebrations and the reintegrating we are doing around social gatherings and traditions. Let’s talk about these issues that might affect you wherever you are in your reproductive journey. Join me!

Show Highlights:

Why decisions are especially tough when they might affect the health and safety of your family
Why holiday burnout is a very specific type of burnout with multiple layers
Why the overwhelm that was suppressed during the holidays may be showing up now
How feeling like a failure is a common emotion after the holidays–both from the way OUR holidays played out AND from what we see on social media from others
Why perfection needs to come out of the conversation and expectations
Why I hope normalizing these post-holiday feelings can bring a new perspective
Why taking time for rest and recovery can take the pressure off–Give yourself permission to rest!
Why awareness and naming things are big parts of taking care of ourselves
How to check in with yourself by asking, “How am I doing? What do I need TODAY?”
Why making changes to shift things for the better will usually cause stress and discomfort at first—but attending to yourself in this way is essential

Resources:

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you!

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!

249: Supporting Moms and Babies Through Occupational Therapy Dec 26, 2022

Today’s focus is on pediatric occupational therapy and how it helps many families with a variety of feeding, swallowing, and developmental issues. My guest shares her exciting work and her experience in helping struggling parents with physical difficulties AND mental health. Join us to learn more!

Aviril (Apple) Sepulveda, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BSP, SCFES, IBCLC is a board-certified pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience. She spent most of her career in pediatrics at a children’s hospital in metropolitan Los Angeles where she specialized in infant feeding and swallowing and infant development. She also holds the AOTA Specialty Certification in Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing (SCFES). In addition to her doctorate in Occupational Therapy, she is earning her Ph.D. in Translational Health Sciences at George Washington University.

Her clinical areas of expertise include occupational therapy interventions on infant development and feeding, pediatric feeding and swallowing in medically-complex children, sensory processing, lactation, and maternal and infant mental health. Dr. Sepulveda received a fellowship from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program from 2016-2019, including grant funding for community-based participatory research to address mental health disparities among Filipino immigrants through parenting programs. She co-founded Nurture Collective to address the gaps in early intervention practice. Her vision for Nurture Collective is to integrate parental mental health in early intervention for children at risk for developmental delays.

Show Highlights:

How Apple’s journey brought her to the work she does today

How she realized the systemic issue (and the broken system) of overlooking the care of moms in treating their babies

An overview of occupational therapy and the work of an infant feeding specialist

Why feeding issues add a lot of additional stress and shame for parents

What Apple notices about the screening process for postpartum depression and why support partners are important for primary caregivers

How Apple’s work tries to connect parents with available services that can alleviate their stress in many areas

How infant mental health is shaped by their environment and experiences

Why special needs kids need their moms to be “on” all the time–which is difficult

How Nurture Collective works to support parents

Dr. Apple’s basic tips for struggling parents

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Apple Sepulveda: www.mynurturecollective.com

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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!

248: Challenges of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety in a Rural Community Dec 19, 2022

Having a perinatal mood disorder is challenging on its own, but it becomes even more difficult in rural communities where the right resources are not readily accessible. In addition, rural areas are made up of small communities where everyone knows everyone else’s business, which further stigmatizes anyone seeking mental health resources. My guest shares her experiences and explains how she found the help she needed. Join us!

Hannah Helms is a spouse, trauma therapist, and mother of three. She currently lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest. She experienced perinatal and postpartum anxiety following the birth of her third child in 2018. At the time, she lived and worked in her northern California hometown, and she faced the unique challenges of trying to seek treatment in a rural community.

Show Highlights:

How Hannah’s story begins with life in her rural hometown and her first pregnancy in 2014–followed quickly by a second pregnancy and children only 15 months apart
How Hannah looks back with more understanding about the postpartum rage she felt in those days—but she didn’t know what to call it
How Hannah attempted to get counseling, but the therapist had no clue about postpartum issues
How Hannah dealt with her third pregnancy in the middle of her MSW program while working full time and being a mom to two toddlers
Why social work in a rural community is more challenging than in other places
How panic attacks began to occur for Hannah as her anxiety became more severe
How Hannah began weekly visits with her primary care provider after her third child was born
How Hannah found the help she needed through a telehealth therapist
How her family culture and rural culture contributed to the bias she felt about mental health help
How “spiritual bypassing” plays into mental health issues, especially in more rural areas
How Hannah has learned a lot about PMADs AFTER her third pregnancy–because there is more awareness, more screenings available, and she knows better now
How we can do better in offering peer support and eliminating barriers
What Hannah thinks we should do in rural communities to increase awareness of PMADs
What people in rural communities can do when there aren’t qualified mental health professionals in their towns
How Hannah found help, healing, and self-compassion–and how we can offer more help to others

Resources:

Connect with Hannah on Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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!

247: High-Risk Pregnancy, NICU, and their Impact on Living with Bipolar 1 Dec 12, 2022

Pregnancy and the postpartum bring multiple challenges. The difficulties can escalate to a much higher level when a mental illness is involved. The good news is that a new mom can survive and thrive with the right support and medication, but the journey to reach that point is not easy. Join us to learn more about one young mother’s journey to parenthood with Bipolar 1.

Emily Collins is a young millennial woman living with Bipolar 1. She shares what it’s like to navigate life as a mother and professional while dealing with mental illness. Emily gives us a glimpse into her experience with a high-risk pregnancy, an emergency C-section, and a premature infant who had to spend eight weeks in the NICU. In sharing her story, she helps us understand how she was able to cope and find healing over time despite the many challenges. She is married to her college sweetheart, and they have three children, ages 9, 6, and 4. A pre-kindergarten teacher by trade, Emily’s Instagram account, Lattes and Lithium, pulls back the curtain on what her life is like with bipolar disorder.

Show Highlights:

What it means to have a bipolar disorder diagnosis (also called manic depression)
How Emily first knew something was wrong and felt depression and went through anorexia at age 15
How bipolar disorder and hypomania began to take over Emily’s life during her college years
How medication started calming Emily and helped her feel grounded and normal again
How Emily’s care team of her husband, therapist, and psychiatrist help her stay grounded today
Why it was a difficult decision to stay on her medication during her first pregnancy
How her first two pregnancies and deliveries (2013 and 2016) went well with no problems or harmful side effects of Emily’s medication
How things were very different with her third pregnancy in 2018 with two frightening bleeding episodes prior to 18 weeks
After an ultrasound showed a subchorionic hematoma as the cause of bleeding, her pregnancy took a turn for the worst around 21 weeks with another heavy bleeding incident, total bed rest, and a minimal chance for her baby’s survival
How unusual pain and more bleeding at 28 weeks sent Emily to the hospital, where the diagnosis was a partial placental abruption
With more severe bleeding, an emergency C-section took place to deliver her son–who went directly to the NICU as a four-pounder in relatively good health
How Emily’s hypomania manifested itself with an obsession about being at the NICU to be with her son
Why Emily became involved with volunteering at the hospital, wrote articles, and secured an internship to advocate for premature babies—all as a result of her hypomania
How Emily’s hypomania lasted for about a year and was followed by severe depression and psychosis for several months
How her bipolar took her through alternating episodes of hypomania and severe depression for the next few years with several different medications and a stay at a treatment facility
Why mothers of babies in the NICU usually experience forms of PTSD
How Emily experienced paranoia as another symptom of bipolar disorder during her postpartum
Why there is a sort of grieving process for the time when Emily struggled after her son’s birth
What Emily wants people to understand about bipolar disorder and pregnancy/postpartum

Resources:

Connect with Emily: Lattes and Lithium

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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!

246: More Than: PPD Healing and Supporting Suffering Mothers Dec 05, 2022

My guest today shares her story of pregnancy and postpartum where she experienced “the sampler platter” of issues. Her experiences were varied, and they amounted to more than just the classic PPD symptoms. Because she didn’t understand what was happening, she felt like she was a bad parent in every way even though she appeared to be doing “just fine.” Maybe you–or someone you know–can relate to Alison’s story. Join us to learn more in today’s episode!

Alison Staiger is a licensed clinical social worker certified in perinatal mental health. She owns Highwire Therapy, a solo private practice serving clients in Illinois and Louisiana, specializing in full-spectrum reproductive mental health through a feminist lens. Her coaching practice, The Matriarchy, helps feminist mothers use rebellious anger and fierce care to lead their families and small businesses with pleasure, purpose, and personality. Alison shares her personal story, along with her perspective on American motherhood and why we need a new culture of care.

Show Highlights:

Highlights of Alison’s story of unexpected motherhood around age 30
How Alison worked through an eating disorder and several challenges that left her feeling disoriented during pregnancy
How medical interventions furthered Alison’s belief that she wasn’t prepared for motherhood and led to an emergency C-section to give birth to her daughter
How Alison had to prove that she was OK and handling everything while she was in panic mode on the inside and felt totally dysregulated
How it took slow work with a therapist for Alison to believe that she was allowed to have self-compassion
Why Alison had the realization with the 2016 election that she wanted to have more autonomy
Why Alison felt like she wasn’t showing up as a mom and in her life like she wanted
How things began to shift and change for Alison as she gained a new perspective on her feelings
How Alison learned that rebellion and anger against society’s norms can be part of being a good mother
How she learned that it was OK to be “anti-perfectionist” and question every voice she hears
How Alison’s healing became the context for the work she does today to help other moms
Why much of parenting is wrapped up in trauma responses–and we don’t even realize it
How our societal structure systems of parenthood and perfectionism make it difficult for moms to ask for care and receive care
How Alison stresses to her clients the need to drop into their sense of identity as an internal reconnection
How Alison offers support to families through her therapy private practice and coaching practice
What Alison wants parents to know about becoming a new parent

Resources:

Connect with Alison: Therapy Website, Coaching Website, and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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!

245: Postpartum in the Pandemic with Courtney Ginder Nov 28, 2022

Our story comes from a postpartum depression survivor during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s normal for parents to have worry and anxiety when sickness is raging all around them, and these feelings are exacerbated by any sort of mental health condition. My guest shares her experience–and success story–of finding the help she needed in the middle of the pandemic. Many people will resonate with her story, so tell a friend—and join us now to learn more!

Courtney Ginder is a mom, wife, and a postpartum depression survivor. She became a mom in February 2020, and three weeks later is when the world shut down due to COVID. Courtney and her husband were first-time parents who were cut off from their support network as they rode out colic and silent reflux with their newborn daughter. Courtney feels lucky that she was able to get help for postpartum depression during the pandemic, and she has become a passionate advocate for perinatal mental health, making sure that no parent feels alone. She is a part-time social media and graphics specialist for Postpartum Support International, the Social Media Chair for the Indiana Chapter of PSI, and a Climb Leader for Climb out of the Darkness in Indianapolis. She writes a blog about postpartum depression recovery, parenting, and mood disorders at Beyond Postpartum Depression.

Show Highlights:

How Courtney and her husband enjoyed about three weeks of normal parenthood before the pandemic shutdown of March 2020
How colic and the “witching hours” set in for her baby
Why Courtney tried to justify her early postpartum depression symptoms
How Courtney felt like she was drowning with her daughter’s constant feeding schedule and demands
How Courtney began thinking intrusive and irrational thoughts and blamed herself for her daughter’s difficulties with silent reflux, thrush, and colic
How Courtney and her husband dealt with the baby’s constant crying
How her husband insisted that she reach out for help
Why Courtney was devastated about not being able to have her six-week postpartum visit in person
How Courtney admitted to her doctor that she had postpartum depression and needed help
How things improved for Courtney’s mental health and her daughter’s physical issues
The reality that someone can be suffering from postpartum depression while appearing perfectly normal to other people
How Courtney became involved as an advocate who wanted to do more for struggling mothers
How postpartum depression is misrepresented and misnamed in the media
How Courtney’s advocacy work gives great meaning to the suffering she went through as a new mom

Resources:

Connect with Courtney and her resources: www.beyondpostpartumdepression.com, Instagram, Facebook, PSI Indiana Instagram, and Climb Out of the Darkness Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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!

244: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety's Impact and Healing Journey Nov 21, 2022

Today’s story is from a mom who experienced postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and rage. Many of us have been through one or more of these symptoms, and it’s especially hard for mental health providers to acknowledge these conditions. Postpartum depression and anxiety can take you by surprise, even if you know what to look for in the symptoms. Join us to hear more from Rosalinda in today’s episode.

Rosalinda Heider is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from West Texas A&M University in 2006 and Master’s degree from the Baylor University School of Social Work in 2008. She has spent the last 12 years working as a mental health and suicide prevention social worker for the Department of Veteran Affairs. In her motherhood experience, she became aware of the lack of support for new mothers who are struggling with mental health. After starting a postpartum support group for mothers in her community in 2017, she also began a virtual postpartum support group within the VA for female veterans. Rosalinda joins us to share her story and her message to those with postpartum struggles, that they can come out stronger than ever with the right type of support and treatment.

Show Highlights:

An overview of Rosalinda’s story as a social worker and her first pregnancy with her daughter
How the pregnancy and birth went well but there were a few feeding issues with her newborn
How going dairy-free and chiropractic care helped the feeding/colic situation
How Rosalinda began being tearful and emotional and thought it was normal, never realizing she was experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety
Why Rosalinda saw her primary care doctor for a postpartum depression screening–and cried all the way through it
Why a postpartum depression diagnosis brought a sense of relief to Rosalinda and a realization of how common her feelings are
How she felt alone in her diagnosis until she found support in talking to other moms
Why Rosalinda didn’t enjoy motherhood until her daughter was about 5-6 months old
How therapy and medications helped with the depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts
How a simple suggestion from her therapist helped Rosalinda get better sleep and combat anxiety
Why Rosalinda started a support group for moms in 2017
Why it’s therapeutic just to share your story and have it validated by others–knowing you are not alone in your experience
How it took a couple of years for Rosalinda to feel normal again because she felt angry and frustrated so much of the time–and struggled to hold her marriage together
How Rosalinda realized and felt shame over all the times she blamed her husband for their problems
Why social media doesn’t give a true picture of what people are experiencing—and can make some moms feel even more isolated
A glimpse into Rosalinda’s support group for moms

Resources:

Connect with Rosalinda: Postpartum Support of the Texas Panhandle

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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!

243: Postpartum Anxiety and Coping with Congenital Birth Defects Diagnosis Nov 14, 2022

Even though postpartum anxiety is common and carries less stigma than it once did, things escalate to a whole new level when a birth defect diagnosis enters the mix. The stress and anxiety of a mother, father, and caregivers are compounded when new parenthood involves caring for a baby with special needs, and these parents feel more alone than ever. My guest today shares her story to let other parents know they are not alone in their struggles. There is hope, there is help, and there are resources! Join us to learn more!

Robin Giesen is a certified perinatal mental health therapist who experienced postpartum anxiety herself. That anxiety was further compounded by the news that her son had a rare birth defect. Robin explains what craniosynostosis is, and how her son’s condition impacted her anxiety. After that totally unexpected diagnosis with her firstborn, her second pregnancy brought the same diagnosis to her second son while in utero. She explains how she coped and why she is invested in helping other parents who are going through similar circumstances. Robin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA. She is certified in perinatal mental health, leads a postpartum anxiety group at her practice, and is a Bringing Baby Home educator. Robin opens our eyes to the rarely-talked-about situation of how a birth defect and caring for a special needs child impact a mother’s mental health.

Show Highlights:

How Robin’s well-controlled autoimmune disorder brought her worry and anxiety as she experienced her first pregnancy almost 11 years ago
How an emergency C-section and a NICU stay complicated what she thought would be a normal labor and delivery
How Robin began thinking that some harm would come to her baby if he wasn’t right beside her
Why Robin started taking medication to “take the edge off” of her anxiety and intrusive thoughts
How Robin noticed something strange about the shape of her son’s head, saw a pediatric eye doctor, and received the diagnosis of craniosynostosis
Robin explains craniosynostosis and its impacts
How Robin went through the unimaginable scenario of neurosurgery for her newborn son
Why Robin felt guilt over her son’s diagnosis and anxiety in preparing for his surgery
Why Robin is adamant with her clients today about coregulation and how it begins
How Robin’s second pregnancy (through IVF) revealed that her unborn son also had craniosynostosis
How her second son was delivered via planned C-section with a totally different outcome—and no anxiety for Robin even though she faced another surgery for her baby
Why Robin realizes that she should have done more than talk therapy after her first son’s birth
How Robin helps support other moms facing similar situations with their children

Resources:

Find resources for craniosynostosis and other cranial issues: Cranio Care Bears and Faces

Connect with Robin: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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!

242: The Value of Fathers and the Black Voice in Parenthood Nov 07, 2022

I’m excited to introduce you to my guest, who is doing amazing work with fathers. His work is very important and very needed in today’s world, and he’s working to combat the negative stereotypes around uninvolved fathers. I met him recently at the Postpartum Support International conference, where he won an award for his work, and I knew we needed to hear more from him on the show. Join us!

Reginald (Reg) Day is a Certified Lactation Consultant, creator of the Get At Me Dad podcast, fatherhood expert, and Southeast Michigan IBCLCs of Color. He is the co-facilitator of the Nature’s Playhouse Fatherhood support group and a community health worker. He has also co-facilitated a community-based birth and breastfeeding support group, “Meet, Nurse, Love,” where he has served by mentoring alongside fathers in supporting their birthing and breastfeeding partners. The married father of two children, who were both breastfed, has made it his mission to change the narrative of how fatherhood is viewed in BIPOC populations. Reg lives out his passion for people by serving as an associate pastor at his local church. He is a fatherhood and family advocate who believes that great communities begin with strong families. He makes his home in metro Detroit with his wife and two children.

Show Highlights:

How Reg came into the work he does today as a way to reframe his personal experiences around fatherhood
How mental health issues carry a stigma in the Black community
Why Reg felt unseen, unheard, and devalued as an expectant and new father
How therapy became the turning point for Reg, providing an outlet and a healthy way to deal with the stress of fatherhood
Why Reg chose to use his experience to help others in changing and challenging the system
Why the value of a father can never be underestimated
How fathers can advocate for themselves in a system that isn’t listening to them
What Reg’s platform, Get At Me Dad, is achieving in educating and supporting fathers
What Reg does through his extremely rare role as a Black male lactation consultant
How Reg teaches fathers to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety
Why Reg works to get more Black fathers involved to help save communities and bring others out of darkness
How the stereotype of Black fathers doesn’t match up with the reality of Black fatherhood
How Reg gets his message to the fathers who don’t think they need help and support
What Reg wants Black fathers to know

Resources:

Connect with Reg: Email and Instagram and Podcast

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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!

241: From Pregnancy Anxiety to Making Impactful Change for New Parents with Anne Wanlund Oct 31, 2022

Even in our modern world, we still have progress to make in terms of education around pregnancy, motherhood, and maternal mental health. Education and information are key in keeping parents from feeling blindsided and helping them feel supported when issues arise. Out of her personal motherhood experience, my guest is making an impact in the world for today’s new mothers. Join us to learn more!

Anne Wanlund is a new mom who has been working in maternal/child health for most of her career, primarily in East Africa. Besides her work in maternal and child nutrition, she has been active in other humanitarian work in various corners of the world. She’s with us to share her story of being caught off guard in trying to manage her anxiety and mood during her pregnancy and postpartum. Through her experiences, she realized there was a huge neglected part of maternal mental health of which she was not aware, so Anne decided to dedicate her life to this issue through Canopie, a social impact company focused on preventing and addressing common maternal mental health conditions. In this episode, she shares her work today and what she wishes other moms knew about maternal mental health. Like me, Anne desires for more parents to know about these conditions so they know what options they have and what help is available.

Show Highlights:

How Anne came to the work she does today with nutrition programs for mothers and babies in East Africa and the US
Highlights of Anne’s personal pregnancy experience in managing her anxiety
How pregnant Anne was shamed by her doctor upon returning to the US from Rwanda
How Anne felt much compassion for other moms and babies but didn’t allow herself the same compassion
Why we don’t realize the distinction between those who are there to clinically assess and those who provide care
How Anne realized that something wasn’t right in her pregnancy but never found the support she needed at the time
How society pressures us into thinking we aren’t supposed to ask for help
What Anne wishes every mom knew about motherhood and support
What Anne wishes our society would do differently around maternal mental health
A look at the work of Canopie to prevent isolation and offer support in motherhood

Resources:

Connect with Anne and Canopie: LinkedIn and Canopie

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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!

240: The Parental Leave Playbook with Dr. Amy Beacom and Sue Campbell Oct 24, 2022

The world of parental leave is difficult to navigate. Understanding your rights, options, and the law can be incredibly confusing. How do you prepare for taking leave, being out on leave, and returning to work? It’s important to look at this issue collaboratively to make it a supportive situation for both the individual and the organization, and better family outcomes follow when BOTH parents have parental leave options. Join us for a closer look!

Dr. Amy Beacom is the founder and CEO of the Center for Parental Leave Leadership, the first full-service consultancy in the US to focus exclusively on parental leave. She conceived of and began developing the field of parental leave coaching and consulting in 2006. Drawing on over 25 years in executive leadership, development, and coaching, Amy consults with Fortune 500 companies, international organizations, working parents, and more, to transform the way companies and our country engage with a parental leave transition. Amy is the co-author of The Parental Leave Playbook: 10 Touchpoints to Transition Smoothly, Strengthen Your Family, and Continue Building Your Career.

Another guest today is Sue Campbell, the co-author of The Parental Leave Playbook. She is a writer, author, and coach who has worked with the Center for Parental Leave Leadership since its early days, helping to communicate the transformative impact of their core mission. Her writing, often focused on issues important to parents, has been published in many outlets, including Prevention, Good Housekeeping, Scary Mommy, and Mamalode.

Show Highlights:

How Dr. Amy and Sue came to this work surrounding parental leave through their journey into motherhood
Why their book is the only resource of its kind
How Sue came into the work around parental leave because of a difficult transition to parenthood
Why parental leave is a systemic issue that employers need to address
Why there is real clash in views about parental leave
Why there are murky layers to figuring out what parental leave is available (Fact: FMLA is NOT paid leave and is not guaranteed to everyone.)
Why their book is written for employees as a “coach in your hand” but applies to managers and HR supervisors also
Why parental leave is a time frame that should be prepared for and planned well
Why collaboration between managers and employees is vital around parental leave
Why grace and kindness are needed regarding parental leave policies
An overview of the ten touchpoints from the book in the three phases of parental leave
Why the book is 100% applicable to each partner–every parent who is welcoming a child
Why equity in caregiving leave for EVERY parent will help remove the unconscious bias in hiring decisions and promotional decisions in the workplace
How perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are decreased when parental leave is in place for BOTH parents
Words of hope for parents from Dr. Amy and Sue

Resources:

Connect with the Center for Parental Leave Leadership: Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Get the book by Dr. Amy and Sue: The Parental Leave Playbook: 10 Touchpoints to Transition Smoothly, Strengthen Your Family, and Continue Building Your Career.

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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!

239: Pregnancy and Infant Loss with Expert Dvora Entin, LCSW, PMH-C Oct 17, 2022

To continue with our focus during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Dvora Entin joins us for her second time on the podcast. Today, she will tell us more about the clinical side of perinatal grief and loss and deepen our understanding of how we can better help those in the grieving process. Join us to learn more!

Dvora Entin, LCSW, PMH-C, specializes in reproductive and perinatal mental health with advanced training by Postpartum Support International, ASRM, and the MISS Foundation in compassionate bereavement. Dvora is a clinical consultant for several non-profits and is a lead trainer for Postpartum Support International. As an adjunct professor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, she developed a maternal mental health curriculum for MSW students and teaches Coping with Loss. A recent graduate of the Council For Relationship’s Sex Therapy post-graduate training, Dvora maintains a group private practice in Philadelphia and consults and presents nationally about mental health and supporting those who may be struggling.

Show Highlights:

What people might be surprised to understand about the perinatal grief and loss process
Why experiences in the perinatal loss realm are under-acknowledged and confusing for people
How perinatal loss encompasses so much more than just miscarriage and stillbirth
How our society struggles around loss because we aren’t at all comfortable with death
What the grieving person deals with over times, holidays, and special dates
How Dvora helps clients deal with the fear of unraveling into grief
How partners may grieve a loss and associated trauma in totally different ways
Why grief is difficult when society and culture don’t allow us to experience our feelings
What Dvora wants grieving parents to know about being present and mindful of their loss experience
Why another child doesn’t fully fill the space for–or replace–your baby who died
Why Dvora created a data-driven, compassionate grief course for therapists and others who support those in grief

Resources:

Connect with Dvora: Website

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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!

238: Pregnancy and Infant Loss: A Story of Loss, Healing, and Helping others Oct 10, 2022

All through October, we are covering stories of those who have lived experiences of pregnancy or infant loss. As always with episodes with sensitive issues, please judge for yourself whether you are ready for this material. Know that the episodes are always available and waiting for you whenever you are ready. If you are ready, join me now for Jen’s story!

Jennifer Burgard is a native of the upper midwest and is a mom to two living children and one who lives solely in her heart. Her titles include loss mom, living mom, wife, founder, podcaster, director, and most proudly–survivor. Upon the death of her second child, Jen set out to fill a gap in accessibility to resources, along with support and community for others also experiencing trauma. With personal experience of her own and her newly formed network, she launched Haven as a service to grieving parents in and around her region. Today, Haven has touched each of the 50 states with their healing gifts, podcast content, and online grief workshops. With a goal to bring awareness and understanding not only to child loss, but our grief culture in general, Jen is creating and building conversations through her podcast called Landscape of Loss. In today’s episode, Jen shares her story and talks about how trauma and PTSD around pregnancy and infant loss can look different from person to person. Her desire is to support families through these losses so they know more than anything that they are not alone.

Show Highlights:

A look at Jen’s story of the loss of her second child, a son, at 39 weeks
How what Jen thought was her water breaking was a bleeding incident that caused her to pass out and undergo an emergency C-section while under anesthesia
How Jen’s husband broke the news to her about the complete placental abruption and the grim prognosis that her baby would not survive due to lack of oxygen
What it was like to only have 13 hours with their son before he took his last breath and then to face the grief process
How Jen began to blame herself and believe she was being punished with her awful fate
How her husband helped bring her up from one of her memorable “rock bottom” moments
How Jen coped with returning to work part-time, learning to function in public, and building up her “muscle” to protect her heart
How Jen’s mind went to ridiculous scenarios and spiraled in new ways that made no sense
How therapy gave her the tools to cope with PTSD and build on the healing that had begun
How to know when you are “OK enough” to help other people–and how this helped Jen heal even more
Why child loss will still make you feel isolated and devastated, no matter how good your support system is
How connecting with others and finding community helped Jen see the way through her grief
The kinds of support that families need for healing and recovery
Why it’s important to talk about our losses and honor the struggles we feel in going through grief
What Haven does to offer healing, support, information, and community
Hopeful messages and helpful tips from Jen

Resources:

Connect with Jen: Website, Facebook, and Podcast

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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

237: Pregnancy Loss: Termination for Medical Reasons Oct 03, 2022

Since October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we will be hearing stories of people’s lived experiences in these losses, along with experts who support families during these difficult times. While we honor all kinds of loss, today’s episode focuses on termination for medical reasons (TFMR), a pregnancy loss that deserves compassion and understanding. Join us for this important conversation with today’s guest.

Sabrina Fletcher helps grieving parents in the aftermath of terminating a wanted pregnancy for medical reasons. Through community, support groups, and holistic healing, her clients learn to cope with grief and find ways to honor their babies. She chose to work with this specific type of pregnancy loss because she lost her baby in this heartbreaking way in 2018. Sabrina shares her story, as well as mental health concerns that accompany a termination for medical reasons. We will discuss the importance of community, the need to cut through the shame and silence in today’s supercharged political climate concerning abortion, and why there is a lack of trauma-informed care for TFMR patients.

Show Highlights:

Sabrina’s story of terminating a very wanted and planned pregnancy with her second child in 2018
How her daughter’s diagnosis of several serious issues came at the 11-14 week ultrasound scan
How the doctor (in her home state in Mexico) was restricted because of the laws and forced her to choose a plan of action immediately
The trauma and frustration that Sabrina went through in making her decision with no support, community, or continuity of care
Why the rate of PTSD in TFMR patients is very high
Why Sabrina decided to work toward providing support for others in similar TFMR situations
Why community is the missing piece for TFMR losses because the loss isn’t acknowledged, recognized, and validated
What Sabrina sees as the emotional impact of the silence and isolation that mothers with TFMR losses feel
How political and religious considerations play into the emotions of TFMR losses
How the shame and stigma around TFMR losses are internalized into emotional distress and hugely conflicting feelings
How Sabrina’s work is supporting people for healing and recovery from TFMR losses

Resources:

Connect with Sabrina: Website, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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

236: You Are Not A Sh*tty Parent Sep 26, 2022

Welcome to today’s show! Parents have an unfortunate knack for being too hard on themselves, comparing themselves to others, and living in constant judgment of their decisions. This conversation takes a closer look at how self-compassion, understanding, and lighthearted humor can make the parenting journey easier. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Carla Naumburg is a clinical social worker, mother, and the author of five nonfiction books, including her international bestseller, How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids, and You Are Not a Sh*tty Parent. She also wrote the upcoming book,How to Stop Freaking Out, which is the middle-grade adaptation of How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t with Your Kids. Carla infuses her witty sense of humor into her work and writing, bringing lightheartedness into subjects that are often filled with judgment, shame, and guilt. In this episode, she explains “Sh*tty Parent Syndrome,” why so many parents are suffering from it, and how self-compassion can make all the difference.

Show Highlights:

What Sh*tty Parent Syndrome is–and why you are NOT a sh*tty parent
Reasons why SO many people feel like they are bad parents–(it comes down to the way our brains are wired!)
Why social media causes us to compare ourselves to literally everyone in the world, both inside and outside our demographic
Why it’s a gift when people are truly honest about their parenting experiences
How Carla learned about self-compassion and how it benefits us as parents to squelch the anxiety and confusion
How self-deprecation and self-contempt become our native language about parenting, especially for women
Why we need to expect that chaos is the normal state of parenting–(why do we expect anything different?)
A fresh look at “happiness” for parents and our kids
How treating yourself with compassion (connection, curiosity, and kindness) reduces anxiety and depression and brings better mood and health
Why it’s a BIG deal to find connection with the people who let you know that you are not alone
How to use curiosity as the antidote to judging ourselves as a sh*tty parent
How to treat yourself with kind self-talk (Hint: It takes practice!)
Why we need moments of compassion every day
Why parents should not judge themselves for the decisions they made during the pandemic

Resources:

Connect with Carla: Website, Instagram, and Facebook

Order Carla's new book, You Are Not a Sh*tty Parent, in paperback, Kindle, or audiobook format!

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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

235: Centering the Mother and Healing with Internal Family Systems Psychotherapy with Rebecca Geshuri and Jessica Sorci Sep 19, 2022

Today’s episode features a different take on perinatal mental health conditions. It’s a fresh and more expansive perspective on the things that take place in families during the perinatal process. This episode is loaded with helpful information, and I hope you’ll join us to learn more!

Rebecca Geshuri and Jessica Sorci are Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists, and Perinatal Mental Health Certified. As co-founders of Family Tree Wellness in Silicon Valley, California, Rebecca and Jessica lead their one-of-a-kind IFS-informed group psychotherapy practice that provides counseling, education, and support for people who are in the family-building phase of life. They are wildly enthusiastic about creating trainings and supporting other therapists who want to deepen their knowledge and skill in using IFS and working in reproductive mental health. Most importantly, they are mothers on their own healing journeys who bring their own personal experiences with grief and growing, mixed with creative expression and spirituality to their work. Their goal is to heal the intergenerational burdens that are present in humanity. In this episode, Rebecca and Jessica share with us why perinatal mood and anxiety disorders need to be redefined, how IFS psychotherapy works in perinatal mental health, and why their practice offers training for therapists on the mother-centric approach to therapy.

Show Highlights:

How Rebecca and Jessica came into this work with motherhood and the perinatal population
What the mother-centric therapy approach includes and why IFS therapy hits the major pain points for new mothers
A basic overview of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy model, which recognizes and approaches the different parts of a person in a non-judgmental, respectful, curious, and compassionate manner
How someone becomes the “identified patient” is and why this person might need therapy
Why the new mother should be viewed as more of a hero who is revered rather than merely a sick or broken patient to be diagnosed
How perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) should be redefined to acknowledge patriarchy and shame
How IFS therapy and the mother-centric system focus on the shame and inner critic messages within a new mom to unburden her
How Rebecca and Jessica look to address both the symptoms AND the shame
A look at mother-centric therapy as a contrast to our baby-centric culture
How Family Tree Wellness is offering training and resources for other therapists–along with an upcoming book!

Resources:

Connect with Rebecca and Jessica: Website, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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

234: Super Sad Unicorn: A Memoir of Mania with Jessica Ekhoff Sep 12, 2022

We learn many things from the stories of others. In our quest to spread information, education, and compassion about the many topics we cover on Mom & Mind, it is just as important to hear the lesser-known stories of what people have experienced. Today’s guest shares her story of postpartum-onset bipolar disorder that resulted in postpartum psychosis. Unfortunately, this occurs in more mothers than we are led to believe, and we need more understanding about it. Join us now for a look at this often misunderstood condition.

Jessica Ekhoff has written a memoir of her experience with postpartum-onset bipolar I disorder and psychosis. Super Sad Unicorn: A Memoir of Mania will be published in early 2023 by New Degree Press, and it’s available for preorder now. Jessica is a trademark advertising attorney who is a figure skating, board game, and fiction enthusiast. She is a peer facilitator for Postpartum Support International’s support group for pregnant and postpartum women with bipolar disorder. She lives in Chicago with her husband and their young son. Jessica shares her journey with mania and psychosis that began a few days after her son’s birth and landed her in a psychiatric ward.

Show Highlights:

How Jessica’s symptoms began after the birth of her son, Wells, in 2021, even though there is no history of bipolar disorder in herself or her family
How Jessica entered a manic phase that escalated quickly when her son was 2-4 days old
How Jessica’s husband knew she was acting very much out of character and urged her to call her parents to come help
How she had delusions that her husband had called DCFS to come to take away her son
What Jessica now notices in retrospect about her first four days postpartum
How she prepared to enter an outpatient therapy program, but Jessica’s condition required hospitalization before the first appointment
How she felt scattered, confused, and unstable mentally through days 4-10 postpartum until she went into the hospital
Why Jessica was floored when the doctor revealed to her that SHE was the one who needed help
How Jessica was convinced that the hospital ward was actually an escape room set up just for her, and later thought God had sent her on a mission there
Why Jessica began referring to herself as the “super sad unicorn” during her six-day hospital stay
How she improved with medication and was finally able to go home to start the intensive outpatient program, even though she was still experiencing mania
How Jessica felt frustrated by many things at home and her husband’s reactions to her plans
What things were like when Jessica returned to work and had to re-enter the intensive program
How therapy and resources from Postpartum Support International were pivotal in Jessica’s healing and recovery
Why Jessica decided to write her book, a memoir of her story that stemmed from her journaling practice

Resources:

Connect with Jessica: Instagram

Pre-order Jessica’s book: https://www.jessica-ekhoff.presale.manuscripts.com/

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources!

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

233: Healing from Birth Trauma and Postpartum Anxiety Sep 05, 2022

I love hearing personal stories about someone’s experience, and I’m always honored to share those with you on this podcast. It is powerful to hear someone describe their struggles and journey to healing in their own words. Connecting through the story of a similar struggle can be extremely validating as it allows you to acknowledge what you have been through and find ways to cope. Join us now for Angela’s story of healing.

Angela Martin is the mom of two boys, and her professional background is in the field of finance and accounting. She currently enjoys her part-time work in real estate, and she fills her free time with baking, hiking, and reading. She and her family live in a large college town in the Midwest.

Having just completed her memoir titled Dirty Laundry, Angela is looking for an agent to help publish her book and put her healing message out to a wider audience.

Show Highlights:

How Angela realized in retrospect that she suffered from anxiety even before motherhood
How the birth of her firstborn son didn’t go well, requiring a C-section, blood transfusions, and general anesthesia
How the world seemed like an unsafe place after the loss of her infant nephew ten years ago
Why Angela’s relationship with her sister became strained because her son lived and her sister’s did not
How we find pieces of healing along the way on our journey, even years after the trauma
Why we, as a society, don’t share, help, and advocate for each other as we should
Why Angela didn’t seek therapy help for five years after the birth of her first son
How EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helped Angela process her trauma and heal from it
How Angela’s life was filled with worry and anxiety that depleted her quality of life–but she looked totally fine on the outside
Why one of the most important messages for any woman with similar experiences is “You are not alone”
Angela’s advice to others about advocating for themselves
How journaling became an important healing activity for Angela

232: Healing from Postpartum Depression through Songwriting and Therapy Aug 29, 2022

Today’s show takes a look at postpartum depression through a firsthand account of the struggle to understand and heal. My guest is another example that finding just the right therapy makes all the difference because the same treatment modalities don’t work for everyone. Join us for Amanda’s inspiring story.

Amanda Cunningham is a Pop/R&B singer-songwriter, wife, and mother of a 10-year-old daughter. Songwriting and singing provide her with an outlet to put her oversharing to good use, letting others know that it’s okay to poke fun at your imperfections and the trauma you’ve gone through and grown from. Amanda has struggled with mental health throughout her life, most recently having been diagnosed with Bipolar II, and she’s here to share her postpartum depression story and her journey to find healing. She shares helpful insights about her feelings of guilt and what it’s like to live in the “fog” of mental health issues. Amanda and I hope that her story can be an avenue of healing for others in similar situations.

Show Highlights:

An overview of Amanda’s chaotic life and mental health struggles when she got pregnant at age 19
How Amanda had virtually no help or support when her daughter was born
How the first two years of motherhood were a blur of mental fog for Amanda that she didn’t realize until years later
How Amanda’s Bipolar II diagnosis came in recent months, confirming what she suspected about her mental health issues
Why it’s a massive flaw in our standard postpartum care for healthcare providers not to ask more about how a new mother is coping
Why Amanda started therapy when her daughter was a few years old
How Amanda found music as part of her healing and recovery
Why it’s easier to look back with a new perspective when enough time has passed
What Amanda has learned about her journey
Amanda’s advice to others in similar situations

Resources:

Connect with Amanda and hear her music: Website, Instagram, and TikTok

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

231: Return to You: A Postpartum Plan for New Moms with Natasha Sriraman, MD, MPH, FAAP Aug 15, 2022

My guest today shares bits of her personal motherhood story, along with a glimpse at her new book for moms-to-be, new moms, and moms with other children. The book helps these moms make a plan for their postpartum time with evidence-based information, insights, and helpful advice from a physician-mom. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Natasha Sriraman is a board-certified academic pediatrician and associate professor of pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School/Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. She is an internationally recognized expert on breastfeeding and postpartum depression. She works with the National AAP, is on the Virginia AAP Board, and is also the Honorary Chair of Postpartum Support Virginia.

Dr. Sriraman lives with her husband and children in Virginia Beach, VA. Her first book, recently published, is Return to You: A Postpartum Plan for New Moms, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her book offers insights as a friendly self-help guide to help new mothers prioritize themselves and make it through their “fourth trimester,” the three-month period following childbirth.

Show Highlights:

How Dr. Natasha’s book came to be, both from her own experiences and from her patients’ stories
Why it is very important to be discerning about where your medical advice is coming from
An explanation of the fourth trimester and its needs
Dr. Natasha’s personal experience of being terrified of motherhood when she went home with her firstborn baby
How postpartum support for new moms varies in different cultures
Why Dr. Natasha’s book has a fill-in-the-blanks actual postpartum plan
How setting expectations and making a plan for postpartum can decrease anxiety
Highlights of some of the book chapters which cover social media, guilt, returning to work, childcare, breastfeeding, advocacy, setting boundaries, and more
Why Dr. Natasha hopes her book will empower moms in taking care of their children
How a pelvic floor therapist can be very helpful in the postpartum
How physical and emotional pain are signs that something is wrong and needs to be addressed
How Dr. Natasha’s book brings awareness and normalization to focusing on mental health as a priority
How Dr. Natasha is working to decrease the stigma around moms asking for and receiving help when they need it

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Natasha: Instagram

Return to You: A Postpartum Plan for New Moms

**Dr. Natasha is offering a signed copy of her book to the first listener to comment on this episode on the Mom & Mind YouTube channel. Visit Mom & Mind - YouTube today!

Visit my new website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, to get on the Interest List for the upcoming course. You’ll receive notifications when the course is live, and after you sign up, you’ll be able to watch or listen at your convenience.

230: Teachers Deserve Better. Advocating for Bereavement and Paid Family Leave with Jackie Mancinelli Aug 01, 2022

We all know that teachers are underpaid, but they are also undersupported emotionally in times of pregnancy loss and postpartum difficulties. The need is great for bereavement and paid family leave. Join us to learn more about how change can happen for educators in our country.

Jackie Mancinelli is a high school English and ESL teacher in New Jersey. She is the mother of two girls, ages 2 and 4, and had a son who passed away in 2016. She is the founder of Start Healing Together, a support organization for educators experiencing pregnancy loss and infertility, as well as the New Jersey ambassador for Count the Kicks. Jackie shares her personal story and the need for bereavement leave for teachers, both in instances of pregnancy loss and failed fertility treatments.

Show Highlights:

An overview of Jackie’s story that began with her first pregnancy during her first year of teaching in 2014; it ended in a missed miscarriage when she was a few weeks along
How her second pregnancy with her son went perfectly until about eight months along, when an emergency C-section sent her silent baby to the NICU–where he didn’t survive
How Jackie found support within her immediate family and from her best friend
What it was like for Jackie in the 2-3 months following the traumatic loss of her son–and how therapy helped her learn new things about herself
What it was like for Jackie to go back to teaching after losing her son
How Jackie was prompted to get into advocacy work to help other parents through Start Healing Together
How Start Healing Together works with school districts to provide resources and support for educators and help in contract negotiations regarding pregnancy loss, bereavement leave, fertility treatment, and adoption
Current initiatives being pursued by Start Healing Together
How you can help the ongoing lobbying efforts
Jackie’s advice to those experiencing a loss
What Jackie learned through her pregnancy and loss experiences

Resources:

Connect with Jackie: Website, Instagram, and Facebook

229: Shades of Blue Project and Black Maternal Mental Health Week Jul 18, 2022

Today’s show is another story of a spectacular someone who turned their personal grief into a mission to help others. Our focus is on the disparity of medical treatment and care in the Black community regarding maternal mental health, infant loss, and more. Join us for this inspiring story from today’s guest!

Kay Matthews is here to share her long-term work through the Shades of Blue Project. She and her team are on a mission to uplift all birthing individuals with the care, respect, and dignity they deserve—no matter their social status or birth outcome. Their focus is on the birthing experience, and they bridge gaps by acknowledging that everyone’s birth story matters. Through education, advocacy, and support, they are dedicated to helping birthing individuals of color whose lives are impacted by racial disparities that amplify their birthing struggles. It is from her personal experience of infant loss and postpartum depression that Kay recognized a critical diversity gap in mental health resources and emotional support for Black and minority birthing individuals. Kay has founded Black Maternal Mental Health Week, which in 2022 falls on July 18-25 with the theme “Collective Efforts for Greater Community Impact and Change.” You can learn more by visiting their Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Show Highlights:

How Kay came into the work she does today through a totally unexpected journey
How Kay’s infant loss experience gave her a “big-picture view”
How Kay’s infant loss and postpartum depression were dismissed by healthcare professionals
Why Kay decided to “go it alone” to help herself and share helpful advice with others in similar situations
How Kay used her journaling practice as a springboard to begin the Shades of Blue Project to help others
How the Shades of Blue Project has taken steps to influence policy in Texas and open resource centers in 23 other states
Why Kay’s journal became the INSPIRE journal, an acronym for Involve others, Nourishment/exercise, Spirituality/prayer, Patience, Identify and initiate change, Rest/relaxation, and Each day is a new day
How Kay has seen growth in awareness and resources for people going through similar struggles with infant loss and maternal mental health
Why Kay wanted to focus more on her experience rather than her outcome
How mortality and morbidity rates in the Black community require that maternal health and mental health be acknowledged together
Highlights of Black Maternal Mental Health Week activities
How responsibility and accountability come into play in a collective effort to help others in the Shades of Blue Project
How you can help

Resources:

You can connect with Kay and learn more about the Shades of Blue Project by visiting their Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

228: Waiting for a Psychotherapy Appointment Jun 20, 2022

The podcast is six years old this month! With well over 220 episodes, I’m thrilled to know we are reaching so many people in the US and about 90 other countries in the world! What’s most important is that we are getting the message out about perinatal mental health and telling the important personal stories to raise awareness and provide resources for support and healing. I have to say a huge THANK YOU to every listener!

With the COVID pandemic and the prevalence of telehealth, every therapist has had to shift in many ways. By the time people reach out for help, they need it right away, and it’s heartbreaking to make them wait. It’s great that more and more people have the opportunity to get the help that they need, but the increase in demand has strained resources and increased the wait times for appointments. Nothing feels more frightening and disheartening than being unable to get the help you need when you need it. We need to bridge the gap and do more–and I, for one, am up for the challenge! Join me to learn more in today’s episode!

Show Highlights:

Why we need more than online support groups when timing is crucial
Why I decided to create an online course for those who are stressed out and overwhelmed in the postpartum period and waiting for a therapist
How this course is built to be the bridge that you may need–to give you something to hold onto as a support
Why new parents get lost when the expectation is to feel amazingly wonderful all the time
Why I’m happy to offer this course as something to help people feel heard and understand in a path forward
Details: The course is available in July with multiple modules in bite-size pieces through videos, audio, and accompanying downloadable worksheets. Check out our Resources section below for more information!

Resources:

227: Parenting Through Collective Trauma Jun 06, 2022

It’s a good time to acknowledge the trauma that is raging around the world, which just adds to the stress from the challenges we have come through with the COVID pandemic.

Here in the US, we are going through a time of multiple mass shootings, baby formula shortages, wars in other countries, political issues, and controversy about women’s bodies. There is lots of tense energy, worry, and confusion, along with the normal challenges of parenthood.

For many parents, it has become very hard to process it all and keep living life. With so many people experiencing anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and burnout, navigating the journey is a difficult challenge. In today’s episode, I’m calling this trauma what it is and admitting that life can be so difficult at times. Join me for a closer look.

Show Highlights:

How these traumas bring emotional impacts on parents and kids
Why it’s difficult to talk to our kids about the worry, anxiety, and trauma
The importance of remaining present with our feelings over tragedies like school shootings
How we have been collectively traumatized by many recent events
Suggestions for coping by pulling back from social media and the news
Why being fully present in your own life is a good option for dealing with stressful times

My takeaways and advice:

Limit your exposure to social media and news outlets.
Find things and people to connect with that make you feel safe and secure.
Engage in healthy and restorative activities.
Realize that we all bear the mark of collective trauma.
Know that you are not alone in the world and your feelings.
Remember that things aren’t always going to stay this way.

226: Healing Intergenerational Wounds While Navigating HG, Feeding Aversion, Postpartum Depression and Anxiety with Jocelyn Lam May 23, 2022

During pregnancy and parenthood, we listen to SO many voices telling us what we should look like, feel like, and do. The stereotypes can be frustrating and demeaning to the point that we feel very unheard and unseen. Today’s conversation brings to the forefront the importance of finding self-worth and fulfillment in yourself and who you are, instead of what other people say. Join us to learn more!

Jocelyn Lam is the mother of an energetic, kind, and silly toddler. Jocelyn is a second-generation immigrant who grew up in Calgary, Canada, and currently resides in the Bay Area of CA. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps folks with intersecting identities break intergenerational trauma cycles, particularly in the areas of parenting, re-parenting, and body image. Jocelyn has training through Postpartum Support International and is working toward her certified eating disorder specialization. In today’s conversation, she shares her personal experience in parenting as a second-generation Chinese and Canadian immigrant, along with a diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum, which forced her to quit work during her pregnancy to focus on her health. Because of that diagnosis, she became extremely depressed during her pregnancy, which did not set her up for a good postpartum experience. Shortly after her daughter’s birth, her daughter was diagnosed with feeding aversion, which made breastfeeding very difficult and affected Jocelyn’s attachment to her baby. Even with all the resources and the best clinicians, she struggled and experienced intense postpartum depression and anxiety. Jocelyn shares a lot of insight into her story and why things were so difficult for her.

Show Highlights:

Highlights of Jocelyn’s background and story
How her work has been informed by her family background and personal experiences
How Jocelyn dealt with Asian stereotypes, racism, and microaggressions as she grew up in white, conservative Calgary
How immigrant-related trauma impacted her value and self-worth as she was compared to others in every aspect of life
How Jocelyn had to work to undo the mindset that a child’s worth is tied to what they produce and achieve
How her daughter’s feeding problems as an infant seemed much like a trauma response
How Jocelyn’s diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy had her questioning her worth as a mother and left her feeling invalidated
How she had to learn that she deserves self-care
How fries from In-N-Out Burger became part of her re-learning process
How her hyperemesis gravidarum carried through her baby’s birth and postpartum period with constant comments from others about her baby’s size
How Jocelyn’s entire world became about baby weight, calories, and comparing her baby to others
What it meant to Jocelyn to learn to trust her own body and why she is teaching her daughter to trust her own body and empower herself
Why we really need to unpack what society and our family have taught us about food
How Jocelyn’s survival instincts came from her parents’ survival instincts until she learned to find space for herself
Why Jocelyn had to overcome the hyper-independence in her background and find community and support
Why Asian people typically reach out for mental health MUCH less often than the general population because they are taught to “Be strong and self-sufficient”
Jocelyn’s key takeaways about our focus on body image, generational trauma, pregnancy, and postpartum, along with the importance of finding community

Resources:

Postpartum Support International

225: "Unwell Women" with Elinor Cleghorn May 09, 2022

We, as women, have absorbed much history into ourselves over time regarding our bodies and our health. We wonder why we feel unheard and dismissed, and the more we learn, the more enraged we should become about how modern western medicine has treated women with medical and mental health conditions. Join today’s conversation for deep insight and a message of hope.

Show Highlights:

What brought Elinor to write the book after a lupus diagnosis that followed a very complicated pregnancy with her son
How Elinor began her research with urgency into her lupus diagnosis and the history of medicine, expanding into other commonly misdiagnosed diseases in women
Why Elinor began at the beginning, learning about ancient Greece and the formation of medical practice
How women’s bodies were viewed largely as reproductive vessels to produce and mother male heirs
Why men in ancient patriarchal societies began to assert social control over women and their bodies
How the western medical model has been affected by social thinking, myths, and fantasies about women’s roles
How the word hysteria has been applied to a misunderstanding of women and was originally derived from a word for the uterus
How medical leverage was used in horrible ways against black enslaved women in 19th century America, leading to gynecological violence and reproductive abuse
Why Elinor wanted her book to expand to cover women’s experiences all over the world and not just be her personal story
What Elinor has discovered about women’s mental health across history
How dominant ideas have shaped societal views about the ideal motherhood and “how mothers SHOULD feel”
Elinor’s hopes for readers of the book: “Remember that your body is your own, no matter how medical caregivers might make you feel.”

Resources:

Amazon: Unwell Women: Misdiagnosis and Myth in a Man-Made World by Elinor Cleghorn

Connect with Elinor: Twitter and Instagram

224: Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month with Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C Apr 25, 2022

Welcome! Today’s show highlights some important upcoming dates in the world of perinatal mental health as we celebrate Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Stay tuned for the end as I have an exciting update to share with you. This podcast is very important to me. My purpose is to foster and provide space for people’s stories but to balance those experiences with a clinical perspective with proven experts in the field. As I say often, we need to raise awareness with information and education to reduce the stigma related to perinatal mental health conditions. Along with that awareness, I want to empower people further to seek help and support without shame or embarrassment. Thank you for coming along for the ride, and don’t forget to share the podcast and available resources with a friend or loved one who might benefit. I’m sharing a lot of helpful resources in this episode, so don’t miss out! Join me! Show Highlights:

Important dates in May, Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month:
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week: May 2-6.
How you can help spread the awareness:
Share your story on social media and use the Postpartum Support International hashtag #maternalMHmatters.
Like the PSI Facebook page and adopt the MMHday Twibbon on your Facebook or Twitter profile picture.
Tell your story on our blog to help raise awareness of maternal mental health issues so that more women will get treatment and fewer will suffer.
Come up with your own ideas to highlight that #maternalMHmatters in your area, and let others know by submitting your event details to us via email.
Use our infographic to highlight that maternal mental health is a global issue.
World Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day: May 4.
There are worldwide efforts to raise awareness through social media, local events, and virtual events through PSI. Learn more at www.wmhday.postpartum.net.
JOIN US to raise awareness around the globe: @postpartumhelp on Twitter and @postpartumsupportinternational on Facebook
Perinatal Psychosis Awareness Day: May 6.
PSI has a Postpartum Psychosis Task Force, which is led by individuals with lived experience and includes providers, researchers, advocates, and PSI staff/board members.
The task force organizes around actions to improve public and provider awareness, increase and improve resources, reduce stigma, and provide legal and legislative advocacy.
The goal of the task force is to develop resources and integrate knowledge and sensitivity about the experience of perinatal psychosis and the unique insights of survivor-advocates into all perinatal mental health advocacy, awareness, education, resources, and services.
Other organizations joining PSI in leading the charge in these areas include Cherished Mom, Maternal Mental Health NOW, 2020 Mom, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA), and more.
My exciting update: I have been elected to be the next Board Chair of PSI, starting in July 2022. After volunteering with PSI for many years and serving in various capacities, I’m very proud and honored to take this post and follow in the footsteps of some amazing people who have gone before me!

Resources:

Postpartum Support International

Postaprtum

Find PSI on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Cherished Mom

Maternal Mental Health NOW

2020 Mom

Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA)

223: Perinatal Loss, Adoption, and Creating the Black Angel Mom Community Apr 11, 2022

My guest today shares her personal story and clinical perspective of her complicated journey into motherhood. Her story includes the support of reproductive technologies, as well as the loss of her twin daughters and the adoption of her son. Join us to hear more.

**Today’s episode covers sensitive topics of perinatal loss and pregnancy loss. Use your own judgment as to whether it’s right for you or not at this time.

Jeanae Hopgood, LMFT, M.Ed, PMH-C, is an individual, couple/partner and family therapist, clinical sexologist, author, speaker, doctoral candidate, and occasional adjunct professor. Her Pennsylvania private practice centers people of marginalized identities (specifically Black and LGBTQ+). She helps them heal from family-of-origin challenges, relational difficulties, fertility and family creation processes, perinatal mental health, perinatal loss, healing and healthy sexuality, and realignment of the mind, body, and spirit. Jeanae is also the founder of the Black Angel Mom community, which includes a private Facebook community, a blog, guided journal, and conversation card deck. The card deck can be used by clinicians in therapeutic processing and discussions as a support system for their clients. Jeanae is the mother of twin daughters who have passed and one son earth-side.

Show Highlights:

How Jeanae had a lifelong dream to be a mom but knew assisted reproductive technologies would be her route
How her next steps included multiple failed IUI cycles, fibroid-removal surgery, IVF, and a pregnancy with twin daughters
How she experienced fluid loss, both light and heavy, that prefaced the traumatic loss of both girls
How Jeanae made something beautiful out of a tragic situation in giving birth to her daughters at 16-17 weeks
How Jeanae handled the tough parts of having her daughters photographed, dealing with the funeral home, and leaving them behind when she left the hospital
How Jeanae felt anguish, despair, confusion, disconnection, and deep grief after the loss
How Jeanae knew she needed help and searched for healing through grief counseling and journaling
How Jeanae and her partner tried two more IVF cycles a few months later–with no success
How even support groups didn’t feel inclusive of queer Black couples
Why Jeanae created her blog to include others who didn’t see themselves in the support groups that were available to them
How Jeanae and her partner were “kicked out” of their shared risk IVF program and were approached about the opportunity to adopt their son
Why they chose adoption, knowing this would be the end of their fertility journey; because of the expense, they knew they couldn’t do both
How the adoption brought conflicting emotions and feelings about becoming a mother in this unexpected way
Why Jeanae created the Black Angel Mom community to be the support she needed
A deeper look at where marginalization showed up in Jeanae’s journey to parenthood as a queer Black couple

Resources:

Connect with Jeanae: JHJ Therapy, Instagram, and Facebook

Black Angel Mom, Instagram, and Facebook

222: Postpartum Psychosis, Failed Healthcare, Trauma and Recovery Mar 28, 2022

Today’s show looks at postpartum psychosis, a much-misunderstood condition, and diagnosis. Unfortunately, we usually hear about this condition after a tragedy has occurred, but that is not always the hallmark of postpartum psychosis. My guest shares her journey, including the missteps by the mental health clinicians and medical professionals who didn’t provide the help that she needed. Along with so many misconceptions about postpartum psychosis, the main problem is that people just are not educated about this topic. Join us to learn more.

Jillian Parente is a licensed clinical social worker, adjunct professor, multi-trauma and postpartum psychosis survivor, yogi, and holistic wellness advocate. She is a champion of maternal mental health who specializes in trauma and focuses on women’s mental health. Most importantly, she is the mother of a smart and beautiful four-year-old girl. While maintaining her role as a mental health professional, Jillian continues the extensive process of recovery from her episode of late-onset postpartum psychosis, which occurred three years ago. As a result of that condition, she lost everything, and her entire life changed. Her story illustrates that “mental health does not discriminate.” Jillian believes that intensive healing is not an end goal but a journey.

**Because of the nature of today’s topic, our discussion may be sensitive for some listeners. Use your judgment, and listen when you are ready.

Show Highlights:

Jillian’s story, which includes intrusive thoughts in the postpartum period, normal anxiety for a new mom, and increased problems when she and her husband returned to work
How Jillian realized in hindsight that she had every risk factor for postpartum psychosis—but no medical professional ever addressed the risk
Why Jillian felt like a failure in her attempt to breastfeed her daughter, partly because of a medication-induced milk shortage and a lack of support at her workplace
How Jillian’s sense of emotional safety was shaken due to trauma in her marriage
How paranoid delusions led Jillian to fear that her husband would harm her and her baby
The chain of events that led to Jillian’s daughter being taken from her and her subsequent psychiatric hospitalization
Why Jillian came to the point that she knew she needed professional help
Why Jillian felt like an unsafe monster to her child even though she never felt like a harm to her
The misconception about postpartum psychosis: that it only manifests itself in the mother harming her child and/or herself
How Jillian transitioned to a different therapist and became involved in EMDR work
Why Jillian is still battling for custody of her daughter
What Jillian feels like are the big “misses” in her story where the system failed her and dismissed her
How the support and love of a true friend empowered her and made all the difference for Jillian in helping her summon her strength and tenacity to help herself and move forward

Resources:

Contact Jillian: Jillian Parente

Contact Post Partum for resources and support.

221: "Happy with Baby...When Partners Become Parents"" Mar 14, 2022

As couples move into life with a new baby, many changes come with that new little arrival. Everyone has their expectations about what life will be like when the baby arrives, but how does the reality stack up?

Life becomes a “new normal.” Whether expectations are realistic or not, adjusting to life with a new baby can be a time with many challenges, and communication with each other is vital. Join us to learn more!

Catherine O’Brien is a licensed marriage and family therapist who lives and practices in Sacramento, California. She is the founder of Happy With Baby, which she created for new parents. She gives them the advice she wishes had been there for her as a new parent.

Catherine’s new book, Happy With Baby, is a helpful resource for couples who are transitioning into parenthood.

Show Highlights:

What new parents are facing when a baby arrives, especially the strain on the relationship
What surprises many new moms about how their partners adjust to parenthood
How people can feel empowered and confident through the transition
Why it is difficult for many new parents to ask for help–for various reasons
How resentment in the relationship can build a wall over time if partnership and connection with each other aren’t prioritized
How to notice the signs of resentment within yourself toward your partner
How to start the conversations about connection with your partner and “check in” with each other
Catherine’s tips for breaking down each partner’s basic needs to manage health, wellness, and connection
How new moms can transition into a new space with their postpartum body and keep intimacy alive
How to prioritize time for check-ins together by planning the time–and even a fun activity

Resources:

Connect with Catherine: Happy With baby, Instagram, and Facebook

Happy With Baby by Catherine O’Brien

220: Rage in Motherhood Feb 27, 2022

Today we are digging into the topic of rage in motherhood, specifically, postpartum rage. We will discuss what it is, why it happens, what it feels like, and what you can do about it. Join us to learn more!

Erica Djossa is a registered psychotherapist, sought-after maternal mental health specialist, and Happy As A Mother founder. She has been practicing for over ten years and is a regular media contributor. Erica helps women adjust and manage the load of motherhood with her popular Happy As A Mother podcast, Instagram platform, and online therapy services. She is passionate about supporting moms and helping them embrace their motherhood journey. She is a Toronto-based mother to three rambunctious boys, and she can often be found sharing insights through her Instagram stories.

Show Highlights:

How rage shows up in the context of motherhood
How the “perfect mother” myths stifle a mom’s ability to express any anger
Examples of what rage might feel like for a mom
How we form our inward and outward boundaries for expressing anger based on the “rule book” in the way we were raised
How “vulnerability factors” are underlying our anger expression
How the narrative we tell ourselves around irritation and anger can either increase or decrease our stress levels
Red flag indicators to look out for: intensity and frequency of the anger
How to use the acronym NESTS: Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, Time for self, and Support
How continued rage after putting NESTS into place indicates the need to dig deeper
Why anger is one of the most commonly overlooked symptoms of depression
Erica’s personal experience as a mom of three young kids under three years of age
How getting the appropriate help can change everything for a mom
How mothers experience the depths of shame in feeling anger and rage
Steps to take in finding help and support–and taking the first one is the most important!
What to expect from Erica’s course of five modules
How our stress hormones function in our bodies when we feel irritation, anger, and rage
Why support, help, and therapy need to feel accessible to everyone

Resources:

Connect with Erica: www.happyasamother.co/rage (Many free resources are available!) Instagram and Facebook

Erica is hiring remote perinatal therapists to join the Happy As A Mother team! Certified PMH-Cs from all Canadian provinces are welcome to apply! Click the link for details!

219: Fertility and Perinatal Mental Health with Dr. Marissa Long, Psy.D, MAOB Feb 14, 2022

Today’s show features a dear friend and colleague as we discuss the mental health impacts on fertility and perinatal mental health. The mental health side of these issues is often overlooked in the process of treatment, and many parents are suffering. Join us as we take a closer look!

Dr. Marissa Long is a sought-after expert in the field of reproductive psychology. As the owner and clinical director of ARC Counseling & Wellness, a private practice in southern California, Texas, and Louisiana, Dr. Long is dedicated to helping individuals and couples who are going through fertility treatment. She also works with women with high risk pregnancies and pregnancy loss to relieve the emotional distress associated with these challenges. She recently launched PsychEd Book Club, an innovative book club facilitated by therapists to support mental health, self-help, and social connection through conversation and education. Dr. Long is a lifelong dancer who performed in the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXII and the Sydney Opera House a year later.

Show Highlights:

An overview of Dr. Long’s work as a health psychologist who connects physical issues and mental health
Common issues and challenges that Dr. Long sees with her patients
An explanation of reproductive endocrinology and REI terminology and their common treatments
Impacts of the fertility process on people’s expectations of how they “thought” conception and pregnancy would happen
Changes to the sexual relationship when fertility treatments are needed to conceive
How people deal with feelings of shame, guilt, and body betrayal over fertility problems
Why mental health challenges don’t end when a successful pregnancy occurs
Stressors for patients on the medical side of treatments concerning medications, appointments, etc.
How fertility treatment medications can impact a patient’s mental health and emotions
Patient perspectives on what makes a good experience in fertility treatment
The problem with patients not being referred for mental health treatment soon enough
The great need for reproductive psychologists to work in conjunction with fertility clinics
What clients need to hold onto during fertility struggles
The need for support and connection for fertility patients–and where to find it

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Long: ARC Counseling & Wellness Instagram and Facebook

For support during fertility issues: www.resolve.org and www.fertilityiq.com

218: Collective Stress, Burnout, and Coping Through COVID Times Feb 01, 2022

Today’s focus comes from what has been on my mind and what I hear from many people. Families are feeling the squeeze right now with collective stress, burnout, and trying to cope in the middle of these COVID times. What we are all dealing with and the length of time we have endured this stress so far has many people hitting a wall with their mental health. Join me for this discussion!

Show Highlights:

Why many of us feel jaded because of all that COVID has messed up for us
How anxiety, hypervigilance, and the pressure of decision-making have added to the constant stress of managing everyday life for expectant moms and those with new babies
How COVID decisions have brought conflict and confusion between families and friends because of varying perspectives
Why we aren’t built to withstand this kind of collective stress and trauma for extended periods of time
How our bandwidth for stress has decreased since there is no good place for our frustrated feelings to go–and each new wave brings more uncertainty
The value we can find in validating our stress and calling it what it is instead of pretending that things are normal
How do we cope when our normal self-care outlets don’t help us?
Why we need to view self-care with a new perspective
Suggestions for easy self-care practices:
Consider unplugging from social media and news outlets at times.
Step outside or open a window to breathe fresh air.
Move your body or stretch as your body allows.
Find ways to connect with people whom you trust.
Listen to music or watch movies/TV shows that make you feel good.
My advice: Ask yourself, “What is ONE thing I can do today that will help me just a little bit?”

217: Managing a Physical Disability During Pregnancy and Postpartum Jan 17, 2022

Today’s show gives us a unique perspective on pregnancy and the postpartum while managing a physical disability. Join us to hear our guest’s inspiring story.

Rachel Brousseau is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Drama Therapist, Drama Therapy Board Certified Trainer, and Perinatal Mental Health Certified Therapist. She has a private practice in Burbank, CA, where she specializes in helping highly sensitive mothers throughout their motherhood journey. She is the co-founder of the Creative Center for Motherhood, supporting moms through the use of group creative expression. Rachel has presented for Maternal Mental Health NOW, the North American Drama Therapy Association, USC School of Social Work, Cal State LA, and Heartbeat. She is also a Parent and Me class facilitator and teaches at the Drama Therapy Institute of Los Angeles. Through her personal experience, Rachel is driven to help mothers feel connected so that they never have to feel alone.

Show Highlights:

Rachel’s story of being diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disease that affects her muscles at age five; as the progression happened, she had frequent falls and times when she couldn’t walk or navigate stairs
How Rachel still played sports and performed in theater with adaptations
Why Rachel struggled as an adult to get insurance, being forced to get creative with the medical system to get the services she needed
How Rachel learned to advocate for herself and can now support and advocate for her clients
How heavy steroids as a child led to eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment
Why Rachel rejected the idea of parenthood because she overheard a doctor tell her parents that she would never have children
How Rachel reconsidered pregnancy after her marriage, even though there was no research to go on for mothers with her condition
When she became pregnant, things went well until her third trimester, when she began falling frequently
After giving birth, she began having scary thoughts about falling and dropping the baby and her baby getting sick or inheriting her illness
How she began attending a Mommy & Me yoga class about 2-3 months postpartum; there were a lot of stairs at the studio, and Rachel was told to “get in shape” when she inquired about an elevator
How a similar experience at a second yoga studio left her feeling shut out, unwanted, and like she “couldn’t do motherhood well”
How art therapy finally left her feeling acknowledged and made all the difference
How Rachel handled going back to work with certain accommodations
Why Rachel started researching perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, making sense of it all, and determining to help other moms
Why Rachel stuck with strict criteria for her private practice office space to accommodate herself and her clients
Rachel’s checklist to consider for disability and accessibility
How support and telehealth help during the postpartum period
Rachel’s advice for those with disabilities in dealing with “able-ist” attitudes, microaggressions, astonishment, and assumptions
Why therapists and providers should take a support role and not an expert stance

Resources:

Connect with Rachel on her Website and Facebook.

216: Understanding Attachment and Bonding with Bethany Warren, LCSW, PMH-C Dec 31, 2021

Today’s show focuses on attachment and bonding. Some parents feel immediate love and connection with their new baby, but for many, they struggle to achieve a “normal” bond. The good news is that there are specific steps parents can take to understand the basics of attachment and bonding. Join us to learn more!

Beth Warren is a psychotherapist in private practice in San Diego, California. She has a passion for reproductive mental health and has worked in this field for over 20 years. Beth is certified in EMDR therapy and Perinatal Mental Health, specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, birth trauma, pregnancy loss, and infertility. She has worked in both hospital and outpatient psychiatric settings and has led postpartum support groups for new mothers. She is a current member and previously served as the President of the Board of the Postpartum Health Alliance, a nonprofit organization in San Diego dedicated to promoting awareness of Perinatal Mental Health. In addition to working as a therapist and EMDR consultant, she facilitates trainings and is a regular speaker, lecturer, podcast/radio guest. She has written a newly released book called The Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Workbook, which helps new parents navigate their emotions and build skills towards mental wellness through their journey of parenthood.

Show Highlights:

The fundamental basics of bonding and attachment
How bonding includes feelings of warmth, connection, protection, and responsibility that unfold over time
How traumatic births can delay feelings of bonding and attachment
How a disruption in attachment from your childhood can play out to delay bonding with your own child
How an anxious parent can have an effect on how that child grows up and then parents their own child—and why they might want to parent differently
How culture and community can play into parenting because of our experiences in life
Why parents have to heal themselves in order to be good parents and break multi-generational patterns
How perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can cause delayed bonding, but the good news is that parents can keep working on it
How the feedback loop happens as a new baby grows and develops to interact with his parents
Why mirror neurons are vitally important for babies to learn from their parents
How therapy can help parents learn what they are doing well even when they don’t feel the bonding with their baby that they want
How Beth works with parents to help them think about what their baby “would thank them for today”
How words of affirmation and encouragement can make all the difference for an anxious mom
Beth’s advice for parents to promote bonding and attachment:
Talk to your baby during every chance for interaction.
Add singing and other motions with eye contact to help them imitate you.
“Wear” your baby in a sling to keep them close to you and practice skin-to-skin touch when possible.
Why some parents have the distorted belief that their baby doesn’t like them or they are a bad parent when they don’t understand how bonding unfolds over time
How positive quiet-time intervention can help the struggling parent
How Beth’s new book, The Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Workbook, has suggested bonding and attachment exercises

Resources:

Bethany Warren LCSW

Find Beth on Instagram.

The Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Workbook: The Guide to Surviving Your Emotions When Having a Baby by Bethany Warren and Beth Creager Berger

215: Postpartum Depression Nov 15, 2021

There are many misconceptions about postpartum depression, what it is, and how it manifests itself. This episode will clear up some of the myths and bring clarity, hope, and awareness to this topic. Join us to learn more!

Kristina Deligiannidis, MD, received her medical degree from and completed her psychiatry residency and chief residency in psychopharmacology research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. After residency, she completed a visiting fellowship and further training in multimodal neuroimaging at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging. Dr. Deligiannidis joined the faculty at Zucker Hillside Hospital, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in September 2016. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and currently serves as the director of women’s behavioral health at Zucker Hillside Hospital. As a reproductive psychiatrist, she has expertise in treating women with mood and anxiety disorders linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause.

Show Highlights:

How Dr. D came to this field that blends neuroscience, psychiatry, and women’s health
Why her research into postpartum depression focuses on the female hormones before, during, and after pregnancy and childbirth
Postpartum depression defined and explained: It is a mix of emotional, physical, and other symptoms that usually begin with sadness, loss of pleasure in activities, sleep difficulties, appetite disturbances, irritability, agitation, guilt, loss of worth, and more.
How postpartum depression and “baby blues” differ in severity, onset, and duration
How changes in the brain take place due to pregnancy hormones increasing and decreasing with the birth process
Risk factors for perinatal depression include a personal history of depression, increased stressors, and minimal support
How moms describe postpartum depression with feelings of isolation and a loss of self
How many women suffer without getting the help and support they need and have long-term effects
Why we need to do a better job in recognizing and treating postpartum depression for the sake of moms, babies, families, and society
How the risks for depression in pregnancy and the postpartum can differ from each other
D explains a recent study by Healthy Woman that shows the pressure women feel to “do it all” and like they are “bothering someone” if they ask for help
How people can prepare for life with a new baby and prioritize their emotional health
Why a higher percentage of Hispanic and black women report inadequate social support and poor access to their healthcare providers in the early postpartum period, as compared with white women
How a new program, Check On Mom, helps with developing a maternal mental wellness plan

Resources:

My Check On Mom

Connect with Kristina

214: Parental Burnout with Shelley Kemmerer, PA-C Nov 01, 2021

Parents have experienced burnout for generations, but it’s only recently that parent burnout has been recognized as something that needs support. Today’s guest is making a difference in this space, helping parents and families with overall mental and physical wellness. Join us to learn more!

Shelley Kemmerer PA-C is the founder of Run Tell Mom, LLC. She is a licensed physician assistant who is certified in parental burnout prevention by The Training Institute for Parental Burnout, the world’s leading training institute on parental burnout. She helps parents and caregivers with live-in children navigate transitions throughout their parenting journey. Shelley provides personalized, customizable resources through one-on-one consultations, collaborative workshops, and master classes with a goal to optimize the parenting experience while filling the space beyond clinical care.

Show Highlights:

Shelley’s path to the work she does today to help parents
How Shelley saw the need for parental burnout resources after the birth of her youngest child
Shelley’s unique perspective as a PA and a mom who realized that families need extra support
Why Shelley’s social media goals are to allow collaborative discussions with providers, parents, and support specialists--and to bring awareness to available resources
How expectation vs. reality is a wide divide in parenthood
Why parents need connection, support circles, and therapy; the problem is that they don’t know whether to ask a doula, midwife, pediatrician, or therapist
What Shelley noticed from her perspective as a parent:
Very brief visits to healthcare providers with not enough time to address all the important issues
Difficulties in returning to work after a baby’s birth, especially for those in the healthcare field
Contributing factors to parental burnout: perfectionism (competing with other parents to have everything “in order”), social media expectations, limited parental leave, and individualism
How parents are balancing “stacked plates” of productivity goals at work, extracurricular activities for kids, keeping a clean home, self-care, and more!
How COVID has brought an upheaval in many families and homes that is exhausting, even in dual-parent households, but even more so for single parents
Tips for prevention of burnout: division of labor between parents, good sleep, exercise, healthy nutrition, awareness of signs of depression and anxiety, connecting with others, etc.
How to support parents in getting good sleep--and why it’s vitally important for many reasons!
Top resources for parents that Shelley recommends: Postpartum Support International, Call 2-1-1, social media support groups, and other local support groups
Three defining hallmarks of parental burnout: overwhelming significant exhaustion related to the parental role, emotional distancing from one’s child or children, lack of joy or fulfilling pleasure in being a parent (this would be a distinct change in how you WERE as a parent to how you are today)
Differences between depression/anxiety and burnout
Why these discussions about burnout are difficult to have
How to take things off your plate by “triaging” them into what’s urgent and not-so-urgent
Parting words from Shelley: “You CAN feel better. There are small steps you can take to make gradual changes to improve what might have gone on for months or years. Have more self-compassion for yourself that you are doing what you can right now. It’s not a sign of weakness if you ask for help. Parents are beautiful, awesome people.”

Resources:

Email Shelley: runtellmom@gmail.com

Check out her website: www.runtellmom.com

Find Shelley on Instagram.

Find support: Postpartum

213: An Undiagnosed Postpartum Depression Turned Into A Therapist's Passion Oct 18, 2021

Therapists are under unique pressure to “have it all together” when pregnancy and parenthood challenges come along. The truth is that no one is immune to these challenges, and therapists experience the same struggles as anyone else. Join us as today’s guest shares her experience in becoming a parent and adjusting to her role in motherhood.

Veronica Eyo is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker. Her passion is to help all moms navigate the challenges of parenthood. She transitioned into her practice of working primarily with mothers after her first pregnancy, and her experiences led her to seek specialized training in working with moms of color. Supporting mamas through various walks of life is what grounds Veronica, and this passion influenced her dissertation as she researched student mothers’ success in institutions of higher learning.

Show Highlights:

Veronica’s experience with her first pregnancy and not holding space for herself as she was for her clients
How her daughter’s birth became a whirlwind after a four-day labor and C-section that left Veronica feeling like a failure
How her allergy to penicillin resulted in problems for her and her daughter
The painful memories of the rocky four-day period in the hospital and not even remembering meeting her daughter for the first time
How the breastfeeding difficulties compounded Veronica’s feelings of failure
How Veronica learned to focus on “one next step” to keep going with the help of a therapist friend
How motherhood became a struggle for Veronica because of the standards she set for herself
Why no one around Veronica knew how much she struggled
Why Veronica had a difficult time letting other people hold her baby
How Veronica found support through Mommy and Me, even though there weren’t other moms there who shared her cultural heritage
How Veronica felt about being a stay-at-home mom for a year and then going back to work
How Veronica felt guilty and ashamed at first when she took time for herself
How Veronica feels that she has changed so much as a mom over the last four years, stepping into her role as a mother as the result of deep work
Why “one small thing” has become Veronica’s life motto
Why Veronica didn’t stick to her Mexican cultural tradition of 40 days of rest after childbirth because she found it difficult to accept help; with her second and third children, she found it easier to let people help her
The need to get correct messaging out there that it’s OK for mothers to take breaks, take time for themselves, and ask for help
What Veronica wants other moms to know: “No one has it figured out--and that’s OK. There isn’t ONE right way to do things, so you can decide what works best for you and your family. Your community is important, whether it’s on social media, podcasts, or taking time for self-care. Just take one step at a time.”

Resources:

Dr. Veronica

Find Veronica on Instagram.

212: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Oct 04, 2021

Today’s episode turns to pregnancy and infant loss as we acknowledge October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. We want to spend time honoring all parents who have experienced this unique type of loss. Everyone who experiences a pregnancy or infant loss goes through the grief in their own way and at their own pace, and there are specific ways that we can offer support. Let’s dive into this difficult subject together.

Show Highlights:

Why you owe no one an explanation about how you feel, why you feel it, or how long you feel it.
Why people very often don’t know what to say for a number of possible reasons
Why some people may choose not to share openly about their loss
Why shame, blame, and trauma accompany this kind of overwhelming loss
How we can help erase the stigma, silence, and isolation that many people feel after a loss
How it’s common to experience worry and anxiety in trying to become pregnant again after a loss
How grief is not a linear process that begins and ends but affects multiple aspects of life
How dates become significant in loss for many people, but others may feel awkward about remembering
Why it’s OK to tell people to ask how you’re doing, check in on you, help remember the date, etc.
Many great supports are available; check out our Resources section below!

Resources:

PSI Check out the therapist directory, free support groups, and more!

Return to Zero: Hope Check out the many resources!

Pregnancy After Loss Support

Sisters in Loss on Instagram

Dr. Jessica Zucker

I Had a Miscarriage by Jessica Zucker

Star Legacy Foundation

Mom & Mind Loss-Related Episodes: 208, 206, 200, and 188--Visit Dr. Kaeni.

211: Support for Men's Mental Health in Fatherhood Sep 22, 2021

We are talking about how partners are affected and transformed in their journey into parenthood. Fathers need support and education just like mothers do. Join us to learn more!

Scott Mair lives with his wife and seven sons in the UK. He’s here to share how he started supporting new fathers through their journey to new parenthood. Scott is on a mission to set up parental mental health support for parents and promote awareness of paternal mental health. He’s a member of the Paternal Mental Health Alliance, mental health campaigner, trained peer-to-peer leader, team member of the perinatal training CIC, and qualified Beyond Birth mental wellbeing practitioner. In today’s episode, you’ll hear key informative points from Scott about how we can support fathers in the transition to parenthood, as well as how our outdated views of fathers negatively impact men in their transition into fatherhood.

Show Highlights:

How Scott got started in the field of paternal mental health through the traumatic birth of his seventh son just over two years ago
How anxiety began building during his wife’s pregnancy with the seventh son, after almost losing her and his son in the previous birth
How Scott was getting his mental health wrong for years, culminating in the circumstances around the difficult two births
How approached his local hospital about the need for education for dads about mental health and the realities of parenting
How the UK is ahead of the US in its long-term plan for perinatal mental health
How Scott offers support for fathers through charities supported by the NHS
How mothers and fathers can need support differently, even with the same birth of the same baby
How Scott convinces men of the need to talk about their mental health and parenting issues
The myth of masculinity and why we need to work to create a world where men can freely show emotions and vulnerability
The pressure on moms and dads in pregnancy and parenting
How Scott learned to assist his wife and support her as a breastfeeding mom
How to model compassion and authenticity in allowing children to feel emotions and express their feelings
Scott’s best tips for new parents:
Be the parent YOU want to be--not the one society tells you to be.
Drown out the noise and opinions of others; try your hardest and find what works best for YOU.
Find time for each other as a couple. Make time each day for a brief check-in with each other and enjoy the small moments together.

Resources:

Connect with Scott:

Twitter: @scottmair9

Instagram: @pmh_support

210: Baby Bomb: A Relationship Survival Guide for New Parents with Kara Hoppe, MFT Sep 08, 2021

Today’s show focuses on your relationship during pregnancy and the postpartum period. My guest shares her experience through postpartum depression and anxiety and the effects on her marriage. We are covering what you need to know--but no one has told you--about the entry into parenthood. Join us!

Kara Hoppe is a psychotherapist, teacher, feminist, and mother. She has spent more than a decade as an inclusive therapist working with individuals and couples toward healing and growing toward becoming grounded, integrated people with better access to their own instincts, wisdom, and creativity. Kara offers workshops for parents and expectant couples based on her book, Baby Bomb: A Relationship Survival Guide for New Parents. She lives with her husband and son in Pioneertown, CA, and sees clients in private practice via telehealth. In today’s conversation, Kara helps us understand how new parents can navigate the unexpected changes in their relationship, including how to communicate, how to maintain intimacy, and how to grow together as a new family.

Show Highlights:

Kara’s experience with postpartum depression and anxiety through the birth of her son and thought the disconnect was just “normal”
How her husband noticed the shift in her and urged her to take time for herself
How the relationship changes for Kara brought discomfort and “dizzying vulnerability” in needing her husband so much
From her husband’s perspective, it felt good to be needed in a different way and be a necessary partner in parenting--but there were frustrations from his end
Why the postpartum aspect is hard to understand when you’re in the middle of it and requires a “big picture” approach
Why Kara decided to write a book to help other couples, and how she brought in Stan Tatkin to help
How Kara and her husband got back to relationship intimacy on every level to strengthen their marriage
How parenthood brings many opportunities for misattunement and hurt within a marriage
How Kara teaches secure functioning from attachment theory, which is based on trust, safety, and security
How the micro-moments of mistake can be repaired to return to intimate connection
Why the couple relationship must come first when the baby arrives
How the child gains security by seeing parents taking care of each other’s needs
How Kara wants to empower couples to co-create the life they want as equal partners
From Kara’s book: how her chapter on sexual intimacy covers navigating the conflict over “touching”
How the non-primary parent can offer care without over-touching
How to reframe your needs into words that communicate to your partner without blame or attack
How Kara’s couples retreats teach skills for repairing your relationship and cultivating increased intimacy
Hopeful messages from Kara: “Partners who get support in understanding themselves and what they do can take responsibility and make changes. Awareness is key, and we can teach that.”

Resources:

www.karahoppe.com

Find Kara Hoppe on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Baby Bomb: A Relationship Survival Guide for New Parents by Kara Hoppe and Dr. Stan Tatkin

Find Dr. Stan Tatkin on Instagram and Facebook.

209: Parental Mental Health - Factoring in Fathers with Jane Honikman Aug 23, 2021

Today’s episode is an important one in the field of parental mental health. Unfortunately, fathers are often overlooked in many aspects of parenthood and family dynamics. To build strong families, we need to involve all parents in the path to parenthood and in providing family-supporting resources. Join us to learn more!

Jane Honikman, M.S. co-founded Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP), co-founded the Postpartum Action Institute, and founded Postpartum Support International (PSI). Jane is the author of several parenting support books: Community Support for New Families; I’m Listening: A Guide to Supporting Postpartum Families; My Diary: A Postpartum Journey from Pain to Purpose; Postpartum Action Manual: How to Provide Comfort, Encouragement, and Guidance to New Families; and Parental Mental Health: Factoring in Fathers. She was born and raised in Palo Alto, California, and has lived in Santa Barbara since 1970. She and her husband have three adult married children, eight grandchildren, and a cat.

Show Highlights:

How Jane looked to her mother as a role model but didn’t follow conventional social rules as she became an adult
How fantasies about life can set you up for failure and disaster
Why Jane was involved in the movement to make mothers and fathers equal partners in parenthood in the 70s
How family mental illness and her personal trauma pushed Jane into her work with parental mental health
The flip in inequity with what we’ve done to men and their feelings
What we should change regarding fathers
How Jane partnered with Dan Singley to write Factoring in Fathers
Why men today struggle to identify role models in manhood and parenthood
How postpartum mental illness affects men in different forms than women
How pediatricians can do more in parental mental health with the whole family
Available resources for fathers
How mental health clinicians can do better in their work with families
Why the postpartum period never really comes to an end

Resources:

Instagram: (@parental_health)

Twitter: Parental_Health

Factoring In Fathers

Jane’s books:

Community Support for New Families

I’m Listening: A Guide to Supporting Postpartum Families

My Diary: A Postpartum Journey from Pain to Purpose

Postpartum Action Manual: How to Provide Comfort, Encouragement, and Guidance to New Families

Parental Mental Health: Factoring in Fathers by Jane Honikman and Daniel Singley

208: Perinatal Loss, Black Women, Birthing and Protecting Wellness Jul 12, 2021

Today’s guest shares her story of pregnancy losses and the resulting anxiety and depression that made the journey to parenthood very challenging. Join us to hear her inspiring story of healing and hope.

Dorienna M. Alfred, Ph.D., PMH-C is a licensed psychologist and certified perinatal mental health professional. She is the owner of Works of Faith Wellness and Consultation, LLC, a private practice centered on perinatal mental health services in Columbus, Ohio. Through the practice, she provides individual therapy, workshops, and continuing education that promote health equity for those at the highest risk for complications during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. Alfred is the author of the book, Pregnant with Promise: A Spiritual Journey of Pregnancy, Bed Rest, and Childbirth, which is a memoir of her journey with loss and pregnancy complications. She has been a guest blogger for Pregnancy After Loss Support and has been a guest on the Sisters in Loss Podcast. She is particularly interested in supporting parents with pregnancy complications and pregnancy loss, and is completing a certification to become a birth and bereavement doula. She has co-authored various publications and refereed workshops on topics related to women’s health, racial identity, social justice, and cultural competence. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and sons, reading novels, scrapbooking, and Zumba.

Show Highlights:

How Dorienna came into the field of perinatal mental health through two early pregnancy losses
The devastating experience of having to deliver the second loss and the resulting anxiety and trauma
How Dorianna’s successful pregnancy with her son was joyful but difficult with 14 weeks of bed rest
Why Dorienna compiled her book from journal entries of her experiences
How the landscape of mental health would change if there were more education and training for therapists in perinatal mental health
How Dorienna, even as a psychologist, didn’t receive mental health support through her losses and while on bed rest
The need to talk about and educate people about how pregnancy loss can impact future pregnancies and parenting
How stress and trauma can result from perceived racism and lack of acknowledgement
The importance of giving space to talk about pent-up emotions
The benefits of having a doula--and even a postpartum doula for the 4th trimester and beyond
The value of therapy in learning new coping skills and knowing you aren’t on your journey alone
Final words from Dorienna: “Don’t be afraid to take the risk and find a therapist that works best for you and is a good fit. Therapy can be very beneficial to find the support system you need.”

Resources:

Works of Faith

@doriennamalfred instagram

Find Dorienna’s book on Amazon: Pregnant with Promise: A Spiritual Journey of Pregnancy, Bed Rest, and Childbirth

207: Christine's Story Through Postpartum, Anxiety, Colic, Stress, and Healing Through it All Jun 28, 2021

Today’s episode covers the personal story of a mother who has been through postpartum anxiety, severe colic, and complicated family transitions. Through her difficulties, she has thrown herself into learning about perinatal mental health challenges, supporting herself, and helping other families.

Christine Carrig is the director of Carrig Montessori School in Brooklyn, NY. She holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education as well as a Montessori certification. Christine has trained as a postpartum doula through both DONA and Ayurvedic Mamas. Most recently, Christine founded The Family Flow, a community that offers online courses for parents of young children, with the aim of helping parents understand and support their children so they can guide them through the messy terrain of development. Christine lives in Queens with her husband and four young children.

Show Highlights:

In 2012, Christine’s first daughter was born after a wonderful pregnancy
As a new business owner of a Montessori school, Christine pushed herself too hard as a new mom and was shocked at her hypervigilance and how it depleted her energy
How Christine noticed that her daughter was extremely sensitive and easily overwhelmed by her emotions and frequently overstimulated; she also had sleep issues
In 2015, her son was born after a more challenging pregnancy for Christine, and she felt like there was a cloud over her all the time
How her daughter started showing harmful aggressive behavior toward the baby and Christine to the point she feared being alone with the two children
How Christine felt inadequate to walk through this terrain of transition with her daughter to the point that she felt like a failure as a mother
How Christine’s relationship with her own mother changed and left her feeling unsupported and isolated in an extended period of estrangement between them
How her newborn son’s fussiness and vomiting escalated into full-blown colic, and Christine drew strength from her husband’s calm optimism
How an interaction with her sister gave Christine a new perspective on her situation
When her son’s colic settled down around nine months, she sought help from acupuncture, therapy, and learning more about her daughter’s unique needs
When Christine became pregnant again, she feared a repeat of her postpartum experience, so she took maternal mental health training and listened to the Mom & Mind podcast, trying to make a different plan for herself and her older two children
How Christine took physical and emotional space after the birth of her third child to authentically bounce back and learned to ask for help
With her fourth baby, she hired a postpartum doula to help and learned how to ask friends and family for specific help
How she made her basement her “recovery cave” and took some “sitting in” time, which left her recovered, steady, and calm as a new mother of four children
How Christine helps other families through her Mindful Parenting program at her school and her online classes

Resources:

The Family Flow

206: Healing After Miscarriage, Birth, and Postpartum Anxiety Jun 14, 2021

Today’s show marks five years of this podcast. It’s been an unbelievable journey speaking to guests who share their stories and experiences so we can all work to raise the volume on these perinatal mental health conditions. Five years, 206 episodes---and we’re still going strong!

Heidi McBain shares her story of birth trauma, miscarriage, and anxiety to shed light on the importance of talking about these experiences, allowing time to grieve for loss, and getting the help you need. Heidi has been married for almost 19 years and has two kids, ages 12 and 15. She's also a dog mom to a high-energy Labrador Retriever. Her family spent six years living in Lima, Peru, when their kids were young, and they have been in Flower Mound, Texas (outside of Dallas) for the last four years. After being a stay-at-home mom when her kids were little, Heidi now works full-time as a therapist. She is licensed in the state of Texas and sees moms during pregnancy, postpartum, and throughout motherhood.

Show Highlights:

Heidi’s story of her first pregnancy with her daughter and how it was normal until things went downhill and became terrifying and traumatizing
How the birth of her son three years later brought the realization of what she had been through during her daughter’s labor and delivery
How a 12-week miscarriage between her daughter and son left her feeling guilty, upset, and like she should have been referred to a therapist
Why you must create space to grieve for a loss in order to move forward
How Heidi’s therapist helped her realize she was experiencing anxiety as umbilical cord concerns cropped up with her pregnancy with her son
How Heidi coped with anxiety by going to therapy, meditating, journaling, and spending time outdoors
Why Heidi regrets not going back to therapy after her son’s birth
How Heidi and her husband worked together as sleep-deprived partners to deal with their son’s reflux problems
What Heidi wishes she had known sooner
How Heidi’s experiences spurred her to work more in the field of perinatal mental health to help others

Resources:

Heidi Mcbain

Facebook and Instagram: @mentalwellnessformoms

205: Destigmatizing Intrusive Thoughts with Dr. Nichole Fairbrother May 31, 2021

Anxiety and intrusive thoughts can be horrifying experiences for new parents. My guest is making significant contributions to the field of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in the areas of research and education. Join us to learn more about her work.

Today’s guest is Dr. Nichole Fairbrother, a registered psychologist and Clinical Associate Professor with the University of British Columbia's Department of Psychiatry in British Columbia, Canada. She is the head of the UBC Perinatal Anxiety Research Lab, and her research is in the area of perinatal mental health with a focus on anxiety disorders and epidemiology. Dr. Fairbrother directs multidisciplinary studies to assess the prevalence of anxiety disorders among pregnant and postpartum women. Much of her work is focused on understanding the relationship of mothers’ intrusive thoughts, OCD, and mothering behaviors, and she is actively involved to bring awareness, help, and education to women around the world.

Show Highlights:

Nichole’s research around anxiety and intrusive thoughts
How her personal experience of unwanted intrusive thoughts at the birth of her first child prompted her research
The first small study (only 100 women) showed what women reported about their dark feelings and intrusive thoughts
How the study was later replicated with a larger group of 2000-3000 women to help with prenatal education
One of Nichole’s current projects: an animated educational video about intrusive thoughts and harmful behaviors
Why intrusive thoughts are scary and stigmatizing for most women
The evolution of thoughts that lead to increased protectiveness as parents of newborns
Why unwanted intrusive thoughts in the postpartum and usually accompanied by OCD behaviors
Nichole explains the rates of perinatal OCD and the risk for new moms
How we can help by providing prenatal education to help mothers recognize the intrusive thoughts
How Nichole is working on developing a cognitive behavioral treatment program and is seeking funding to develop the first training module
The ongoing study and how you can participate along with all major English-speaking countries in the world (they are looking for about 3000 women who are up to three months postpartum)
Messages of healing from Nichole: “Recovery is absolutely within reach if you’re suffering from anxiety and intrusive thoughts. I see people’s faces change when they realize that they are not alone in this.”

Resources:

Website and social media links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

204: Cultural Narratives in Motherhood, Immigration and Perinatal Mental Health May 17, 2021

As we continue to celebrate Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, we take a deep dive into the cultural factors that affect perinatal mental health. Today’s guest shares how she’s working to support black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) through the perinatal mental health journey as they transition to parenthood.

Divya Kumar is a South Asian-American psychotherapist with a public health background specializing in perinatal mental health, trauma, and anti-oppression work. Her work connects clinical services with public health by addressing unmet needs in direct perinatal mental healthcare and the structure and delivery of perinatal support services. She is one of the Co-Founders of the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, a program within Postpartum Support International, and a Commissioner on the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression in Massachusetts. She also writes about the intersections of race, trauma, and perinatal mental health. Divya joins us to discuss how culture and immigration impact perinatal mental health.

Show Highlights:

What Divya wants us to know about her work that helps parents and families in the BIPOC community
The relief that comes when someone can relate to your cultural background without needing to hear all the details
How our thoughts, beliefs, and ideas about our culture affect our narratives, even down to self-care and what we think about seeking support
Why many cultures glorify struggle and suffering for mothers to the exclusion of needing self-care, support, and help of any kind
How it brings tension to the family when a first-generation immigrant who becomes a mother chooses to go against cultural norms
Why following the narrative for mothers to “just try harder” only creates more self-blame and guilt
The pieces of loss that complicate the transition to motherhood when cultural assimilation means abandoning important cultural practices and traditions
The sense of grief and loss that comes in deciding which cultural traditions to continue on with your own family
How culture shows up in daily parenting, even in small details like teaching kids to manage feelings and emotions
How cultural narratives interact with perinatal mental health in areas of gratitude and shame
How to reduce shame and guilt by unpacking the story down to its roots
Divya’s “BothBrownAnd” philosophy in feeling and validating emotions
The myth of “Happy Mommy/Happy Baby”--and why it doesn’t work
Why the idea of choosing how to mother can be extremely difficult and also transformative at the same time
How to cultivate the voice of self-compassion in sustainable ways
Why motherhood is a process and a journey that each person can create
How Divya works with clients with gentle and compassionate curiosity
Parting words from Divya: “Your parenthood story is still being written. We sometimes feel stuck between two places in the non-linear path that takes us through parenthood. You don’t have to have all the answers. Seeing someone with an empathic stance to how you were raised can make all the difference.”

Resources:

Connect with Divya

Instagram: @bothbrownand_

203: When Pregnancy Isn't "Magical": Anxiety, Depression and Treatment with Actress Liz Masucci May 03, 2021

We can all draw strength and community from the stories of others. Today’s guest uses her talents in acting, producing, and writing to inform and educate people about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Her overriding messages are that everyone deserves help and support so they don’t feel like she did, isolated and alone.

Elizabeth Masucci is an actress, producer, and writer based in NYC. She started in theater and then began working in TV and film. Liz has starred on several TV shows such as Elementary, Royal Pains, and Public Morals, which was produced by Ed Burns and Steven Spielberg. She now mostly produces her own projects with a company she started with a friend. They have a few TV shows in development, one of which is a dark comedy about women struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders at a maternal mental health center. Since Liz struggled with PMADs while she was pregnant with her daughter, she uses this creative outlet to share her story and spread support and information to others. She is also the mom of a little boy who was born last December.

Show Highlights:

How Liz experienced depression and anxiety in her first pregnancy in 2018
Because she had no information and no support, she felt confused, and her emotional swings and rage spiraled out of control
How she saw a reproductive psychiatrist who prescribed medications, when Liz really wanted to explore further the why and what of her experience
How she discovered the Motherhood Center in NYC through Postpartum Support International and signed up for the day program, which turned out to be a lifesaver
How the varied aspects of support in the group therapy program helped Liz feel more stable and supported, along with Prozac
How Liz transitioned later into her postpartum with the same support from the center
What it was like in the beginning when realized that “something wasn’t right;” she felt tired, unmotivated, and totally overwhelmed with the normal tasks in preparing for a baby
How Liz felt about telling others about her struggles
How Liz immediately felt much better after giving birth
The hesitancy and questions around taking medications during pregnancy
How Liz felt during her second pregnancy, when she continued on medication; it was during the pandemic, but she had an easy postpartum period with no dark places
Why Liz wanted to share her experience as an outlet for her and a way to help others
Liz’s projects: a TV show about PMADs and group therapy, and a film about postpartum psychosis
Why there is such stigma and misunderstanding around PMADs and postpartum psychosis
What Liz wants others to know: “When you’re pregnant and in the postpartum, your body is going through a lot. Things will come up, so don’t ignore them. Don’t feel shame, but find the resources available to help you.”

Resources:

Liz Musucci

@lizmasucci on Instagram and Twitter

202: Coping with a Fetal Diagnosis and Supporting New Parents through Occupational Therapy Apr 19, 2021

Whether you are a parent or hope to be a parent someday, we all have assumptions about what pregnancy should be like. What we can’t control is how it will go in reality and how we will feel during the process. Today’s show explores how the journey can be navigated when unexpected circumstances creep in and sabotage our well-crafted plans.

Leora Rozin felt blindsided and lost when welcoming her first child in 2012. She wishes she had someone with her background as an occupational therapist to help her navigate pregnancy and postpartum. After having a second child in 2014, Leora was expecting another child in 2019 when a fetal diagnosis at the 21-week anatomy scan rocked her world. This experience ultimately became a source of motivation to become certified in Perinatal Mental Health. Today, Leora is passionate about helping moms when their pregnancy and postpartum journeys feel off course. She lives in New York with her family and is the proud mom of three busy kids. Since April is Occupational Therapy Month, I’m excited to share Leora’s life and work in today’s show.

Show Highlights:

Leora’s first pregnancy in 2011: a breech baby prompted an emergency C-section and a cascade of events that she wasn’t prepared for
In the postpartum, Leora struggle with pain control, feeding the baby, and daily duties; she felt isolated and alone
How Leora reached out to her pediatrician for support and got immediate help
How Leora never realized the magnitude of stress, adjustment, physical recovery, and the total reorganization of her life
Two years later, she had her second child, and she felt more successful and better prepared
How the management of two kids, a household, and a job was challenging in unexpected ways
How Leora shifted her work as an OT to focus on pregnancy and postpartum
The link between postpartum issues and the lack of self-care
Why we can’t ignore the “middle space” between function and dysfunction in the lives of new mothers
Why Leora’s work focuses on proper support for at-risk mothers
How to find an OT who can help you
After a miscarriage, Leora was pregnant with her third child when the 21-week scan showed an omphalocele, a severe abdominal wall defect
After further tests and an immediate amniocentesis, Leora was able to share her story and find an outpouring of support
Why it became Leora’s mission to help every woman in pregnancy and postpartum never to feel alone
Update: Leora’s daughter was born and had surgery just a few hours after birth; she spent only six days in the NICU and is now a happy, healthy one-year-old
Leora’s words to parents: You are not alone. We each have a unique journey, so just know that you should seek support from friends and family and trained professionals.

Resources:

Connect with Leora: Motherhood OT

instagram.com/motherhood_OT

Check out this directory to find an OT who specializes in maternal health: Motherhood OT

201: The Pregnancy Workbook with Dr. Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C Apr 05, 2021

Are you ready for my big announcement? I wrote a book! I’m so excited to tell you all about it in today’s show. The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques is out on May 4, and it’s available for preorder now!

The book is written in a relatable tone that will help you feel supported in your pregnancy journey. It’s full of usable tools to help deal with anxiety during pregnancy and over 60 skills that you can implement right away. Each chapter includes useful information, techniques, and coping strategies to ease anxiety during pregnancy and help you find peace and calm with proven therapeutic methods. The goal of the book is to help you feel guided and supported through pregnancy and the postpartum.

Show Highlights:

Why the writing process was a new and fascinating experience for me
Why the book is dedicated to my daughter, the one who has taken me on the growth journey into motherhood
Why it was a big challenge to decide what to include and what to leave out of the book as I honed in on the basics
How writing made me look at therapy from a different perspective as I slowed down and thought deeply about my work with my clients
How the book’s nine chapters cover topics like intrusive thoughts, anxiety, pregnancy loss, high sensitivity, and skills for relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness
Why information for partners is included, along with help for the postpartum period
Why the writing process was a challenge with my perfectionist tendencies and high sensitivity
How I used therapy and a coach-mentor to help me process “the stuff” that came up during the writing process
How the Pomodoro technique helped me chunk the work into small tasks to get things done
How I pulled out my woo-woo techniques to help me be more mindful and calm
How writing the next book will be easier because of what I’ve learned through this experience
Why writing a book has taught me so many things about myself

Resources:

Wherever books are sold! The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques by Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C

200: Multiple Pregnancy Losses - Impacts on Mental Health and Subsequent Pregnancies Mar 22, 2021

Today’s guest shares her personal story of recurrent pregnancy loss, including early miscarriage and multiple ectopic pregnancies. She shares how her mental and emotional healing journey led to the writing of a book.

Kim Hooper is the author of several novels; her latest is No Hiding in Boise, which comes out this June. She and her co-authors wrote All the Love: Healing Your Heart and Finding Meaning After Pregnancy Loss as a mix of personal stories plus information and awareness from the clinical side. The book covers topics like reconnecting with your partner after loss, considerations for LGBTQ couples, trying again after loss, coping and healing, and racial, cultural, and socioeconomic issues. I’m thankful for Kim’s willingness to share her story of multiple losses, healing, and what it was like to finally give birth to a healthy baby after her long journey.

Show Highlights:

Kim’s complicated journey to motherhood:
1st pregnancy in 2015 ended as an ectopic that required emergency surgery
2nd pregnancy was a missed miscarriage when the embryo stopped growing
3rd pregnancy was a miscarriage at 17 weeks when her son’s heart stopped beating
4th pregnancy was another ectopic, and the doctor said it was “just bad luck”
5th pregnancy was totally normal and resulted in the birth of her daughter in 2017
How Kim tried to figure things out and get answers in her desperation
The mental and emotional roller coaster of recurrent losses and pregnancies
How Kim experienced anxiety, anger, and denial
How Kim found support in unexpected places
How to reconnect with your partner in the aftermath of pregnancy loss
Why most men and women don’t grieve in the same ways
The statistics: couples who experience miscarriage are 22% more likely to break up than couples who haven’t had a miscarriage
How Kim and her husband were able to talk about their grief and recover as a couple
How Kim personally turned to therapy and journaling to help her with the trauma
The roundabout healing journey through grief
The intensely personal aspects of grief and healing
What Kim has learned about dealing with grief
Details about Kim’s book and who it’s written for

Resources:

Connect with Kim:

Co Authors:

Meridith Resnik, LCSW

199: Personal Experience with Postpartum Depression: Insights about Babies' Language Development Mar 08, 2021

It’s always helpful to hear someone’s personal story because it will resonate with many more people than they might think. My guest today shares her experience with postpartum depression, which was made even more shocking because it occurred several months after the birth of her second child. Join us to hear Emily’s story.

Emily Adler Mosqueda has become a fierce advocate for mothers since experiencing postpartum depression several months after her second daughter was born. It’s different with a second child because a mother receives much less support than with her firstborn. Emily talks about how she realized the signs of her postpartum depression, along with how her profession has been affected. She is a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist, Associate Clinical Professor, and Lead Clinical Supervisor at the Young Child Center with the Communication Disorders and Sciences program at the University of Oregon HEDCO Clinic. Emily is the mother of two young daughters who teaches graduate students about parental mental health factors as they relate to communication disorders.

Show Highlights:

Emily’s story of postpartum depression with the birth of her second daughter:
Cruising along with confidence until eight months postpartum
Depleted in every way and sleep deprived, Emily finally took a leave of absence from her job to address her postpartum depression and begin regular counseling, acupuncture, and writing
How Emily learned to ask questions and research to find answers and educate herself
How Emily’s husband, a Chinese medicine physician, was able to relate her symptoms to her pregnancy and postpartum
Key contributing factors for Emily:
The tendency toward depression that she kept secret
Cumulative sleep deprivation
Cultural influences about motherhood and perfectionism
The pressure to “have it all together” with a second child--and not need help
How Emily has learned to value her needs and feel free to express them
How Emily felt that her care providers missed the signs and didn’t take the opportunities to ask about her wellbeing
Why Emily worried about the language development of her second daughter and took steps to provide early intervention
How Emily’s experience with postpartum depression has intersected with her career as a speech-language pathologist who is training grad students to be aware and intuitive
A broad overview of language development in kids
Tips for parents to support language development by interacting verbally, labeling items, talking about daily tasks and activities, reading books, and giving intention to being more talkative with your child
How writing her memoir helped Emily heal

Resources:

Connect with Emily: Emily Adler Mosqueda

198: Pressure of Perfectionism in Motherhood Feb 22, 2021

Do you identify as a perfectionist? Do you feel like things need to be a certain way and if they aren't, you feel unsettled? How did that affect you when you were trying to conceive, during pregnancy, birthing or postpartum?

This is one of those things that really impacts the early stages of motherhood and parenthood (and all stages really). In this episode, I talk about the dynamics that I see with the mamas that I help...and one that I struggled with in my postpartum...and still work on managing. I touch on how it even impacted the recording of this episode.

Some of the things we address on this episode...

*The struggle with feeling the need to be perfect

*It seems that perfectionism often comes with a high sense of morality and conscientiousness - I believe that this makes intrusive thoughts even more unbearable.

*Perfectionism often develops as a way to cope and manage life. But that way of coping goes head to head with the challenges of new parenthood.

*The stress of perfectionism, can make getting help feel hard. Help can feel SLOW or inadequate.

*Accepting that we can't be perfect is very hard, and it's part of the key to healing.

If you identify with any of this, take a listen to the episode, give yourself a big hug and please know that this is not a judgment of you. Please know that you can find a new way to cope that is more forgiving to yourself.

If you'd like, please check out the blog post on the Postpartum Support International Blog that I mentioned: Soul Level Crisis

Please pass this episode along to any person who could benefit!

If you haven't yet subscribed to the podcast head over to www.momandmind.com

We welcome ratings, reviews, sharing the podcast and spreading the word about perinatal mental health! Lets crush this together!

197: Burnout and Managing Overwhelm with Dr. Kat Feb 08, 2021

How are you? Sometimes it’s hard to check in with ourselves in the busy-ness of daily life, especially in these pandemic days when our self-care options are limited. High stress, depression, and anxiety tend to feel like personal failure. In today’s show, I want to offer you perspective and encouragement.

Show Highlights:

How to interpret your feelings during moments of stress
How to approach the new considerations brought on by the pandemic: masks, social distancing, virtual connections, etc.
Why life is hard in many ways right now for most people
Tips on how you can feel better:
Remember that you are resilient
Getting help is NOT failure
Honor your exhaustion by taking a break and setting boundaries
Check in with your sleep, eating/hydration, hormones, and stress
Turn “What’s wrong with me?” into “What’s going on for me?”
Take time to reflect and allow space just to BE

Resources:

Check out the Mom & Mind Online shop at Mom And Mind.

196: Reproductive Psychiatry, Latinx Psychiatrist, Pandemic Pregnancy and More Jan 25, 2021

Today’s episode is packed with helpful information about taking medication during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We’ll also take a closer look at COVID-related issues and the vaccine as they relate to perinatal mental health. Join us to learn more.

Dr. Sarah Oreck is a Columbia University-trained psychiatrist who focuses on women’s mental wellness. In addition to her expertise in general and addiction psychiatry, Dr. Oreck is one of very few doctors with specialized training in reproductive psychiatry. She runs a private practice in which she combines the most up-to-date medical treatments with talk therapy, meditation, and a whole-body complementary approach. Dr. Oreck is passionate about teaching, and she regularly lectures at Cedars Sinai Hospital, UCLA, and The Providence Hospital System, in addition to her media work. She is actively involved in advocacy work and is a member of the Board of Directors of Maternal Mental Health Now.

Show Highlights:

An overview of the field of reproductive psychiatry--and how it helps people
The “risk vs. risk” perspective regarding medication and perinatal mental health
How Sarah talks to people about the risk of anxiety and depression
Why mental health medications can be safer than untreated mental illness
The dangers when physicians don’t keep up with new mental health research and literature
How Sarah works to train and inform physicians about pregnancy and postpartum
How Sarah’s individual clients benefit from her bilingual abilities due to her Colombian heritage
The myths of motherhood in the Latin community that only magnify the need for a mental health focus
Sarah’s observations about the impact of COVID on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
What it was like for Sarah to have her first baby during the COVID pandemic
What we should know about the COVID vaccine regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers
How the stigmas around anxiety medication discourage people from taking medications that are necessary and life-saving
What Sarah has seen in people getting the help, support, and connection that they need

Resources:

Sarah Oreck MD

Instagram

Facebook

195: Paternal Postpartum Depression: David Levine Jan 11, 2021

Today’s topic is important, but it is hugely stigmatized in our culture. You may not have even heard about paternal postpartum depression, but my guest today shares what he experienced with the births of his two children.

Dr. David Levine is a pediatrician in New Jersey. He was blindsided by postpartum depression because, like most of us, he thought it only happens to women. He shares the struggle of having to talk to his wife about it and how he found help. Even more surprising is that he experienced postpartum while working as a pediatrician. He completed his undergraduate degree at Rutgers College Medical School at NYU and his residency in pediatrics at Yale. Dr. Levine is not on the board of Postpartum Support International (PSI), where he works in professional outreach as a staunch advocate for fathers’ mental health. He’s written a book about his experience, which will hopefully be published soon to get the message out to fathers that they are not alone.

Show Highlights:

Why so little is known about postpartum mental health, especially concerning fathers
David’s experience when his first child was born seven years ago
How David felt his aggravation and agitation increase as his infant son cried and could not be calmed
How David looked for support groups and resources for dads--and couldn’t find anything
How he kept getting worse and started envisioning committing violence against his child: “It was like watching a horror movie in my mind.”
How David finally told his wife about his depression and intrusive thoughts
How David tried medication briefly and then hit rock-bottom around week 7 of his son’s life
How David began his long road to recovery with therapy, a baby nurse, and more sleep
How he gained confidence as a father and began to bond with his son when he was 3-4 months old
How David began working with PSI and then had his second child three years ago
How his experiences were very similar, yet very different with his daughter
Why David feels that the traditional traps of masculinity kept him from seeking help earlier
How men experience anxiety and depression much differently than women do
Why postpartum depression in dads might manifest with anger, withdrawal from the family, and even physical violence
The pushback from people who don’t believe that postpartum depression exists for fathers
Why there should be more research, understanding, and resources for all aspects of male mental health
The hard statistics about male and female depression
How we can catch paternal postpartum depression better by teaching pediatricians to screen mothers AND fathers, and teaching obstetricians to inform mothers to check on dads
David’s manuscript for his book and his determination to get it published
Hopeful messages from David: “Paternal postpartum depression is fixable. We can prevent some of this from happening. With that, we can improve the lives of children and their parents and make stronger families.”

194: The Highly Sensitive Mother Dec 28, 2020

We all know that the challenges of new motherhood can be many--and overwhelming. If you are an HSP (highly sensitive person), then those challenges may be magnified---and you probably aren’t focusing on any self-care. This topic resonates deeply with me and intrigues me in the way the trait interacts with motherhood and its challenges.

Julie Bjelland is an LMFT, an HSP psychotherapist, and the author of Brain Training for the Highly Sensitive Person: Techniques to Reduce Anxiety and Overwhelming Emotions. Julie’s mission is to help sensitive people reduce the challenges and increase the positives.Through her website specializing in highly sensitive people (the trait also known as Sensory Processing Sensitivity), she offers many valuable resources for both HSP’s and parents of sensitive children. Julie has a mission to spread awareness and education about the trait of high sensitivity and believes the world needs the gifts of sensitive people.

Show Highlights:

High sensitivity is a trait and not a disorder--and it’s NOT the same as introversion (30% of HSP’s are extroverts and 20% are introverts)
From Elaine Aron’s work on HSP’s: Depth of Processing, Overstimulation, Emotionally responsive, and Sensitivity to subtle stimuli (DOES)
The judgment around being sensitive and its connection to weakness
How scientific research shows real brain differences in HSP’s
On the positive side, HSP’s are more empathetic, more aware, and more compassionate
Common for the HSP mother is to put themselves at the bottom of the priority list and take care of others first
Trained HSP vs. untrained HSP
Self-care---a conscious action you take to lower your stress and bring you to a balanced state
A key for HSP’s is getting enough sleep in order to understand and meet specific needs
An HSP mom’s default setting is to be hard on themselves and focus on everyone else’s needs
Certain parts of the brain in HSP moms will be overactive, like merging into everyone else’s moods and experiences
Many people who seek treatment for anxiety will also have the HSP trait
How HSP contributes to overall perinatal depression and anxiety, since everything changes in mind, body, and spirit
Why HSP’s need creative ways to get two hours of alone time each day
The tendency to measure everything in ourselves and others against the standard of perfection
Self-talk, with low levels of self-compassion and criticism of themselves
Common characteristics of HSP’s: perfectionism, sleep-deprived, overstimulated, and misunderstood
Steps to help HSP’s:
Develop self-compassion (Kristin Neff outlines 3 steps)
Take breaks when needed
Practice mindfulness
50% of clients in therapy are HSP’s
Supporting moms and dads better in pregnancy and the postpartum period could impact parenting differently and offer more support
Using the right tools for support in children can prevent many problems and help them gain confidence and have an easier time accepting who they are

Resources:

Brain Training for the Highly Sensitive Person: Techniques to Reduce Anxiety and Overwhelming Emotions.by Julie Bjelland

The Highly Sensitive Child by Dr. Elaine Aron

Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff

www.juliebjelland.com

Find Julie on Facebook: The Highly Sensitive Person

Instagram: hsp psychotherapist

Twitter: @juliebjelland

LinkedIn: highly-sensitive-juliebjelland

193: Postpartum Anxiety with Dr. Carly Snyder Dec 14, 2020

Welcome to Mom and Mind, I’m your host, Dr. Kat. Anxiety is at an all time high with covid, political stress, social justice stress, holidays and collective stress. So we are re releasing this episode from 2 years ago, as it is one of the most commonly downloaded episodes.

We are talking about Postpartum Anxiety today and more specifically,

We touch on the ever present guilt and shame that runs its course through motherhood as well as some ways to cope and manage postpartum anxiety.

About Carly Snyder, M.D.

Dr. Carly Snyder is a Board Certified reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist with a unique approach that combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments. Dr. Snyder received her medical degree from NYU School of Medicine and completed general psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center with additional reproductive psychiatry elective training at the Payne Whitney Women’s Program at NY Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she remains voluntary faculty.

She maintains a private practice on the Upper East Side in NYC, and is working virtually due to COVID19.

Dr. Snyder was named a ‘2019, 2020 and 2021 New York Super Doctors Rising Star’ and is a frequent lecturer on the topic of women’s health and wellness. Her weekly radio and HuffPost parenting blog share the “MD for Moms” moniker. She also is a regular contributor to many popular websites and a member of the Women’s Mental Health Consortium and Robyn. Dr. Snyder served on the Board of Postpartum Support International (PSI) for multiple years and remains a member of the Advisory Council.

Show Highlights:

- What is "normal" anxiety in new motherhood

- How can people know when it's becoming more difficult or a clinical issue?

- What kinds of anxiety might a mother experience (types)

- Examples of cases?

- What is a side effect of the perinatal anxiety (guilt, shame, relationship problems, etc)

- what can they do to heal/cope/manage?

- Hopeful messages of repair/recovery?

Great Info, right?! The more we can understand these things, the easier it will be for us to cope and heal.

Carly's bio is here: https://www.carlysnydermd.com/about/credentials/

Social Media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CarlySnyderMD

Twitter - @CarlySnyderMD

For this and all episodes of Mom and Mind, go to www.momandmind.com, join on on FB, twitter and IG as well as our FB group, Mom and Mind connection. Until next time!

192: Colic, Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression Nov 30, 2020

Today’s show covers a topic of great concern and high stress for many parents. Many of us don’t understand colic and how to soothe a colicky baby. Today’s guest shares how her experience raising her colicky newborn daughter affected her life and her mental health.

Jacqueline DelVecchio is a licensed mental health counselor in Salem, MA. She works in a private practice setting and specializes in perinatal mental health, certified through Postpartum Support International. She’s a wife, mother of two, and doggy-mom to a chocolate lab.

Show Highlights:

In 2016, Jacqueline’s first child was born after a great pregnancy and birth experience; the all-day crying began immediately and lasted about seven months
Even though her daughter was a good eater, with every bottle came the intense crying that lasted for hours
The only soothing for her baby came from bouncing on a yoga ball, running the vacuum, and Justin Timberlake’s song, “Can’t Stop the Feeling”
How Jacqueline’s daughter would cry for two hours after every feeding but would sleep through the night quite well
Why Jacqueline felt helpless, isolated, and guilty
Why Jacqueline decided to see a therapist
How Jacqueline dealt with the frustration of a constantly crying baby
The expectations for parenthood---and the grief that comes from realizing “this is not what I expected”
The need for education, resources, and help for parents who are dealing with colic
How other parents and even doctors don’t understand what dealing with a colicky baby is like
How therapy helped Jacqueline normalize her experiences, thoughts, and feelings
The biggest lesson learned for Jacqueline was that all moms are on the same level
How Jacqueline was led to specialize in perinatal mental health
What Jacqueline has learned about the effects of colic on parents
Jacqueline’s tips for parents who are dealing with colic now:
Prioritize self-care
Ask and accept help from others
Educate yourself and advocate for yourself
The nervousness and anxiety that came with a second child, wondering if colic would be a problem again
Hopeful messages from Jacqueline: “You’re doing a wonderful job even if your baby doesn’t stop crying. That’s not what determines your value as a parent. There is help and support if you’re dealing with colic.”

Resources:

Connect with Jacqueline: Jacqueline DelVecchio

Instagram: @butletsberealistic

191: A Journey Through Preeclampsia, NICU, PPD, and Finding Hope Nov 16, 2020

Even though there is much variation in the stories that women share here on the podcast, it’s amazing how many similarities they share. In today’s conversation, like so many others, we see a commonality in both the suffering, the isolation, and the path to healing.

Leila Tualla is an author and poet. She journaled her bouts with pregnancy anxiety, postpartum depression, and preeclampsia in a memoir titled Storm of Hope: God, Preeclampsia, Depression and Me, as a way of healing.

Leila is a mental health advocate and is part of 2020 Mom as a Mom Ambassador. She is currently volunteering as a peer support provider for organizations such as International Association of Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) and as a mentor for Postpartum Support International (PSI).

She hopes that by sharing her maternal mental health and birth stories that moms know they are not alone in their postpartum and premenstrual dysphoric disorder journeys.

Show Highlights:

How Leila was diagnosed with preeclampsia during her first pregnancy in 2012--and she experienced anxiety over what to expect next
How her daughter was born at 31 weeks and spent 46 days in the NICU
Leila’s desperate fears during her pregnancy anxiety with her second pregnancy--and how the anxiety developed into postpartum depression later on
As a counselor, Leila noticed the signs in herself but wondered why the postpartum pamphlets don’t tell the whole story
How her son was born at 34 weeks and spent 11 days in the NICU
How Leila’s boss spoke up and encouraged her to get help at six months postpartum
How Leila found Postpartum Support International (PSI) and began writing to tell her story
Why Leila wrote her book
How her faith and writing helped her heal through anxiety, postpartum depression, and two NICU experiences
How Leila’s experiences were isolating until she started speaking up
How Asian cultural expectations didn’t help Leila and made her feel like she should pick herself up and move forward
What it was like to start to talk about her experiences and share her story
Why Leila is proud of where she’s been and where she is today
What Leila’s healing process was like when she found support for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PPMD)

Resources:

Website and Social Media links:

Leila Tualla

Facebook: LeilaTuallaM

Twitter: Leila Tualla

Instagram: An_Anxious_Believer

Storm of Hope: God, Preeclampsia, Depression and Me by Leila Tualla

190: Postpartum Body Image, Disordered Eating, and Finding Freedom Nov 02, 2020

Weight-loss struggles, eating disorders, endless dieting shame--we all know what it feels like to be stuck with these issues. None of these contribute to mental wellness, joy, and contentment. The problems are compounded for women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. If you’re stuck in the shame cycle about your body shape and dieting failures, join us for today’s show.

Catie Lynch is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in eating disorders, body image, and the postpartum period. She has two daughters, a three-year-old and a ten-month-old. She has made it her mission to help women stop dieting and find food freedom for themselves and their children.

Show Highlights:

Catie’s personal story of her struggle with body image, dieting restrictions, and eating disorders
How Catie coped after her wedding with weekly therapy, dietitian appointments, and group therapy
Catie’s first pregnancy and the body changes that felt to her like two years of weight gain
How Catie felt pressure in the postpartum period to “get my body back” while caring for a newborn
How girls and young women are bombarded with ideals about what our bodies should look like
What Catie sees in her practice regarding women and body image:
Wanting to be “perfect”
Obsessing about clean eating
Struggling when they don’t “feel” themselves
How women can be triggered by their doctors’ views about food
How “health” is assessed with weight and BMI, which aren’t always the best indicators of health
What your “set point” is, where your body wants to be, and how your body protects itself
Why it’s so difficult for women to trust their bodies and feelings
Catie’s message to pregnant women who are worried about weight and body image
Why Catie wishes she had done things differently in her pregnancy and postpartum, like trusting herself more, talking to others about it less, and focusing on her own needs
Top concerns that women share with Catie during the postpartum period
Behavioral warning signs that help women know when they need to seek professional help in the postpartum
How the health and wellness industry markets dieting today as “lifestyle changes”
Catie’s “health at every size” approach, which focuses on intuitive eating
Catie’s hopeful messages for women: “Women shouldn’t feel bad about wanting to lose weight. Talk to a coach or therapist who is trained in disordered eating in the postpartum. You know what your body wants, so don’t let your brain hijack your intuition. You’ll be a better person and a better parent for it.”

Resources:

Catie Lynch LCSW

Find Catie on IG: catielynchlcsw

Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch

189: High-Risk Pregnancy Story and Support for Moms Oct 19, 2020

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Having a high-risk pregnancy and being put on bed rest brings many challenges to a woman already in a heightened emotional state. These emotions carry a lot of anxiety and worry about the health of the mother and the baby. Join us to hear Shenee’s personal story.

Shenee Bend experienced a high-risk pregnancy that required her to be on hospital bed rest for a month. It was shortly after this time that she decided to focus her counseling work on pregnant and postpartum women. Shenee Bend is from California and now resides in Georgia with her husband and their two children. She is a licensed professional counselor who is trained in perinatal mental health. Shenee has an online practice serving pregnant and postpartum women in Georgia and Florida. Shenee will be sharing her bed rest pregnancy story along with coping skills to use if you are currently experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.

Show Highlights:

Shenee’s pregnancy story of her second pregnancy with her son, when things were going very smoothly . . .
At 32 weeks, early morning bleeding caused some concern, so Shenee went to the hospital and prepared for a possible preterm delivery
After a three-day stay, she was sent home with strict instructions
With more bleeding in the next 24 hours, she returned to the hospital for what ended up being a month-long stay until her son was born
Many emotions played into the acceptance of her fate and her anxiety about her son’s health and safety
The difference between high-risk pregnancy(certain risk factors, like advanced age, multiples, and previous problems) and pregnancy complications(developing health issues, like high blood pressure, anemia, gestational diabetes, and mental health conditions)
The link between mental health and pregnancy
How Shenee was worried about her baby and sad for her body in the way it was experiencing pregnancy
Shenee’s tips about coping skills:
Feel all the feelings
Forgive yourself
Shift your perspective
Keep a schedule
Use positive affirmations
Limit social media use
Be selectively social with other people
The danger in having negative thoughts
How Shenee was induced at 37 weeks after a month in the hospital
How to recognize the need for professional help in determining the difference between high-stress situations and clinical depression
Hopeful messages from Shenee: “Remember that a bed rest situation is temporary, and you will get through it.”

Resources:

www.pregnancytherapist.com Check out Shenee’s three-part video series!

@pregnancytherapist

188: Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome and Loss of a Twin Oct 05, 2020

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. Mom & Mind honors all of the loss families who are grieving the loss of a child. There is no timeline and no right way to grieve, so we hold your loss with tenderness and love.

In this episode, Sarah Arcotta talks about the loss of one of her twins from Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, a condition we haven’t yet covered on the show. Sarah shares the difficult grief from her experience and shares her healing and supportive message for other families. Sarah is an artist and educator who lives just north of Boston. You can find her exploring tide pools with her two young children or making art. She advocates for arts education while earning her Master’s degree in Leadership in Education. Sarah shares her story of loss, postpartum depression, and recovery to bring awareness to a serious condition affecting twin pregnancies.

Show Highlights:

How Sarah’s story begins 14 weeks into her second pregnancy, when she found out she was having identical twins
At 16 weeks, she was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), which occurs in 10% of twin pregnancies
What is TTTS? It occurs when twins share the placenta but have separate amniotic sacs; one twin (recipient) receives too many nutrients due to the blood vessel formation, and the other (donor) doesn’t receive enough nutrients
How Sarah lived with fear and anxiety in every single moment, having twice-weekly ultrasounds to check the babies because of the unpredictability of TTTS
How Sarah was ill and uncomfortable during the pregnancy, having to have amniotic reduction, but the fluid came right back
At 22 weeks, Sarah had laser ablation surgery to try to correct the blood vessel placement
How the ultrasounds showed her recipient baby was receiving too much fluid, which put a strain on her heart
After making it to 28 weeks, an emergency C-section brought her daughters; the donor baby lived only 45 minutes, and the recipient baby went straight to NICU
How Sarah functioned in survival mode with a heightened sense of fear and anxiety every single minute
85 days later, her daughter was still in NICU, and her fear and anxiety remained
When her daughter finally came home, a tsunami of emotions hit Sarah, including rage and depression
How she felt out of control and tried to push down the rage; when she couldn’t, she turned to alcohol to try to deal with her emotions
How Sarah lost her father unexpectedly just a few days after the loss of her daughter and she didn’t feel like herself for about a year
How Sarah continues to integrate healing work into her family
How Sarah tries to use her experience to enrich her life better
How meditation, mindfulness, and creativity help Sarah to feel emotions and have compassion for herself
Hopeful messages from Sarah: “This is a very difficult, heartbreaking, and stressful experience, but it’s also something that will enrich and grow your life. It will inform who you are and the kind of family you raise. You can create strength from this hard situation.”

187: Transition to Motherhood: Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum and Lessons Learned Sep 21, 2020

Hearing personal stories gives us a unique insight into the nuances of the journey into parenthood, which differ from one person to the next. Today’s guest details her experience in ambivalence about whether having kids would be part of her life story. She shares how her journey into parenthood has shaped and grown her into the person she is today.

Dr. Elise Sanchez is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, speaker, coach, and educator who lives in CA with her husband and toddler. She provides coaching, mentoring, and consultation regarding life transitions, education, sexuality, love, friendship, mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Sanchez is the founder of Speak the Secret, an online platform created to provide community, connection, and collaboration with people who have a passion for growth and healing. As a new mom, Dr. Sanchez realized there was a long way to go in her healing journey. She created a group on Facebook, #MomLivesMatter, to provide resources, support, and community for moms. She aspires to help everyone she meets feel seen, heard, and understood,r empowering others to use their voice and share stories of strength, resilience, and hope is her mission.

Show Highlights:

Elise’s story of how she and her husband wavered back and forth about having kids and when to start trying
The long process of Elise’s pregnancy, labor, and delivery
How Elise learned to “lean into the pain” of giving birth
How Elise tore and was stitched up in the traumatic aftermath of her daughter’s birth
The difficulty of Elise’s postpartum care in the hospital
The breastfeeding difficulty and pain that Elise mistakenly thought was “normal” until her daughter’s lip-tie and tongue-tie were discovered by a lactation consultant
Why Elise regrets not listening to her intuition earlier
Why the lack of sleep was the biggest postpartum hurdle at home for Elise
The blessing of COVID-19 in giving Elise more quality time with her daughter
The guilt and shame that Elise feels in expressing her dislike of many of the mothering responsibilities
The struggle for Elise to find her new identity as a mom
The need to talk about the darker and scarier side of becoming a mother, and why we need to normalize these feelings and prepare new moms for them
What Elise wants others to know: “Therapy is valuable. Speak up, find support, and get help when you need it.”
How it took about a year to recover and get back to “normal”
The value in learning to be present in the moment as a new mom
Hopeful messages from Elise: “Giving birth and becoming a mom humbled me and reminded me that I’m human. I have such appreciation for everyone who has kids because they do the impossible every single day. I have huge respect for them. We work like we don’t have kids, and we have kids like we don’t work. We are doing it all and ruling the world.”

Resources:

Instagram: Dr. Elise Sanchez

Speak The Secret

Facebook Groups: Mom Lives Matter

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

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

185: Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Postpartum Anxiety Aug 26, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

181: Fathers and Perinatal Mental Health Jun 22, 2020

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/

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

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

179: Black Women Birthing Justice Jun 08, 2020

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

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

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.”

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

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

Resources:

Alexis Joy Foundation

Facebook: Alexis Joy D’Achille Foundation for Postpartum Depression: @Alexisjoydachille

Instagram: @ajd_foundation

176: Mother Burnout May 11, 2020

In honoring Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, today’s topic is mother burnout. It’s something a lot of us moms feel, but we often don’t recognize it until it’s too late. Let’s learn more!

Diana Spalding is Digital Education Editor at Motherly, along with being a certified nurse-midwife, pediatric nurse, and mother of three. She wrote The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama, which was just released. We’ll discuss what burnout means, why it’s important to pay attention, how to recognize the early signs, and what to do from there.

Show Highlights:

How Diana became interested in burnout
The facts: 85% of moms don’t feel supported by society
The “occupational phenomenon” of burnout, which is a diagnosable condition with real consequences
Characteristics of burnout: fatigue, exhaustion, negativism, cynicism, and not feeling like you’re doing a good job
Good mom, bad mom, and how we judge ourselves and each other
Contributing factors to mother burnout
How and when burnout begins
Why parents don’t trust themselves, and how we can empower them
How to recognize signs of burnout and be aware of your mental health
The importance of reaching out for help and finding connection
How certain factors related to the current pandemic contribute to burnout, like isolation, lack of support, and unreasonable demands
How our culture teaches us to deal with uncomfortable feelings
How our capacity for empathy and sympathy is stretched
Long-term effects of chronic stress
Diana’s book, a new resource with a holistic focus on mental health

Resources:

Motherly

Instagram: Motherly

Facebook: Motherly Media

The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama: Redefining the Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Journey by Diana Spalding, Jill Koziol, and LIz Tenety

175: Mom Genes Fight Postpartum Depression May 06, 2020

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, and today, May 6, happens to be World Maternal Mental Health Day. It’s a fitting day to bring you this show with an expert who is the driving force behind a pioneering study to help diagnose postpartum depression earlier and get moms the treatment they need.

Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, MD, MPH, is co-principal investigator of the Mom Genes Fight PPD research study, as well as the Assad Meymandi Distinguished Professor and Chair of the UNC Department of Psychiatry and director of the UNC Center for Women’s Mood Disorders. Her funded research is focused on understanding the genetic signature of postpartum depression and investigating novel technologies and treatment modalities to optimize and personalize treatment for women with perinatal depression. Most recently, this has included the MOM GENES app and the brexanolone clinical trials, the first FDA-approved medication for postpartum depression. She knows a lot, and she’s done a lot with her significant work in perinatal mental health.

Show Highlights:

What postpartum depression is and why Dr. Meltzer-Brody is studying it
The MOM GENES study that began in 2016 (learn how you can participate)
How the study can help us identify who is at risk so intervention can happen earlier
Who can participate in the study
The confidentiality and anonymity of the study
The availability of resources for participants in the study
How the DNA samples are collected and pooled together
How the genetic information will be used to determine treatment and outcomes
The preliminary findings: not all women have the same types of postpartum depression
Why women with co-occurring anxiety disorders are encouraged to apply for the study
Examples of postpartum depression and the signals that mean someone needs to seek help
How the study and the app have already helped people in many ways

Resources:

Mom Genes Fight PPD Learn how you can join the study from the comfort of your own home.

174: Perinatal Mental Health en Español - Salud Mental Materna Apr 20, 2020

Emilia Ortega-Jara, LCSW is a psychotherapist, Founder and Clinical Director of Corazon Counseling Service Inc., a holistic culturally-rooted community-based counseling center that focuses on all things Preconception, Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum! Emilia has over 20 years’ experience working in the mental health field and has been a longtime advocate for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services in the Latinx community. She has worked with various social justice organizations and community based mental health agencies throughout California. After the birth of her son, Emilia took special interest in developing her clinical expertise in the treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety distress among Chicana/Indigenous and Latinx communities. She is Certified as a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist through Postpartum Support International and is trained in EMDR, she uses EMDR techniques in the treatment of Perinatal Loss and Birth Trauma. Emilia is passionate about supporting and empowering parents at all stages of their parenting journey through the use of traditional ancestral knowledge and modern trauma-informed psychotherapy. Emilia is a mother to a spirited and emotionally attuned 8-year-old who loves the fact that mommy helps other mommies not be sad, and wife to the most supportive and socially conscious husband.

Nayeli Corona-Zitney is a bilingual, licensed clinical social worker whose private practice in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, specializes in Perinatal Mental Health. Her experience includes therapeutic work with adolescents, families, and new parents experiencing perinatal mood disorders. Nayeli is an active member of Postpartum International (PSI) and currently volunteers as PSI’s support coordinator for Riverside and San Bernardino Counties in California. Nayeli is committed to offering her expertise to the community. She does this through her private practice and also by facilitating pregnancy and postpartum support groups in the community in both English and Spanish. Nayeli is a wife, mother of two, and Perinatal Mental Health Advocate who integrates a social justice framework, which recognizes how migration and historical socio-political policies can negatively impact certain groups.

Puntos destacados del podcast:

Es de vital importancia cuidar la salud mental de las madres durante el parto y posparto.
Por la situación de incertidumbre actual, el estrés en la mujer es especialmente difícil para las embarazadas y para las que acaban de dar a luz.
Hay que garantizar el bienestar de las madres, cuidarlas y darles el apoyo emocional que necesitan, siendo tan vulnerables y sensibles en esta etapa.
Depresión y ansiedad en la etapa perinatal, Nayeli se especializó en esta fase porque durante el embarazo de su hija tuvo un parto traumático y le tuvieron que hacer una cesárea de emergencia.
deben ser lo suficientemente fuertes como para hacerlo ellas solas.
La obligación de dar y recibir apoyo no solo recae sobre la madre sino a todo el mundo de su alrededor.

Recursos:

Consejería Terapia del Diálogo:

Terapia cognitiva conductal
Terapia interpersonal
Desensibilización y deprocesamiento por medio de movimientos oculares.

Grupos de terapia del Hospital Columbia Valley: 2 veces al mes, el primer y tercer miércoles de cada mes.
Grupos de apoyo PSI (Postpartum Support International)
Corazón counselling
Nayeli LCSW

Corazon Counseling

173: Holding Both: When Therapists Who Are Affected Are Supporting Others Apr 06, 2020

One challenge that every therapist faces is helping clients through a difficulty that hits very close to home. For instance, when you’ve experienced a personal perinatal mental health challenge, then it can be triggering to provide support for others. Today’s guest has found a way to handle those difficult moments and turn her experience into commitment and advocacy for others.

Bridget Cross is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified perinatal mental health professional, and mom to two daughters. She lives in Savannah, Georgia, and works in private practice providing individual, family, and group therapy to new, hopeful, and expectant moms. Bridget is also a volunteer coordinator for the Georgia chapter of Postpartum Support International, and she’s a member of the Maternal Mental Health Collective of Savannah. Bridget’s passion is supporting women in all phases of life, but especially as they encounter and cope with the transition to motherhood. Bridget discusses what it’s like to work as a therapist with pregnant and postpartum moms when going through infertility, and what it’s like working with a perinatal population when going through her pregnancy and postpartum period., Therapists are human, and they have to deal with their own challenges while helping their clients.

Show Highlights:

Bridget’s three-year journey with IUI and IVF to have her first daughter, now 5
The crippling anxiety, anger, intrusive thoughts, and panic that set in quickly and intensely at her daughter’s birth
Why Bridget felt that she “should be stronger than this”
How Bridget found herself in deep, dark depression when her daughter was one month old
How Bridget withdrew from everyone in her life and “hid out”
The external stressors of work, moving to a new city, and career pressure
How Bridget went back to work and became involved with PSI
The moment of relief and recognition for Bridget that brought clarity on her next steps as a therapist
How Bridget covered up and justified her feelings when people tried to help her
The assumption that mental health professionals will know to ask for help if they need it
How hard it is to admit to others that you need help, especially as a mental health professional
When Bridget’s daughter was two, she got pregnant again with IVF, which resulted in an easy pregnancy and wonderful birth
Why Bridget expected postpartum depression with her second daughter’s birth and felt better prepared; she started early medications, therapy, and returned to work in a few weeks
Bridget’s commitment to becoming an advocate for pregnant and postpartum women, knowing this was part of her personal healing journey
The difficult parts of seeing pregnant and postpartum clients even though some stories are triggering and painful
How to handle the tendency to get angry about her own story and clients’ stories
How to hold space for the anger, hopelessness, and helplessness in this community
Why Bridget believes her path has made her a better therapist
Bridget’s message to other therapists: “Try to prioritize taking care of yourself and your feelings. Check your boundaries and notice presenting issues that are just too much to handle. Know when you need to step away. Listen to yourself and get connected to the perinatal mental health community.”

Resources:

Bridget Cross LCSW

Facebook: Bridget Cross LCSW

Listen To Moms

172: Sex, Stress, and Burnout. Understanding it All with Emily Nagoski, Ph.D. Mar 23, 2020

The focus of our chat is on sex, but it’s also about relationships and stress and how our brains work. Our guest Emily Nagoski, Ph.D. shares her brilliant wisdom with us in this episode. Given the current state of the world, we are living in times of unprecedented stress, which absolutely affects how we relate to each other. I’m excited for you to hear this episode and learn more about your brain, sex and stress, especially postpartum. (FYI, sex related body parts, sex related words are used in our chat).

Emily Nagoski is a sex educator and the author of Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex LIfe and Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. Her job is to travel all over the world, training therapists, medical professionals, college students, and the general public about the science of women’s sexual wellbeing.

Show Highlights:

The dual control model of how your brain perceives and processes sex
Why you might feel judgment about your sexual response, which “hits the brakes”--not the accelerator
Why the magical six-week timeline doesn’t work for most women
How your brain responds to the physical changes that come with giving birth
The best perspective on the six-week timeline
Steps to take in the chaos:
Identify what is causing you to hit the brakes
Have non-sexual sharing and touching
Why Emily doesn’t use the term “libido”
Why sexual desire differential is the #1 reason people seek sex therapy
The secrets of sexuality in long-term relationships
Why desire does NOT come first
Why you need to identify the sex you want---and don’t want
Why “pleasure is the measure” of your sexual wellbeing
Why Emily reads her own audiobook versions
Creating the ultimate sex-positive context through kindness and compassion
The difference in confidence and joy

Resources:

Emily Nagoski

Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski

171: Fighting for Nora. PostpartumPsychosis Through the Eyes of a Mother and an Advocate Mar 09, 2020

Today’s show is a special episode with difficult and sensitive topics. We’ll be hearing about Nora and her story of postpartum psychosis and filicide. We have the honor of hearing from Nora’s mother, Kathryn Gahl. She will share from her perspective as a mother and what it’s been like to see what Nora has been through and continues to experience in her imprisonment after filicide. We’ll also hear from Dr. Brooke Laufer, a clinical psychologist who picked up on this case and has followed it closely. Nora has given her permission for us to have this conversation with Brooke and Kathryn about her case. The goal is to get information out in the public about postpartum psychosis, its detection, and treatment. Join us to hear the mother’s perspective, the clinical perspective, and what’s going on in Nora’s life right now.

Nora’s mother, Kathryn Gahl, became a widely-published, multi-genre writer after a long career as a nurse manager. She is the mother of a daughter and a son, and in 2004, she lost her young grandson to filicide. Now, her bookshelves sag with letters from her imprisoned daughter, who is also a registered nurse. Kathryn believes in the transformative power of dance, dark chocolate, and red lipstick to help her get through life.

Brooke Laufer has been a practicing psychologist since 2005. She began her clinical work in psychiatric wards with severely mentally ill patients and then worked in schools with adolescents and their families. She is currently in private practice doing psychoanalytic psychotherapy. After having her first child, Brooke had a disturbing postpartum OCD experience, which inspired her to begin researching, understanding, and specializing in the area of perinatal mental illness. She recently started working as an expert witness for women who have committed a crime in a postpartum episode. Brooke has two children of her own, along with a Golden Retriever and a loyal husband; they live, work, and play in Evanston, Illinois.

Show Highlights:

The overview of Nora’s story, from Kathryn
Nora’s experience: suffocating her 14-month-old son, Leo, and then attempting suicide because of her postpartum psychosis
Circumstances that contributed to Leo’s death
Nora’s psychiatric diagnoses: major depressive disorder severe with paranoid ideation, excessive-compulsive personality disorder, and PTSD
What these events were like for Kathryn
How Kathryn’s writing and dancing have helped her cope with these horrifying events
How Kathryn was surprised at the people evaporated from her life and those who stepped up to support and help her
How Brooke got involved through corresponding with Nora because of a childhood connection
Why Nora believed she deserved to suffer and be punished
Altruistic filicide (defined as believing that bringing death to the child is better than if the child survives) is an apt label for Nora
What it’s like to be in a state like Wisconsin, where a case like this gets very little support and legal consideration
Why Nora made the decision to plead guilty
The main issue is how poorly we treat mental health issues in our US legal system that is deeply flawed
How other countries deal with mental health, motherhood, and postpartum psychosis
How Kathryn dealt with this experience with only one bout of depression
Why postpartum psychosis is an issue that shows the failure of our culture
A message from Brooke: “We need to understand that motherhood is equally dark and light. We need to ask for good help when we need it.”
Why family members need to speak up when a mom seems “off”
A message from Kathryn: “Trust your hunch.”
The dire need for more postpartum screening

Resources:

Dr. Brooke Laufer

Kathryn Gahl

Gahlstone

Twitter: @kathryngahl

170: Infant Mental Health Feb 24, 2020

Perinatal mental health is the focus of many Mom & Mind episodes, but infant mental health is often overlooked in our discussions. It’s fascinating to see the intersection of infant mental health and perinatal health, and research shows that we need to consider how these two systems work together to bring mental health to both parents and their babies. We are jumping into this interesting topic with today’s guest.

Meyleen Velasquez is a psychotherapist who specializes in infant and perinatal mental health. Her practice supports individuals identifying as women and clinicians working on practicing from an anti-oppressive framework. In today’s episode, we’ll talk about what infant mental health is and why it’s important to consider--along with perinatal mental health. Many moms worry about not doing the right thing for their child, so they fall into the traps of modern parenthood. Meyleen talks about the reality of parenthood, assuring you that you aren’t messing up your kids if you don’t attend to them ALL the time.

Show Highlights:

What infant mental health and why it’s important
The intersection of infant mental health and perinatal mental health: infants need a caregiver to provide calming, soothing, focused attention, and the caregiver needs a safe space to express emotions
Why there isn’t much focus on the crossover between infant mental health and perinatal mental health
The need to share information with parents in the space of compassion and gentleness
In the parent/child relationship, a basic need is that struggling parents need support
Why an infant who doesn’t show a full range of emotions is cause for concern, but those emotions can’t be overinterpreted
The need to be “good enough,” and look at parenting as a whole and not just what happened in one day
Why parents need at least 30 min./day to take care of themselves
The red flag of developmentally inappropriate regression in young children
Overinterpretation vs. under interpretation
Myths and misconceptions about infant mental health
How we can help an infant learn to co-regulate
Why parents need to take breaks to soothe themselves
How babies respond differently in different settings and relationships
Hopeful messages for parents: “Infants and young children are extremely resilient. If parents can get the support they need, then babies can bounce back. Nothing is a forever situation because we can be good enough and create healthy, thriving babies with relationships that we also enjoy.”

Resources:

Hummingbird Counseling

Facebook: Hummingbird Counseling

Zeroththree

169: Birth, Trauma, Breastfeeding and Mental Health Feb 10, 2020

We talk about a lot of things that people don’t want to talk about or even hear. Still, they are very real, challenging, and difficult circumstances surrounding pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. It’s important to share these stories because these difficulties become a reality for many people. Today’s show focuses on birth trauma and breastfeeding as we hear our guest’s personal account.

Erin Northrup is a mom of four busy children, ranging in age from 2-10. She lives in Atlantic Canada, where she enjoys spending time in nature with her family. With the birth of her oldest child, Jack, she experienced birth trauma, and this experience sparked her passion for researching trauma. Erin holds a bachelor’s in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Health Services Research. Her current research explores the experience of breastfeeding after birth trauma. Her own experience of breastfeeding after birth trauma inspired her to become a volunteer with a breastfeeding support organization offering community-based, peer to peer breastfeeding support. She is committed to raising awareness of the intersection of birth trauma, breastfeeding, and perinatal mental health.

Show Highlights:

Erin’s birth trauma experience with the birth of her son, Jack, now 10
How her Ob prepared her to have a C-section because of an ambiguous condition
How Erin’s water broke a week early, and her spinal didn’t take, so the C-section proceeded under general anesthesia, while Erin felt dissociated from the entire experience
In recovery, she was told that her son was taken to the NICU because of low blood sugar, and she couldn’t see him yet
How Erin’s mom, a physician, stepped in to advocate for Erin to see her son
While eating breakfast a few hours after the birth, Erin felt a popping sensation in her incision and felt a gush of blood
Erin was rushed back to the OR, and the spinal worked this time while Erin cried on the table--all of this was before she had even held her baby
How Erin was repeatedly spoken about like she wasn’t even in the room; she felt like her input wasn’t even important
When Erin got home, survival mode kicked in, and she regretted not advocating more strongly for herself
How Erin questioned whether or not her son was even the right baby, worrying that a mix-up could have occurred in the hospital because neither she nor her husband witnessed his birth
How she determined to “make it up” to her son by breastfeeding him
How the Ob told her at two months postpartum that her condition should not have warranted a C-section in the first place---which just made everything worse
How Erin felt an erosion of trust in her doctors and the medical system
How Erin asked where the growth and meaning was in her situation and how she could use her experience to help others
Erin applied to a Master’s program and went on to have three more kids with positive birth experiences
How Erin found support for breastfeeding
What Erin has found in her research by asking mothers about their experience with birth trauma and breastfeeding
The magnitude of the response she has received, but the difficulty in hearing the painful stories of birth trauma
The results from Erin’s research: Birth trauma is destabilizing to the breastfeeding process because of the physical and emotional pain in childbirth and the postpartum from mistreatment
The importance of trauma-informed care
How women with these experiences feel like the trauma is somehow their fault
What care providers should be aware of in their work

Resources:

Instagram: Live Learn Lactate

168: Thyroid, Infertility, and mental Health Jan 27, 2020

We know that our body systems are complicated. There’s no way we can understand everything we need to know to have a healthy pregnancy and postpartum, but the more we know how the brain and body work together, the more prepared we can be. Today’s show focuses on the thyroid, the small--but mighty--organ that impacts fertility, loss, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Dr. Hilary Mandzik is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Cary, NC. She also sees clients remotely throughout North Carolina and Virginia. Hilary holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from George Washington University and a Master’s in Education from Harvard. In addition, she has advanced clinical training in perinatal mental health. Hilary is passionate about supporting parents in their journey from conception and onward. She wants to help parents and children feel connected to each other and live their best lives as individuals and as a family unit. In today’s show, Hilary tells us about how her thyroid condition impacted her fertility journey. We’ll discuss other clinical aspects to consider concerning the thyroid, as well as what you need to know if you’re working toward pregnancy. You’ll learn that many people have thyroid conditions and don’t even know it.

Show Highlights:

Hilary’s personal story of two pregnancies and a missed miscarriage, which clued her in to possible thyroid issues
How Hilary didn’t fit the typical thyroid symptom profile
How Hilary’s midwife discovered her thyroid issues
With research, Hilary discovered that thyroid imbalance is a well-known cause of miscarriage, infertility, anxiety, and depression
Why TSH and other hormone levels should be checked routinely in pregnancy
How Hilary changed doctors five times within the first six weeks of her third pregnancy, refusing to see a doctor who would dismiss her thyroid issues
How pregnancy is a major trigger for autoimmune issues
The big difference between normal and optimal in lab ranges
How Hilary’s experience has changed how she views perinatal mental health
The partnership Hilary feels with functional medicine practitioners
How thyroid conditions are often overlooked
What tests to ask for from your provider
The important role of mental health clinicians to help address health issues and refer clients
Why we should take care not to stereotype people with thyroid issues
Hilary’s advice to those struggling to get pregnant: educate yourself, connect with doctors who listen to you, and advocate for yourself
How the thyroid can impact other systems in the body
How the support of a mental health clinician can help you cope
How Hilary went on to have a healthy pregnancy after finding and treating her thyroid issues

Resources:

Hilary Mandzik

Stop the Thyroid Madness book

Stop the Thyroid Madness website

Stop the Thyroid Madness 2 book

Hangry book: 5 Simple Steps to Balance Your Hormones and Restore Your Joy (Including a Customizable Paleo/Mediterranean Plan!)

The Sarah & Dr. Brooke Show podcast

The Autoimmune Solution book by Dr. Amy Myers

The Root Cause book by Dr. Isabella Wentz

The Hashimoto’s Protocol book by Dr. Isabella Wentz

167: When Your Own Thoughts and Feelings are Overwhelming Jan 13, 2020

Welcome to a new year! This is a monumental year for me, as it marks ten years since I was pregnant with my daughter and experienced postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. I never dreamed back then that I would be where I am today, trying to help moms and families because of my personal mental health experience. In today’s show, I’ll reflect on those thoughts and feelings that were so overwhelming for me.

Show Highlights:

As I look back, it’s easier to have compassion and a lighter heart about my experiences than it was a few years ago
My planned and wanted pregnancy was actually a break for me from the ups and downs of PMS
How I realized with reflection that anxiety was present in my life even before my pregnancy
How it felt like I had done something wrong when I experienced a bleeding episode during my pregnancy
Why positive and negative experiences get woven together as you reflect on the past
The shame and guilt that came with my mental health condition
Because of our deepest vulnerabilities, we don’t want to feel our feelings or talk about them
The shame, anger, and fear that make you feel alone
How scary and intrusive thoughts become traumatizing
Why good, specific therapy is crucial
My favorite parts of therapy in helping moms realize they aren’t crazy
Why I urge you to see a perinatal mental health specialist, join a support group, or find resources to get the help you need
The year I spent in an emotional freak-out space, feeling broken and alone
Finding a safe person to talk to who will understand
Why I am 100% sure that you can get better, too

Resources:

Postpartum

PSI Directory

166: You're the Strongest People I Know Dec 23, 2019

As we close out the year, I’m reflecting on my work over the past years. I’m struck by how incredibly strong you all are, and I mean every person who’s endured a perinatal mental health condition. Perinatal mental conditions are very difficult to encounter, and many people navigate their way through these experiences without any help at all.

Show Highlights:

Going through pregnancy or taking care of a newborn while experiencing a mental health condition is tough, much more so when you have to take care of the other elements of life
Loneliness and confusion come with the suffering
Worry about other children, finances, and jobs adds to the pressure
There are incredible amounts of strength and resilience from people who keep fighting
Just getting the sleep you need and getting the right medications can bring amazing hope and relief
When the mind relaxes into a new sense of self, then the body relaxes, too
It’s worth celebrating when you realize you don’t have to suffer for the rest of your life
If you’ve experienced a perinatal mental health condition or a loss, I see you and honor you and respect you
Moments of sadness are normal and dehumanizing, but you deserve compassion
You are not alone
There are many trained professionals who know how to help, so find them and take advantage of the available resources

165: Encore! Holiday Self-Care and Stress Reduction Nov 25, 2019

Do you find the holidays stressful? We would all have to say YES if we’re completely honest. For a pregnant mom, a postpartum mom, or a mom experiencing loss, the holiday obligations can be overwhelming in magnified ways. In today’s solo episode, we will discuss how to survive the holidays and manage stress by setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

Show Highlights:

The holidays: a mix of lovely things and difficult moments with the unseen pressure of motherhood to take care of everyone
Boundaries are not easy, and sometimes confusing, but necessary
Set boundaries around family, friends, spending, activities, and the time you spend with others
Don’t be afraid to communicate what your needs are
In spending time at someone’s house, have a set time limit or some kind of communication with your partner to signal when it’s time to go
To figure out where you need boundaries, ask yourself, “What brings me stress? What do I find difficult?”
Why we feel guilty for setting boundaries
How anger and resentment toward others will develop when we don’t set boundaries
How pushback from someone else can signal the need for boundaries
It’s OK when you need a time-out from the tension of social situations
Important skills include knowing when to say NO and when to say YES
Why you shouldn’t feel obligated to do things that aren’t good choices for you
Allow flexibility and compassion in considering your needs
How saying YES and NO protects against resentment building up in relationships
Ask yourself what you need when you feel anger, guilt, anxiety, and sadness
If sleep and self-care are not on your holiday list, then you will feel depleted
Sleep is essential for health and restoration, but especially for pregnant moms, postpartum moms, and moms with loss
Give yourself permission NOT to do everything
Steps to take to manage stress:
Think about times in the past when you’ve ignored your own needs
Figure out where you can make adjustments
Find places where you can say YES and set limits
Don’t allow yourself to feel guilty
Why your new holiday regimen should be ways to manage stress, keep your energy level, and feel like yourself
What feels restorative, whole, and good to you?
Set intentions for baths, yoga, solitary walks, connection time with a friend, alone time, or time with your partner

164: Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for Reproductive Health Nov 11, 2019

We’re diving deep into acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. We’re talking specifically about how these treatments can be used in support of people dealing with reproductive health issues and mental health conditions.

Abigail Morgan is a mother of two, a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, and a writer. She is board certified by the state of CA in traditional Chinese medicine and has an additional board certification from the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM). She is the owner of FLOAT Chinese Medical Arts in Glendale, CA, an integrative private practice that focuses on reproductive health for all genders and all aspects of the childbearing cycle. Abigail is a passionate advocate for choices in childbirth, and she’s been helping families get pregnant, stay pregnant, and thrive as parents since 2006. She is currently writing a memoir about her experience with postpartum anxiety and her remarkable recovery from it. She’s partnered with a nutritionist to create a new podcast. In today’s episode, we discuss how acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine help with stress during pregnancy and the postpartum. There is a lot of information here for us to learn about these ways to promote healing.

Show Highlights:

Abigail’s work with clients in the childbearing cycle and all aspects of reproductive health
How Abigail works in conjunction with many therapists about perinatal mental health
Why stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia are common issues with Abigail’s clients
What acupuncture is and how it works
Common misperceptions about acupuncture and the needles used
Benefits of acupuncture: regulates the nervous system, increases blood flow, and reduces blood pressure
An interesting study from Georgetown in 2013 about how acupuncture works on a molecular level
How we give and receive energy (qi) in our bodies
How acupuncture specifically helps with nausea during pregnancy
Why the common contributors to anxiety are exhaustion, poor nutrition, headaches, insomnia, and pain
The importance of self-care
How traditional Chinese medicine helps integrate the mind-body connection
How Abigail does empathetic listening with her clients
The supports that Abigail offers her clients for the early postpartum period
Emotional and physical changes that happen in the early postpartum period
How Abigail refers clients out to others who can help them
Herbal medicines that nourish the blood and body
Why isolation is the #1 risk factor for postpartum anxiety and depression
How to find a licensed acupuncturist (visit A.B.O.R.M.)
The podcast that Abigail co-hosts with nutritionist Gloria Williamson, “A Nutritionist and Acupuncturist Walk Into a Bar”

Resources:

Float Chinese Medical Arts

Instagram: Mama Float

Facebook: Float Chinese Medical Arts

Podcast: Instagram: Nutrition Acu Podcast

A.B.O.R.M.

163: "Dear Scarlet: The Story of My Postpartum Depression" Oct 28, 2019

Today’s show is a personal story of the darkness of postpartum depression and the healing that comes through professional help, self-awareness, and gentleness. The best part of my guest’s experience is the passion she’s gained for helping other moms reach through the darkness to the other side of hope and healing.

Teresa Wong is a Canadian writer who has written the graphic memoir, Dear Scarlet: The Story of My Postpartum Depression, which was released last Spring. The book has already had a positive impact on the world and has been featured on NPR and Buzzfeed, as well as in the Paris Review and the NY Times. If you have experienced a perinatal mood and anxiety disorders or any complications related to pregnancy or postpartum, there is something in this graphic memoir that relates to your story. It also shows how culture plays a part in our experience. Through Teresa’s pain, there are beautiful parts interwoven into this story and her healing journey.

Show Highlights:

How the idea came to Teresa for writing Dear Scarlet when she was pregnant with her third child and needed closure for her postpartum depression experience
Why Teresa decided to make it a graphic memoir with pictures
Why it was important to Teresa to keep the book short and readable for moms who need to read it
How Teresa handled the sketches and drawings for her book
How Teresa sought help for postpartum depression when she knew things weren’t right
The feelings of guilt, shame, and regret that Teresa experienced
The major hemorrhage at Scarlet’s complicated
Why Teresa didn’t know what was normal with the birth of Scarlet, her first baby
How Teresa’s mom came to help when she got home after Scarlet’s birth, which is part of the Chinese culture
How Teresa was diagnosed with postpartum depression at about six weeks and sought additional help from a psychiatrist for about nine months
How Teresa hoped and prepared for a better experience with her second pregnancy by having a doula
After her second child was born, Teresa went through postpartum depression again at about eight months
Why Teresa was disappointed in herself because she had taken preventative measures, but she knows how to get help when she needed it
Why Teresa did cognitive behavioral therapy instead of medication for the second time and then had no postpartum issues with her third pregnancy
How Teresa’s healing journey has helped her in other ways, like being aware of her feelings and knowing how to handle them
The positive reactions from readers of Teresa’s book
Teresa’s hopeful messages: “Be gentle with yourself and talk to yourself like you would to a good friend whom you love. These feelings are normal, but you need to get help. You don’t have to live with postpartum depression and muddle through. Ask for help.

Resources:

By Teresa Wong

Instagram: By Teresa Wong

162: Pregnancy After Loss Support Oct 14, 2019

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and we are trying to honor each and every one of those losses. Each one has brought significant pain to many people, including grief that is most difficult to acknowledge and navigate. Today’s show focuses on one such loss that has led to the creation of a specific kind of support for thousands.

Lindsey Henke is the founder and Executive Director of Pregnancy After Loss Support. She is a clinical social worker specializing as a reproductive mental health therapist with a focus on the grief and trauma that happens after a perinatal loss and the pregnancy that follows. She is also a writer, wife, and, most importantly, a mother to two beautiful daughters and one sweet boy. Tragically, her oldest daughter, Nora, was stillborn after a healthy full-term pregnancy in December 2012. Lindsey’s second daughter, Zoe, was born healthy and alive in March of 2014. Her writing about life after loss has been featured in Listen to Your Mother, Scary Mommy, Healthline, and The New York Times. Lindsey has had the honor of speaking all over the world on the topic of pregnancy after a previous perinatal loss, including at the 2020 Moms’ Maternal Mental Health Forum 2015, Pregnancy and Infant Death Alliance 2016 Conference, Postpartum Support International 2019 Conference, The 2019 Stillbirth Summit, and at The International Women’s Maternal Mental Health 2019 Conference in Paris. She is currently working on her first book.

Show Highlights:

How and why Lindsey started Pregnancy After Loss Support (PALS), an online support organization for the birth person who is experiencing pregnancy after loss
How Lindsey had a stillborn daughter in 2012 after a full-term pregnancy---a devastating and heartbreaking experience
How she relied on writing and psychotherapy to help her heal
Lindsey’s second pregnancy with her daughter, Zoe, and how she made weekly posts as a blogger
Lindsey found that there wasn’t a support space for those experiencing pregnancy after loss
How the PALS group was formed and then blossomed into 15 groups for thousands of members
How Lindsey digests the research in the field of pregnancy loss to meet the specific needs and wants of the community
What’s unique about the experience of pregnancy after loss
The insensitive comments that people make during a pregnancy after loss experience
The amount of fear and anxiety that occur in pregnancy after loss
The balance of grief, fear, and stress, along with joy and hope
Knowing when the “expected anxiety” crosses over into the need to seek professional help
Invalidating messages that may come from healthcare providers and family members
The dance between choosing hope and holding onto fear
The circles of grief and how we need to seek support
The prevalence of postpartum depression and anxiety in subsequent pregnancies
How friends and family can be supportive in validating the experience of the mother
Why you should think about what you say and how you say it to someone who has had a pregnancy loss
Other steps that family, friends, and healthcare providers can do to give additional support to moms with pregnancy after loss

Resources:

Pregnancy After Loss Support

Facebook: Pregnancy After Loss Support

Instagram

Facebook: LindseyMHenke

161: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, Twice Sep 30, 2019

Today’s show is another moving, personal story of the journey from pain to healing, and all that happens in the middle. My guest tells the story of how cultural challenges added yet another layer of complexity to her postpartum depression and anxiety experience.

Esmeralda Cardenas is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, Texas. She is the owner and provider at Pillars of Life Counseling. Besides being a mental health provider, Esmeralda is a wife and mother of two sons, ages 6 and 8, with both pregnancies bringing her postpartum depression and anxiety. After working with children in different settings for many years, Esmeralda became an advocate and provider for parents experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She realized that she needed to own her story and overcome the many fears that came with it. Taking this step has allowed Esmeralda to serve moms and dads in her community with an effort to decrease stigma and help parents know that they are not alone.

Show Highlights:

The issues Esmeralda faced as an undocumented immigrant from Veracruz, Mexico
Her first pregnancy, with no complications until the C-section delivery
How Esmeralda was triggered with anxiety, pressure, and judgment from others because of the cultural stigma attached to not having a “natural birth”
The symptoms of anxiety and depression, along with the guilt and shame
How the pressures of new motherhood and a therapy practice led to Esmeralda’s struggles with rage and intrusive thoughts
Why Esmeralda was terrified to let anyone know how she really felt
How she finally shared with her husband what was really going on with her
With her second pregnancy, two years later, she was much more anxious, but going back to work helped with the depression
How the feelings piled up on Esmeralda
How Esmeralda dug deeper into grace in owning and sharing her story---and redefined herself
The challenges of being a working mom AND a stay-at-home mom
Esmeralda’s advice for other moms
The evolution we go through to become a happier parent in a better place
Why there is hope for everyone, and no mom is ever as alone as she might feel

Resources:

Pillars Of Life Counseling

Instagram: polcounseling

Facebook: Pillars of Life Counseling

160: Healing from Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety Sep 16, 2019

Today’s show is a personal story of postpartum anxiety and depression that led to a voluntary psychiatric hospital evaluation. My guest will share how she got to that point, along with the signs and symptoms that went unnoticed for a long time. We will also hear about her journey to healing and how she’s helping other moms now. I believe that hearing the details in others’ experiences can help us recognize these signs in ourselves and our loved ones.

Celeste Chapko lives with her husband and three children in Northwest Indiana. She is the founder of Childbirth Melodies (soon to be the Northwest Indiana Center for Maternal Wellness), offering individual and group peer support and music therapy to moms dealing with postpartum depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Celeste is a survivor of severe postpartum depression and anxiety and is passionate about supporting moms on their journey to wellness. She is also a volunteer state coordinator, online peer support group leader, and Climb Out of the Darkness leader for Postpartum Support International.

Show Highlights:

Celeste’s journey with postpartum anxiety and depression: she noticed rage and anxiety at seven months into her third pregnancy, but after the birth, she convinced herself that nothing was really wrong with her
How intrusive thoughts convinced her that she needed help; her Ob prescribed Zoloft over the phone and Celeste began seeing a therapist
How Celeste went through panic attacks and just “wasn’t functioning well with life”
Why she called her husband one day to take her to the hospital’s psychiatric unit
After five days in the psych unit, she left with four medications and a referral to see a psychiatrist
The signs in Celeste’s first and second pregnancies that went unnoticed
The guilt and shame that mother feel, which lead to increased anxiety
Why Celeste refers to herself as “a recovering perfectionist”
How Celeste’s anxiety and rage manifested themselves in her pregnancy with excessive worry and obsessive thoughts
How Celeste knew she needed next-level care in the psych hospital
The feelings of hopelessness with nowhere to turn
The need for more perinatal psych units for moms
How Celeste came into the work she does today on “the other side”
How Celeste is more laid back, compassionate, and understanding to herself and others
The potential for positive change with the right help and support
How Celeste’s experience has changed how she is raising her children to know how to take care of themselves
Celeste’s professional journey: music therapist, special education teacher, doula for music-assisted childbirth, and peer support group leader
Celeste’s program, The SHARE Journey (Support, Hope, Assessment, Referral, and Education) and how it helps moms with peer support
Celeste’s work with her Northwest Indiana Center for Maternal Wellness
The difficult task of getting people connected to the resources they need

Resources:

Childbirth Melodies

Facebook: Childbirth Melodies

159: "The Bridesmaid's Daughter" Sep 02, 2019

Today’s show is an interesting look into how postpartum issues were dealt with, or not dealt with, in the past. We are looking from the perspective of a daughter who has been on a quest to discover the truth about her birth, her unusual childhood, and her mother’s illness.

Nyna Giles is the author of The Bridesmaid’s Daughter, a deeply personal memoir about family, mental health, and revisiting the past. We’ll hear her perspective about growing up with a mother who had mental illness, and how she now knows that her mother had untreated postpartum psychosis. Back then, there was not much knowledge or support for mothers going through any perinatal crisis. We get to hear from Nyna’s perspective what it was like to grow up in that environment and what she reflected on as an adult that she shares through writing The Bridesmaid’s Daughter. Nyna is the youngest daughter of Carolyn Scott Reybold, a Ford model best known as one of Grace Kelly’s bridesmaids. Nyna has worked with leading media organizations and is the COO of Giles Communications. She’s an advocate for the mentally ill, traveling the globe to share her story, revealing the challenges brought on by her mother’s untreated mental illness and her own lost childhood and education. Nyna is a board member of NAMI Westchester and serves on the NAMI New York State Legislative Committee. She is also a volunteer with Postpartum Resource Center of NY. She lives in Westchester with her husband and has three children and three stepchildren.

Show Highlights:

How the book tells the story of Nyna’s mother’s untreated mental illness
A summary of her mother’s glamorous life as a successful model in the 1940’s and 1950’s and best friend to Grace Kelly
How her mother married, built a dream house on Long Island, and gave up her career to become a full-time mother to Nyna’s two older sisters
How Nyna’s birth was traumatic because she was almost 11 lbs.! Her mother had to have her third C-section and a hysterectomy
How Nyna’s father had an affair while she was an infant, and her mother had no family close by and no support
Why Nyna had a lack of formal education, no friendships, and was trapped with her mother in a cycle of dysfunction
The only diagnosis her mother ever received was paranoid schizophrenia in her 50’s
How the change was evident in Nyna’s mom in pictures before and after Nyna’s birth
As a child, Nyna never felt connected to or safe with her mom---even though she was with her all the time
Nyna’s social anxiety as a teenager, and why she left home at age 14
Why mental illness was a topic that no one talked about back then
Now Nyna’s father started staying away from home because he didn’t want to deal with his wife and her mental illness
How Nyna’s mom gave away all her money and became homeless
Why Nyna has to balance and limit the pain she feels from the past
Nyna’s transition to motherhood with her three children
Why Nyna felt compelled to get her school records
What Nyna learned through her discovery in understanding her birth and what really happened to her mother
The revelation Nyna learned about the sexual abuse of her mother by her stepfather
How we can each help with mental health by engaging in real conversations

Resources Mentioned:

Find out more about the book and Nyna: The Bridesmaid's Daughter

Facebook: Nyna Giles Author

Twitter: Nyna Giles

Instagram: Nyna Giles Author

158: Jen's Story through Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, and Rage Aug 19, 2019

One aspect of postpartum depression and anxiety that doesn’t get much attention is the rage that comes along with these issues. People who experience this rage can feel overwhelmed and confused, and it can be a scary scenario. Today’s guest shares her story of how she came through postpartum depression, anxiety, and rage, and how she uses her healing process to help other moms today.

Jen Gaskell is a quality professional who works full-time outside the home. She and her husband live near Milwaukee with their two daughters, ages 8 and 11. Jen used her writing and her blog to help navigate her journey through postpartum depression and anxiety. She was a former co-producer of Listen To Your Mother Milwaukee, where she was part of the inaugural Milwaukee cast telling her story of PPD. Jen has written for Postpartum Progress and was a member of their editorial team for three years. Jen was a Climb Out of the Darkness team leader for Milwaukee for four years. She helps lead a Facebook group of local moms who’ve been through postpartum mood disorders and recently became a PSI helpline volunteer.

Show Highlights:

How Jen struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety following the birth of her youngest child
When she didn’t know who or where to turn to, she turned to Google to research her symptoms
How she knew she needed to see someone but was afraid of having her kids taken away
How Jen found a therapist and was able to get help quickly
The signs in the beginning that told Jen that something was wrong
The pressure Jen put on herself because of gestational diabetes and the details of managing the risks
How her anxiety turned to irritability during her pregnancy and then spiraled into rage in the postpartum
The feelings of irritability and rage that Jen noticed
The key indicators that something was wrong
How Jen learned about her triggers and when to take a break
The guilt Jen felt for needing a break from her kids
The internal pressure to be “on top of things” all the time
How Jen learned to cope, especially journaling and learning to give herself grace
How hard struggling moms work not to let others know the truth of how they feel
How Jen became comfortable in sharing her story to help others
The importance of normalizing the therapy process and the steps to get better
Jen’s hopeful message to other moms: “It’s not you. Those negative thoughts are not who you are. There is so much support available, so reach out. This is a common condition, and it’s treatable. It won’t be like this forever.”

Resources:

Tranquila Mama

Twitter and Instagram: @jenrenpody

Facebook: Tranquila Mama Blog

Listen To Your Mother on YouTube

157: Postpartum Psychosis, Changing the Law, Advocating for Women Aug 05, 2019

Today’s show is a fascinating discussion about the law and postpartum psychosis. My guests helped usher a new law through the Illinois legislature, and the bill became law in January 2018. It’s the first criminal law in the nation to recognize the effects of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, so we’re digging into what it took to get the legislation passed and what steps you can take to get the law changed in your state.

Dr. Susan Feingold is a licensed clinical psychologist, perinatal legal advocate, and author. She’s a member of the President’s Advisory Council and Postpartum Psychosis Task Force for Postpartum Support International. Susan wrote Happy Endings, New Beginnings: Navigating Postpartum Disorders, and has specialized for over 26 years in women’s mental health issues related to reproduction. She’s an advocate and expert witness involved in legislative efforts for women with postpartum depression on the state and national level and served as the President of the Board of Trustees for Depression After Delivery, Inc. Along with Barry Lewis, Susan won the 2018 Maternal Mental Health Innovation Award in Policy and Advocacy; she also won the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award for her work in perinatal issues and women’s mental health.

Barry Lewis is a litigation attorney with over 44 years in the private practice of law, primarily in the area of criminal law. He’s the past chair of the Chicago Bar Association Lawyer Referral Committee, winner of an award from Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, and has been a continuing legal education lecturer. His most recent published work was in The Champion, the magazine of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and was titled A New Model of Law Offers Hope: Postpartum Disorders and the Law. Barry and Susan have a book coming in January 2020: Advocating for Women with Mental Illness: Changing the Law and Transforming the National Climate. The book covers why the law needs to be changed and the steps we can take to make it happen!

Show Highlights:

Why Susan and Barry are busy working on their new book due out in January
One purpose of the book is to motivate others to help change laws in their states
How a small group of people was able to make a change in the Illinois law
How the change process began with two incarcerated women in Illinois who were serving 30-year and 33-year prison sentences
How the new law recognizes postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis as mitigating factors in sentencing when women commit crimes while suffering
The long process in getting legislation passed
The typical charges in infanticide or postpartum psychosis/depression cases and the shortcomings of the law in dealing with them
The difficulty for defense attorneys in making an insanity plea
The arbitrary aspect of sentencing from state to state and case to case because there are not sufficient laws
The magnitude of women who could be supported and helped with new, sweeping legislation
The steps that need to be taken in treatment and sentencing for incarcerated women suffering from postpartum depression/psychosis
Why these women benefit from being declared unfit for trial
What people can do to start the change process in other states:
Find the legislation schedule
Look for a sponsor in the House or Senate
Take an advocate training session
How infanticide laws differ in England, Scotland, and Wales
The important first step: eliminate mandatory minimum sentences
Why unique conditions call for unique laws
How the new Illinois law has opened the door for other legislation
The development model to follow in dealing with these issues inhumane ways:
Identify the problem
Write the law clearly
Document the need for new laws
Attract a sponsor
Convince legislators to act
Examples of appropriate sentencing

Resources:

Websites: Dr. Susan Feingold and Barry Lewis Law

Email: susanbf@sbcglobal.net and blewislaw@att.net

156: Bedrest and Our Mama Village with Jessica Vanderwier Jul 22, 2019

If you’ve ever had to be on bed rest during pregnancy, then you know it’s not as simple as it sounds. It takes intention to get through it with your mental health intact. Today’s guest, Jessica Vanderwier was on bed rest and she’s here to share how this experience impacted her, along with her best advice about how we can better support moms on bed rest.

Jessica Vanderwier is a registered psychotherapist from Guelph, Ontario, who is passionate about supporting families. She is known online for Our Mama Village, a platform where she shares daily pieces of encouragement and support for moms and families. Jessica started this page after she went through a difficult transition into motherhood, and saw the need for a supportive community that moms would access anytime they needed. In her therapy work, Jessica supports families from preconception to working with children with mental health concerns. In her private life, Jessica loves her role as a mom and wife and spends her time with her husband and two-year-old daughter.

Show Highlights:

Jessica’s pregnancy: started normally, even though she was still working 40-50 hours/week
At 20 weeks, cramping began, and she felt terrible after overdoing it planning a Christmas party, so she headed to the hospital to get checked
The first clue that something serious was wrong at the hospital was the way the nurses kept repeating internal exams and ultrasounds--with no explanation why
The nurse insisted that Jessica get in a wheelchair, so panic set in, with still no reason for the concern
The diagnosis was incompetent cervix, preterm labor, and early dilation; the on-call Ob said the next step was bed rest to take the pressure off her cervix
Jessica’s instructions were to be on the couch or in bed with her feet up all day, only getting up for brief bathroom breaks
Why it was a difficult mental adjustment to have no work and no purpose other than to rest all-day
How Jessica tried to keep a schedule each day in moving from bed to the couch, reading, books, and even taking an online course
When she reached 34 weeks, her restrictions became a little more flexible; she was allowed to do dishes and ride in the car with her husband
Her full-term birth was an answer to prayer, but then she entered a postpartum time of anxiety
How she navigated life after bed rest
How she felt like those who had helped her during the bed rest were burned out, so she didn’t ask for postpartum help
At four months postpartum, Jessica decided to ask for help
The frustration when the doctor discounts your postpartum feelings of anxiety and depression
How this frustration fuels Jessica’s work today with moms
How she got sleep, help with childcare, and therapy to feel better
How Jessica looked for ways to help other moms
Our Mama Village began as a Facebook page where moms could go for hope and encouragement and know they aren’t alone
Why Our Mama Village has grown because the need is great and the message needs to get out to moms
Jessica’s advice to others on bed rest:
Be gentle with yourself
Find something that gives purpose and meaning to each ay
Find ways to talk and connect with your baby
Schedule each day so they don’t roll along indefinitely
Have something each week to look forward to
Seek professional support, even if it’s online therapy
Jessica’s online course (coming soon) with effective tools for dealing with anxiety and simple strategies to help moms enjoy motherhood

Resources:

Our Mama Village

Instagram: Our Mama Village

Facebook: Our Mama Village

155: Supporting Muslim New Mothers Jul 08, 2019

Dealing with perinatal mental health issues is a difficult enough task, but the problem is compounded for Muslim women living in the US. My guest today helps us understand the issues and how we can best support these moms.

Dr. Venus Mahmoodi specializes in trauma and reproductive mental health. More specifically, in today’s show, she’ll tell us about perinatal mental health for Muslim women, including the rates of depression for the Muslim community in the US, what makes them particularly vulnerable to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and how we can support Muslim women in a culturally competent way. Dr. Mahmoodi completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Palo Alto University in California, with an emphasis on women’s neuroscience and health through collaboration with Stanford University. Her clinical training included working with refugees and torture survivors, veterans, and perinatal women in a specialized, intensive outpatient program. Her dissertation focused on the perinatal experience of Muslim women living in the US, including the protective aspects of Islamic practice during and after pregnancy against depressive symptoms. Dr. Mahmoodi completed specialized training through Postpartum Support International, and advanced specialized training in grief/loss and distress related to infertility at the Seleni Institute in NY. She now cares for individuals and couples at the Seleni Institute, which focuses on perinatal mental health as well as the Haleel Center, which focuses on the mental well-being of Muslims.

Show Highlights:

Why the percentages of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders increase for women of color, including Muslim women (up to 28%), but there are lower levels of support, services, and resources
How culture and religion play huge roles in the Muslim population
The unique challenges for Muslim women, including issues with their country of origin, because their practices will differ from those in other countries
The far-reaching effects of Islam in countries around the world, with Indonesia and South Asia having the largest numbers
The misconceptions that Muslims only come from Middle Eastern countries
How the two sects of Muslims differ in how their religion is practiced and expectations for pregnancy and postpartum
Societal pressure and family pressure within the Muslim community
How family traditions in pregnancy and postpartum can lead to stress and anxiety for moms
Religious practice and prayer restrictions in the Muslim community
Other coping strategies that Muslim women can use when they are restricted from prayers
Feelings of inadequacy for the Muslim mother
How The Haleel Center finds ways to incorporate religious thought and women’s expectations
Vulnerabilities for Muslim women in gender roles and stigmas for patriarchal societies
Strengths for Muslim women in that religion protects them against mental illness, helps them cope with and manage stress, and gives them a sense of connection to God
How we can support Muslim women in culturally competent ways by being curious and avoiding assumptions

Join our Patreon today and support this Podcast: Patreon: Mom And Mind

Our listeners get a 10% discount on Ritual Vitamins for your first three months! Ritual Mom And Mind

Resources:

Counseling Muslims: Handbook of Mental Health Issues and Interventions Edited by Sameera Ahmed and Mona M. Amer

154: "Scared To Be A Grandma" Jun 24, 2019

Everyone eagerly anticipates becoming a grandparent, right? Think again. There are various reasons why you might be apprehensive about achieving this milestone in life. The truth is that it’s not socially acceptable to admit these feelings. People may shrink away in horror if you dare to confess being hesitant about what you are supposed to embrace with unbridled joy. In today’s show, we are diving deeper into this hush-hush topic.

Dr. Shoshana Bennett was the very first guest on the podcast for Episodes 1 & 2. She very graciously came on when I was new at this, and she tolerated my fumbling around and my poor sound quality, too! I’m so grateful to have her back as the first guest to kick off the 3rd year of the Mom & Mind podcast. This time, she’s bringing the perspective of being a new grandmother with her own history of postpartum mental health challenges. This is such a necessary conversation, especially as the field of perinatal mental health grows, and we are recognizing and treating the conditions more. As those mothers develop into grandmothers, this will be something to consider for that time of life.

Affectionately known as “Dr. Shosh,” she educates, engages, and empowers her audiences while discussing serious and often uncomfortable topics using humor, the latest research, solution-based protocols, and firsthand knowledge she gleaned after experiencing life-threatening postpartum depression. After two life-threatening bouts of postpartum illness, Dr. Shosh helped pioneer the field of maternal mental health. She founded Postpartum Assistance for Mothers in 1987, became president of California’s state organization, Postpartum Health Alliance, and then served as president of Postpartum Support International. She is the author of Children of the Depressed, Postpartum Depression for Dummies, Pregnant on Prozac, and is the co-author of Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety. She is an executive producer of the documentary, Dark Side of the Full Moon, and co-founded the Postpartum Action Institute. To date, Dr. Shosh has helped over 20,000 women around the world recover through private consultations, teleclasses, and support groups. At the time of this interview, Dr. Shosh wasn’t a grandmother yet but became one on June 5. In spite of anxiety and scary thoughts, she’s been able to enjoy her grandson and watch her daughter have a totally different postpartum experience than she did.

Show Highlights:

Shosh reads her recent article, “Scared to be a Grandma”
What she heard when she submitted this article to various publications
How Dr. Shosh is breaking ground in the field of reluctant grandparenting, just as she did with perinatal mental health back in the 1990s
The difficulty in understanding that a grandmother may be apprehensive
The fascinating feelings in the grandparent experience
Why Dr. Shosh has been getting therapy support in preparing for her grandchild
Embracing the whole journey to grandparenthood
Finding ourselves and identifying what needs to unfold to deal with our feelings
The importance of starting the conversation and being honest without judgment
Maintaining the connection between parents and new grandparents
Shosh wants to hear your comments, questions, and thoughts! See her contact info below!

Resources:

Dr. Shosh

Email: drshosh@drshosh.com

Dr. Shosh’s books:

Children of the Depressed

Postpartum Depression for Dummies

Pregnant on Prozac

and Beyond the Blues

Bonus Episode: 3 Years of Mom & Mind Jun 17, 2019

Today’s show is a bonus episode as we celebrate our 3rd anniversary! It’s been an adventure and a learning process along the way. I’ll admit that I had no clue what I was doing when we started, or what was involved in doing a podcast, but I knew we needed to get information and resources out there to moms and families. So now, after 152 episodes, I’m proud of how far we’ve come on the journey---and we’ll keep going to get the word out to even more moms and families in the future!

Show Highlights:

The incredible details of the podcast’s reach: we’ve had 240,000 downloads in over 75 countries!
The facts that show the need: 20% of new parents will experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, so we still have a lot of work to do
How I got started without knowing anything about podcasting
The rewarding feeling from the feedback, knowing the show has helped listeners
The benefit in sitting and sharing with each other
The intensity of our heavy topics and episodes
Why I don’t want anyone to feel alone in this struggle
The expenses involved to keep the show going, along with our new fundraising efforts
Information about the new Monthly Mom and Mind Collaborative

Resources:

Patreon for Mom & Mind Podcast

152: Body Image in Pregnancy and Postpartum Jun 10, 2019

I first heard today’s guest when she appeared on Rebecca Scritchfield’s Body Kindness podcast, and I couldn’t wait to get her on the show! We’re talking about body image in the perinatal period and why we should be talking more about it. We’ll discuss her research, the roles of self-compassion and mindfulness, and some wonderfully helpful resources.

Dr. Jennifer WEbb is an associate professor in the Department of Psychological Science and a core member of the Health Psychology Ph.D. program clinical faculty at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She received her baccalaureate degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from Harvard, went on to complete her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychologist at the University of Southern California, and did her postdoctoral fellowship training in Clinical Health Psychology at Duke Integrative Medicine. Her research program is informed in culturally and body diverse groups. Her particular emphasis involves the enhancing of the integration, dissemination, and accessibility of evidence-based, mind-body approaches to strengthen embodied self-regulation, positive body image, and wellbeing among women during the developmental transitions of young adulthood, pregnancy, and the postpartum.

Show Highlights:

How researchers are playing “catch up” in the field of body image and how it’s affected by mood and anxiety during milestone periods
How negative body image 3 months postpartum and during pregnancy can increase the chances and severity of depressive symptoms later on
The definition of body image: how we think and feel about our bodies, how they move, and how they function
The impact of sociocultural pressures and the media and social media messages that we get during pregnancy and postpartum times
Western notions of what pregnancy and postpartum body should look like: a narrow portrayal, thin ideal, and a constrained approach
Why we need more cross-cultural research across diverse groups of women
Obsessiveness around body image can even come from well-meaning healthcare providers
The concepts of body surveillance and disordered eating
The importance and impact of conversations with healthcare providers, which offer a huge opportunity to help with the reframing process
A “health at every size” perspective and non-dieting, weight-neutral understanding
Fighting against the “get your body back” messages that our society gives women during the postpartum
How researchers define the elements of positive body image:
Appreciating and accepting the body as it is
Respecting the body through active self-care
Protecting the body from negative messages
What it means to show acceptance to ourselves and our bodies as we go through changes
Lisa Rubin’s research on women during pregnancy and how appreciation for our bodies can help during pregnancy and postpartum and become a lifestyle commitment
How mind-body practices can help
How Jennifer’s research suggests that mindful self-care was negatively related to negative body image and depressive symptoms in a sample of women
Other ways to support women: intervention work, collaboration, guided self-help, and a focus on wellbeing and not diet culture

Resources:

Body Kindness by Rebecca Scritchfield

Breathe, Mama, Breathe by Shonda Moralis

Mindful Motherhood by Cassandra Vieten

Books by Dr. Marjit I. Berman

Expecting Mindfully by Sharon Salzberg, Sherryl H. Goodman, and Sona Dimidjian

Body Confident Mums`

151: We Are In This Together May 27, 2019

As we approach the 3rd anniversary of the podcast in June, I’ve been doing lots of reflection about the journey we’ve taken and what we’ve accomplished. Your feedback has been vital in letting me know that the show has a positive impact and is meaningful to many people. The underlying message in everything we do is that no one is alone on their parenthood journey---and that message will continue.

Show Highlights:

How the podcast was born out of my suffering and healing process with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD
The reality: no one is immune from these postpartum problems---even a therapist like me
Why normalizing postpartum mental health issues is important for every mom and dad
How depression and anxiety lie to us in sneaky ways
How you’ll try to bargain with yourself, convince yourself that nothing is wrong, and blame other stressors in your life
Why depression screening questionnaires don't’ always work, because we often refuse to come to terms with our condition
How a connection to others with the same experience gives relief and validation
How the healing process occurs over time
How therapy, self-care, and connection to others can bring healing
How I can look back now and see the risk factors that I overlooked
What I would have done differently to prioritize my sleep
The importance of prevention information to help prepare and educate new parents
What’s coming up in June for the show: a slight change in format

Resources:

Email us: info@momandmind.com I’d love to hear from you!

150: Postpartum Psychosis and the Law May 20, 2019

Postpartum psychosis is a sensitive topic that we’ve talked about on the show, but today we are taking a deep dive into the legal ramifications of the journey for a mother. The more we understand, the better foundation we have for advocacy.

George Parnham is a soft-spoken attorney who once trained for the priesthood, and was thrust into the national spotlight through representing such high-profile clients as Andrea Yates and Clara Harris. Parnham has practiced law for 43 years in Houston, Texas, specializing in criminal defense. He has become an expert on the defense of individuals with mental illness and a passionate advocate for legal reform of their treatment in the criminal justice system. Parnham is called upon frequently by local and national news media, as well as state bar organizations, to render an opinion on mental health. George has an unmistakable passion and concern for these mothers and their families.

Show Highlights:

How George was drawn into the postpartum psychosis field with the Andrea Yates case
How “murder” in the mother-child relationship differs from any and every other scenario and must be treated differently by an attorney
Why some lawyers in these cases might be hesitant to reach out to experts
Mental illness is the underlying cause of the legal and moral wrongs committed by these mothers (this is the crux of what the defense attorney has to explain to the jury)
Why the mother’s history, even back in early childhood, can be causal
What a defense attorney has to accomplish in the trial:
Put the jury in the eyes of the mom on trial
Convey all aspects of the circumstances to the jury
Counterbalance what has been disclosed by law enforcement to the public
A glimpse into the mental state of a mom after a postpartum psychosis incident
The best case outcome for a postpartum psychosis case
What happens if the defendant pleads insanity and the jury accepts that plea
The tedious legal steps that a defense attorney has to take
The status of Andrea Yates and her treatment today

Resources:

Email George: georgeparnham@aol.com

Find George and his practice: Parnham And Associates

149: Perinatal Women with Chronic Medical Condition May 13, 2019

Struggling to conceive, enduring a pregnancy, giving birth, and caring for a new baby are all parts of a challenging process. Inevitably there are hiccups along the way for almost every mom, but living with a chronic illness makes things even more difficult in the process of motherhood. My guest is here to discuss the unique dynamics and challenges a mother might face and some common misconceptions we may not understand.

Jenna Daly is a clinical social worker with certifications in Perinatal Mental Health, and she works in private practice in southern Maine. She primarily works in perinatal and parental mental health, as well as perinatal loss and grief. Her interest in perinatal and parental mental health was fostered by her work as an oncology social worker at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, known for its cognitive-existential and motivational approaches. She also promotes articles and other information regarding perinatal mental health and all aspects of parenting.

Show Highlights:

How a medical condition impacts perinatal mental health for moms who may have already struggled
How a mom with chronic illness may already have a medical team in place and have had to advocate for herself
For these women, their choices are already limited, and their power is taken away, which can lead to increased stress
One concern around advocacy for your medication during pregnancy is whether it’s safe for the fetus
Why some women report feeling adrift after the baby’s arrival
The mindset differences between promotion and prevention
Don’t let yourself be pushed into positivity, but own your decisions
Identity shifts in a system that overmedicalizes you
The burden of managing an illness AND a pregnancy
The likelihood of anxiety and depression is higher for the chronically ill
The concern of a genetic condition being transferred to baby
Standout strengths: the ability to reframe and find meaning with optimism and hope
Diabetes and gestational diabetes as examples
How we can better support those with a medical condition
Where our personal bias and misconceptions come into play
How it’s hard to know what the experience is like
When the postpartum is not what you thought it would be
Hopeful messages: how the internet has helped people build community and normalize the experience

Resources:

Jenna Daly LCSW

Facebook: Grounded Parent

148: Maternal Mental Health of Asian Indian Mothers May 06, 2019

We are taking a closer look at the cultural aspects of maternal mental health for Asian Indian mothers. There are barriers to finding and receiving mental health care that bear similarites to many Asian cultures. We also hear how culture impacts the motherhood experience. How can we best support them and to seek the help that’s available to them? We’re covering these topics and more in today’s show.

Dr. Deepika Goyal is a Professor of Nursing at San Jose State University and a family nurse practitioner who is passionate about maternal mental health, specifically for women of Asian Indian descent. Dr. Goyal’s research adds to the postpartum mental health narrative regarding Asian American women’s experiences, mental health help-seeking behavior, and preferred management of postpartum depression. Her research findings provide clinicians with the information they need to provide culturally-informed care to promote optimal maternal-child well-being outcomes.

Show Highlights:

Goyal’s research from 2001-2002 on postpartum depression, regarding sleep disturbances, infant temperament, marital satisfaction, and social support---all with American women of Indian descent
More than half of the women who responded to Deepika’s survey said they had experienced depressive symptoms
Mental illness and depressive symptoms are very stigmatized in Asian cultures
The range of symptoms are anxiety, “baby blues,” postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis; there are more mainstream policies and awareness now, but the changes haven’t occurred as quickly in Asian cultures
Asian women have a fear of someone in their family finding out, bringing shame to the family, and being seen as a weak woman----if they report postpartum depressive symptoms
The most concerning piece Deepika found was that the women wouldn’t seek help until it was a last resort, and they are very much against medications to help their symptoms
Why mental health care is seen as a personal failure
Why women are beginning to be more open in seeking help, especially those who have been in the US longer
The importance of at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep for a new mom, and the impact on mental health
Some of the postpartum cultural practices of Asian American women:
A female relative comes to stay with the new family for 3-4 months
30-40 days of rest at home after birth, with no household duties or leaving the house
Herbs are used that improve breast milk production and healing, in addition to special foods rich in fats and healing properties
The importance of equipping women DURING pregnancy with information about symptoms and how to know when to seek help when symptoms become more severe
Similarities in cultural practices for women from India, China, Korea, and Vietnam
What we can do to best support Asian American women in the postpartum
How a therapist can understand and best offer help to these women
How mom’s health can benefit the baby’s health, and mother-baby bond, and the child’s cognitive and language development
What Deepika wants to do in the future with non-pharmacologic interventions, especially in the area of sleep

Resources:

Postpartum Support International

Deepika Goyal

Selected Works of Dr. Goyal can be found HERE

*****Today's podcast is brought to you by Audible - get a FREE audiobook download and 30 days free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/momandmind

147: Taboo Postpartum Truths - When Expectations Don't Meet Reality Apr 29, 2019

We’ve talked a lot on the show about postpartum depression, but there’s another condition that new moms experience that carries much shame, and no one talks about it. It’s called postpartum regret, and it’s that feeling of dissatisfaction and unhappiness with the demands of motherhood and the changes that come with this life transition. We’re talking about how to identify this condition and what to do to pull yourself through it.

Marissa Zwetow is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in prenatal and postpartum counseling. Marissa became passionate about helping mothers prepare and adjust to a new baby after experiencing postpartum depression. She understands what it takes to be on a healing journey to find acceptance, meaning, and happiness in the role of motherhood.

Show Highlights:

Marissa’s personal journey as she struggled with the transition into motherhood and knew she needed help
How she identified postpartum regret as the feeling of regret at becoming a mother, but no one was talking about it
How the shame, embarrassment, struggle, and disappointment can lead to postpartum depression
Why Marissa wanted validation for herself and other moms who hated being a mom and were saying, “I don’t like this”
How she went through an identity crisis in becoming a mom
A look at Marissa’s 12 Taboo Postpartum Truths:
Lack of bond with the baby during the “golden hour”
A baby that’s not easily soothed
Breastfeeding is not always wonderful
A mother may experience grief for her past life
Why Marissa wishes she would have sought help and taken antidepressants sooner
Solutions to postpartum regret:
Find your tribe and know that you’re not alone
Get help any way you can
Redefine what being a mother is to YOU
Why moms need permission to figure out how they can best show up in parenting that works for them

Resources:

PostpartumHappiness

Find Marissa on Facebook

Find Marissa on Instagram: @postpartumhappiness

Marissa’s books: Postpartum Happiness: What to do when you love the kids but hate the job

12 Taboo Postpartum Truths: What you may need to know, but probably haven’t been told

146: When You Don't Know That You Have Postpartum Depression Apr 22, 2019

The pressure that new moms feel is tremendous. Sometimes they are working so hard to just get through the day that they don't notice (or don't want to notice) how bad they really feel. They are working so hard to manage everything that they might not notice what's going on for themselves. Such was the postpartum experience of today’s guest, Darcy Sauers. She suffered for a long time without realizing that what she felt was a common experience for most new moms. This is all too common and I know that a lot of us experienced this too. Let’s jump into this conversation about how we can offer better support for new moms!

Darcy Sauers is The Doula Darcy, a postpartum doula offering in-home postpartum doula services to the moms in her local area. She also provides on-demand postpartum doula support for new moms everywhere so moms can get they help they need---when they need it. Darcy co-hosts the Your Birth, Your Worth podcast. She had three babies in four years, and her experiences fueled her decision to quit her advertising job and certify as a postpartum doula so she could help other women have a better experience than she did.

Show Highlights:

Darcy’s experience with her first pregnancy and postpartum---over 15 years ago
How she was terrified to take her baby home from the hospital
The first weeks of motherhood, with difficulties, discomfort, and “going through the motions”
What she thought about postpartum depression, and why she COULD NOT have it
A year later, she found herself pregnant again
How she chalked her feelings up to sleep deprivation or too much sugar
For her 3rd pregnancy, she thought things would be better since she planned it out and took better care of herself
How she left her advertising career and pursued being a doula because of her obsession
How a postpartum doula would’ve changed everything for Darcy
The mixture of relief and anger at herself for not recognizing the signs of postpartum depression
How she realized she was constantly trying to convince herself that she was a good mom
How she constantly fantasized about running away
The involuntary, intrusive thoughts that horrified her
How getting a babysitter a few hours a week would have made a huge difference
The lies we tell ourselves about what it means to be a “good mom”
How an antidepressant helped her feel better
How she realized what she went through was common
Pressures that new moms feel, along with the isolation of not having a “tribe” to help
How she couldn’t honestly admit her thoughts to herself
Why Darcy wants people to become educated about the real signs of postpartum depression
Darcy’s transformation to being a doula and how she helps:
Supports with hands-on help for new moms
Talks listens, and answers questions
Offers on-demand support videos to cover common issues and topics
The mental health stigma that new moms feel, and how it prevents moms from getting the help they need
Darcy’s podcast, Your Birth, Your Worth---and how it offers more support for new moms

Resources:

Find Darcy: Facebook The Doula Darcy

Instagram: The Doula Darcy

The Doula darcy

Your Birth Your Worth Podcast

145: Angelina Spicer: Postpartum Depression & Comedy Special Documentary Apr 15, 2019

Postpartum depression---and comedy. You might be surprised that anyone can join the two, but my guest today has a passion for women who are suffering as she did, and she hopes to raise awareness and erase the stigma around postpartum depression (PPD). Because of what she has been through, she is committed to using her talents to help change the outcomes for others.

Angelina Spicer is a comedian, actress, social media influencer, wife, and mother. A cum laude graduate of Howard University, Angelina has smartly delved deep for comedy that’s authentic, transparent, and relatable. By using her social media platform, she became an outspoken advocate for maternal mental health after she was admitted to a psychiatric facility for treatment of PPD. It was then that her journey to remove the stigma of the shame and guilt associated with PPD began. She became the 2018 Spokeswoman for The Blue Dot Project, lobbied on Capitol Hill, helped pass three new pieces of legislation for new moms in California, and has been featured in USA Today and Essence magazine. She’s now channeling her efforts into making a documentary film about her experience with PPD.

Show Highlights:

How Angelina became an “accidental activist”
After her daughter’s birth, she felt “off” and disconnected from everything she loved, “blindsided by all the curveballs of motherhood”
Her breaking point--8 months postpartum--when she was happy to have relief by being admitted to the hospital
Why she wants to give other moms the help they need
How she decided to do a documentary about her story once she became comfortable with sharing her truth
Why transparency is the key to bringing humor to a heavy topic
Angelina’s unique, humorous perspective to PPD and motherhood
The transformative process after PPD and how “the path reveals itself”
The more we open up about PPD, the more others will feel cool about sharing their struggles
How we should focus on eliminating the social stigma of PPD so mothers will feel comfortable talking to their doctors
How Angelina is “all in” with advocacy since she “came out of the PPD closet” on social media
Angelina’s upcoming work in bringing more awareness to PPD
The Kickstarter to help finish production on her documentary---and how you can help!

Resources:

Find out more about Angelina and her Kickstarter campaign: Angelina Spicer

Find Angelina on Instagram and Twitter

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This episode is supported by Ritual Prenatal and Ritual Essential for Women. Mom & Mind listeners get 10% off during your first three months! Visit ritual.com/MOMANDMIND to start your ritual today. Use code MOMANDMIND

144: Not Carol: Postpartum Psychosis Documentary Apr 08, 2019

Today’s show takes a look at the difficult topics of postpartum psychosis and infanticide through the eyes of the filmmakers of the documentary, Not Carol. The film covers the story of Carol Coronado, who was convicted of the 2014 murders of her three young daughters in CA while highlighting the desperate need for education and services for mothers and fathers in recognizing and treating postpartum psychosis. Join us for a conversation with the producers and directors of Not Carol, Eamon Harrington and Veronica Brady.

Eamon Harrington has co-owned Planet Grande Pictures since forming the company in 1993 with John Watkin. During that time, he has produced and directed hundreds of hours for all the major broadcast and cable outlets, winning seven Emmys along the way. Other industry honors include a Peabody Award and a DuPont Columbia Baton. Before forming Planet Grande, Eamon spent three years as Head of Production at VH1 in New York. Eamon has directed dozens of documentaries and unscripted series. His Emmy award-winning documentaries include Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? (with Maria Shriver for HBO), Shades of a Single Protein (with Oprah Winfrey for ABC), Positive: A Journey into AIDS (ABC), and In Full Effect (FOX). Eamon is a hands-on producer and director, and frequently shoots many of his projects. That same hands-on approach brings him into the editing room on nearly every project.

Show Highlights:

How the documentary takes a look at maternal mental illness, specifically postpartum psychosis
Not Carol, which follows the story of 30-year-old Carol Coronado, arrested for the murder of her three young daughters, all under 2-½ years old
The 4-5 year filmmaking journey looking at postpartum psychosis through the lens of Carol’s case wrapped up in advocacy and information
What really happens when psychosis sets in and how little we know and understand about it
The importance of populating the film with leading experts on postpartum psychosis and survivors who have lived through it
What surprised Eamon and Veronica about the lack of laws for infanticide in the US, meaning these women are tried for 1st-degree murder with no recourse for legal defense, all based on laws dating back more than 150 years
How these women are at risk even when they are incarcerated
How the title Not Carol came about and fits the story
What Eamon and Veronica wished people understood about postpartum psychosis: how to recognize this treatable, temporary illness
The lack of substantial help for those left behind after a postpartum psychosis tragedy
The double whammy of the illness AND the trauma
The numbers: 4 million babies are born in the US yearly; 1 in 5 moms will experience some form of postpartum depression; about 2 in 1000 will have postpartum psychosis; of these with PP psychosis, 4% will commit infanticide, and 5% will commit suicide
Why Eamon and Veronica think young women AND young men should see the film, to help them understand that postpartum psychosis is a real thing
Why much patience was required in the filmmaking process
How Eamon and Veronica secured the trust and approval of individuals and Postpartum Support International to tell the story
How Eamon and Veronica have become advocates in Carol’s story and for her family
How to have a screening in your area

Resources:

Film information and the 5-part podcast: https://www.notcarol.com/

For more information, please see the Planet Grande website: https://www.planetgrande.com/

Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

143: NICU Experience for Babies and Parents Mar 25, 2019

We know that a NICU stay makes for a difficult postpartum period, but what are the profound and long-lasting effects from this experience? In today’s show, we’re taking a close look at the experience of parents AND babies who go through a stay in the NICU. My guest brings a wealth of information based on her personal and professional experience.

Dr. Mara Stein is a clinical psychologist in private practice who specializes in the emotional aspects of coping with crisis around pregnancy, parenting and medical crisis, child development, and relationship-based developmentally-supportive care to babies and their families. She’s a Certified EMDR therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and an EMDRIA Approved Trainer for the Insitute for Creative Mindfulness. She’s certified in other modalities, like Emotion-Focused Family and Couple Therapy, is a Gottman Certified Therapist, and continues to pursue training in Clinical Hypnosis and Ego-State therapies. She brings a wealth of clinical expertise and insight along with all she has learned interviewing families around the world for her two books, her EMDR Basic Trainings, and her advanced practice workshops. All of this is grounded in her personal experience and perinatal journey, which began 25 years ago and took her through infertility, twin pregnancy, prolonged hospital bedrest, the NICU, and nearly 23 years of raising NICU graduates. We’re diving into the babies’ experience in the NICU and the interplay that may occur with their parents.

Show Highlights:

How Mara’s specialty came about from her personal journey when she realized that resources were lacking in this area for parents’ emotional needs
How she found a worldwide online support group for parents of preemies, which became the foundation of her work
How she became passionate about writing and teaching about perinatal trauma
Her EMDR work and training over the last 16 years
The range of conditions and ages of NICU babies
How NICU departments vary around the world in how they operate
Factors that interrupt a baby’s natural pattern in traditional NICU, with the environment, lights, sounds, etc.
The long-term effects of a NICU stay
The sensory mismatch for babies, with sounds, lights, and interruptions
How a developmentally-supportive NICU differs from traditional NICU
Why moms feel like they need to “stay out of the way”
How parent feel disoriented in many ways
How overstimulation and stress affect a NICU baby
How parents navigate their connection to their baby
Why it’s hard to attune to a NICU baby, and a parent’s hesitation may be misinterpreted as lack of attachment
The first time Mara felt like her NICU baby’s mother
The mental health of parents, and how they can work through and heal
Why parents ask, “Who is like me?” and “Where are the others?”
Transitions and processes for parents
The healing, so parents see themselves as whole human beings
Why parents need to see the combination of disarray and competence
The necessity of developmentally-supportive help to parents to see their baby as whole
The empowering message to parents to nourish them and help them recover and develop
Why the post-traumatic moments and grief do NOT invalidate your experiences as a NICU parent

Resources:

www.docmara.com

Parenting Your Premature Baby and Child: The Emotional Journey by Deborah L. Davis, Ph.D. and Mara Tesler Stein, Psy.D.

Intensive Parenting: Surviving the Emotional Journey through the NICU by Deborah L. Davis, Ph.D and Mara Tesler Stein, PsyD

www.parentsondemand.com

www.specialneedsfamilyhour.com The Welcome to Holland Essay

142: Postpartum Psychosis: After a Tragedy Mar 18, 2019

Today I’m speaking from the mind and heart about some topics that have been at the forefront of my thoughts regarding recent postpartum tragedies in the news and in our community. It’s a devastating reality every time mothers and babies are lost due to postpartum mental health issues--and we’ve got to do more to help.

Show Highlights:

The split that may occur between people who blame postpartum depression or psychosis and people who vilify the mothers who have done something terrible
These tragedies highlight the severe lack of information and understanding about postpartum psychosis
Why people who aren’t well shouldn’t be tasked to heal themselves alone
How we fail these moms multiple times during a very intense time of transformation in their lives
How are these moms and their families getting help and finding community support?
Why most of society is uneducated about how bad the postpartum mood disorders can get
How our laws treat women through the legal process after a tragedy occurs
What these women go through while in jail or a psych unit---do they get the help they need there?
Why it’s a delicate balance between healthcare, legal, social services, housing, witnesses, neighbors, first responders, medical teams, hospitals, and more
The road to recovery for families is a long process that could have been prevented in the first place
Why information and resources need to be available to everyone
Why we need to normalize postpartum mental health issues and show the reality, and not just put the “social media spin” on them
Why it’s easy to feel hopeless about the situation--and how we are failing these mothers
The hard part: the help doesn’t always get to the people who need it most
How can we build a better safety net?

Resources:

Email me with your thoughts: info@momandmind.com

Get help and information at www.postpartum.net

141: Babywearing Benefits for Mental Health Mar 11, 2019

It’s called “baby wearing” or “baby carrying”--- you may have heard of this technique and wondered what it’s all about. It’s a good idea logistically, but the great news is that it supports mental health and overall well-being in parents and caregivers when a new baby comes into the family. We’re finding out more about the ins and outs of baby wearing on today’s show.

Laura Brown is a baby wearing expert. She has been passionate about this topic for over a decade. She’s here to share details about this practice from her perspective, and how she uses her experience to help moms and partners after baby comes home. Since the birth of her first child, Laura has dedicated herself to providing the latest evidence-based information and support to caregivers throughout the birth and postpartum period. She founded one of the largest baby wearing non-profit organizations, helps train other birth and postpartum professionals, counsels manufacturers, and speaks nationally about baby carriers and their use. In addition to being a baby wearing consultant, she is also a full-spectrum doula, child passenger safety technician, lactation educator, and is kangaroo-care certified. I personally used this technique with both of my kiddos, and I saw firsthand the many benefits of baby wearing.

Show Highlights:

Baby wearing: the act of carrying your baby on your body with a baby carrier
Laura’s work, and how it began 10 years ago with the birth of her first child, when she noticed the benefits to baby, maternal mental health, and the freedom to leave the house with baby
How she teaches baby wearing classes, works with other healthcare professionals, and consults with baby carrier manufacturers
The importance of teaching caregivers this skill set
How to find a carrier that’s right for you and why most people will need more than one type of carrier
Why ONE carrier will not fit your every need and every situation
How a baby wearing class, consultant, or expert can help you find the right carrier and the right fit
Why baby wearing is important in the postpartum period:
Babies need constant attention, so baby wearing can alleviate stress for mom
Helps the baby’s muscle development, social development, and brain development
Helps bond the baby to their caregiver
Why baby wearing is just another tool in a caregiver’s toolbox, shouldn’t be used all day every day, and can be custom-tailored for how you care for your baby
How baby wearing helps with anxiety and depression for mom, releasing oxytocin and connecting mom and baby
When baby wearing may not be a good idea: when baby has complex health issues or the caregiver has chronic pain
Where to get help with baby wearing: most localities have groups or non-profits where you can learn about different carriers and take classes; even some retailers and manufacturers offer help, and YouTube has videos with troubleshooting information about baby carriers
The hopeful message about baby wearing: “Keeping baby close to you enables you to do what you need to do in the postpartum period.”

Resources:

Visit Laura’s website: www.mamabirdlosangeles.com

Find Laura on Instagram: @mamabirdlosangeles

140: The Motherhood Center Mar 04, 2019

There’s a new model of care available to moms and new families. The Motherhood Center in NYC hopes to be the prototype for superior support and services for other facilities around the world. Today’s show highlights this center and the important work being done there in perinatal and postpartum support.

Dr. Catherine Birndorf is cofounder and medical director of The Motherhood Center in NYC. It’s the first of its kind as a treatment center for pregnant and new moms who are experiencing anxiety and depression. There aren’t many centers like this one, offering holistic and long-term care. We’re going to hear how The Motherhood Center is providing unique care and how Dr. Birndorf is changing the face of perinatal mental health care.

Dr. Birndorf is the Founding Director of the Payne Whitney Program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Birndorf is a board member of Postpartum Support International, a non-profit organization for awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing worldwide. For 10 years, Dr. Birndorf was a regular mental health columnist for Self Magazine, and has appeared on numerous TV programs, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, MSNBC, CBS Evening News, and CNN. Her first book, The Nine Rooms of Happiness, which she co-authored with Lucy Danzinger, was a NY Times bestseller, published in 2010. She has co-authored with Alexandra Sacks, What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood, which will be released in April.

Show HIghlights:

How Dr. Birndorf blends her two interests, obstetrics and psychiatry, into what she terms “reproductive psychiatrist,” to help women before, during, and after birth
How she got into this field and began teaching it as a subspecialty at Cornell
The passion and fire for women’s health
Her other endeavors in related fields and services
The importance of getting the information out about simple things like medications while pregnant, etc.
Parts of the Motherhood Center’s work, like consultation services and frontline provider information
How the Center began in NYC in 2014-2015: “a NOT feel like a hospital place”
How patients feel like they are being mothered
How the Center caters to moderate to severe perinatal or postpartum anxiety and depression
The intensive work that expedites recovery
How passion and creativity drive the model
One of the goals---to replicate the model in other places
Part of the next phase: mentoring others
How Dr. Birndorf sees her new book as yet another way to help people
The book, which covers the ways people classify motherhood and the mental phases of the process that can be a struggle for many
How the book covers the challenges in a unique way that no other book has done

Resources:

https://www.themotherhoodcenter.com/

Instagram: @themotherhoodcenter

Facebook: @motherhoodnyc

Twitter: @MotherhoodNYC

The Nine Rooms of Happiness by Catherine Birndorf and Lucy Danzinger

What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood by Catherine Birndorf and Alexandra Sacks

139: Transgender and Gender Queer Perinatal Mental Health Feb 25, 2019

Today’s show begins to scratch the surface in bringing more information, knowledge and advocacy to the perinatal period for transgender, gender queer, and gender diverse people. We are discussing pronoun use, the stress and anxiety transgender people may encounter during conception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum and other stressors related to interactions and misunderstandings from their healthcare providers. Thanks to Abbie Rolf, BA for continuing this conversation with us.

Abbie Rolf is a Master’s level graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. They are a behavioral health student intern at Metro Inclusive Health in St. Petersburg, FL. Abbie is a member of WPATH, ALGBTIC, and is actively working toward becoming a gender specialist. Abbie’s intersectional identities include being queer. This and other minority identities inform the lens through which they practice. Abbie is sex-positive and kink-aware. Abbie’s areas of interest include gender-inclusive perinatal mental health, grief/loss, trauma, and consensual non-monogamy.

Show Highlights:

Think of “transgender” as an inclusive term to include anyone who lives in a way that their gender is incongruent with their sex assigned at birth
Under the umbrella of transgender are binary gender, gender queer, non-binary, and agender---”ways pepole can self-identify their nuanced gender experience”
Don’t assume a person’s pronoun based on the way they present
The best way to find out someone’s pronouns is to introduce yourself and your pronouns and ask how they want to be addressed
To be known authentically, it’s important to use the right language to identify ourselves and others
Part of bringing awareness to gender issues is to acknowledge that there can be no assumptions based on the way a person presents
The microaggressions in misnaming and misgendering people
How transgender people are affected by the constant state of being unseen and unvalidated
Unseen stressors in the mental health system and how awareness of gender bias in the postpartum may be a manifestation of gender dysphoria

Resources:

Abbie’s Professional Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/Abbie-Rolf-BA-Graduate-Student-Mental-Health-Counseling-INtern-224253768482880/

Transgender Perinatal Mental Health for Professionals (closed Facebook group)

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

www.PracticeWithPronouns.com

National Transgender Discrimination Survey:

https://transequality.org/issues/national-transgender-discrimination-survey

Pronoun Options:

http://www.transstudent.org/pronounsgraphic.jpg

Gender Identities Overview:

https://www.genderspectrum.org/the-language-of-gender/

For Birthing People and Professionals:

Facebook Group: Birthing and Breast or Chestfeeding Trans People and Allies:

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

Queer Birth Project:

https://www.facebook.com/QueerBirthProject/

The Feminist Midwife

https://www.facebook.com/FeministMidwife/

138: Highly Sensitive Babies Feb 18, 2019

You’re probably familiar with the term HSP, a designation for a highly sensitive person. You may have heard this trait discussed on some of our previous shows. We know many mothers are HSP’s, but can an infant be a highly sensitive person? Is it even possible? If you’re a highly sensitive person, then this topic may resonate deeply with you, as it does personally for me. Join us for today’s discussion.

Julie Bjelland is an HSP psychotherapist, global HSP consultant, and the author of several books for the sensitive person. Her work has helped thousands of sensitive people around the world. As an HSP herself, and the mother of highly sensitive children, Julie understands the trait on a personal level, and she’s distinguished herself as one of the leaders in the field of high sensitivity education. Her mission is to spread awareness and education of this trait, and to help HSP’s reduce the challenges, so they can access their many gifts. Julie invites you to explore her website, which is full of helpful resources.

Show Highlights:

How proper support in childhood can prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression in adulthood, but lack of support usually means increased symptoms
What to look for in an infant (keep in mind that these indicators can show up differently):
Advancement in speech and language
Highly observant
Frequent overstimulation, with crying and meltdowns
Sensitive skin and frequent rashes
Prone to allergies and food sensitivities
Sensitivity to detergents and chemicals
Aversion to certain food textures and fabric textures
Strong reactions to being wet, dirty, and sticky
Preferences of adults with softer energy levels
Sleep sensitivities
Sensitivity to noise and temperature changes
Needing to be held a lot
How we create more stress in the way we label HSP behaviors
How our sensitivities go down when we are balanced and our needs are met
How to support mom and baby if they both have HSP tendencies
The HSP trait: it’s innate, affects 20% of the population, is equal in gender distribution, and 70% of HSP’s are introverts
Why it’s recommended that HSP’s have 2 hours of alone time each day
Changing the culture and helping new moms have “down time”
An infant’s mirror neurons when mom is not balanced
Recovery times that mom and baby need
How the brain perceives anxiety---and how deep breathing can help
Difficulties when mom and baby have the HSP trait
The roles of sleep, sickness, stress--and how HSP’s are affected
What can do to prevent overwhelm and overstimulation
How a non-HSP parent can understand an HSP child
Why it’s important to work with a good therapist
The need for reducing and removing self-judgment
The value of finding your tribe and feeling understood

Resources:

www.juliebjelland.com

The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person by Julie Bjelland

www.empoweredhsp.com

Brain Training for the Highly Sensitive Person by Julie Bjelland

www.braintraininghsp.com

Email me: momandmind@gmail.com

137: Healthier Birth Outcomes from Black Moms and Babies Feb 11, 2019

Why are birth outcomes for black women in the US so much different than for white women? The statistics are shocking, and we should all be concerned about this disparity. What can be done about it? Today’s show dives deep into the problem and possible solutions.

Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess, LCSW, is passionate about possible solutions to empower black women when it comes to better health care and better birth outcomes. Alex is someone I work with personally, and she’s an awesome advocate and therapist. She’s the founder of Spirited by Truth, a private practice located in Ontario, CA, and she specializes in perinatal mental health. She creates a safe space in her practice for black women to focus on their healing. Alex is an aunt to an angel baby and the sister of a postpartum depression survivor. Spirited by Truth came to fruition due to the overwhelming need to provide holistic pregnancy and postpartum mental health services catered to the needs of black women. Alex is passionate about prenatal and postpartum education and providing culturally responsive treatment for black women seeking mental health services. She is a Postpartum Support International coordinator for San Bernardino county and is a black maternal mental health advocate. At Spirited by Truth, she provides education, community, and support for expecting black mothers to assist in the fight toward healthier birth outcomes for black women and infants.

Show Highlights:

Statistics for black birth outcomes in the US: black women are 4X more likely to die in childbirth, 30% of black women experience perinatal mental health crises, and 60% of these don’t receive any treatment or support
Reasons why black women don’t receive treatment or support as often as white women
The focus on finding solutions
Solutions we can address for improvement of the situation:
Finding things black women CAN control in the childbirth process
Finding healthy ways to manage chronic stress
Eliminating the taboo for black women who seek mental health treatment
How black women can be empowered in asking for a black nurse or Ob
The need for education in healthier lifestyles, especially on nutrition and exercise
Education about the birthing options, like home births and birth centers
Alex’s sister’s birth experience
Leapfrog ratings of hospitals across the country
Why the infant mortality rate is higher, because of misinformation and lack of education about SIDS
Simple dangers of crib bedding and stuffed animals that are normalities in black families
How we can give current and updated information to empower black women
Why black women need to ask for support and learn self-compassion
Why black women fall prey to the “Superwoman” syndrome
The need for culturally responsive services for black women
Alex’s “Spirited Mama Tribe”--the support circle for black women, including workshops, CPR training, and doula/midwife services
Why black women need help in managing preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, chronic stress, and hypertension

Resources:

www.spiritedbytruth.com

Find Alex on Instagram and Facebook: @spiritedbytruth

www.leapfrog.org

www.tdbh.ca.gov

Episode Interlude: Life Happens! Feb 04, 2019

Things don't always go as planned and sometimes life gets in the way of the best laid plans. So, what do we do? We go with it and jump right back in where we left off!

Find out how life has been happening to me and what I'm doing about it!

136: Doulas and Birth Trauma Recovery Jan 28, 2019

Many people still may not be clear about the role of a doula in prenatal, birth, and postpartum support. On today’s show, we’re focusing specifically on how a doula can help with trauma for the mother and reduce overall risks during the entire pregnancy and birth process.

Courtney Butts is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified BEST Doula in Dallas, TX. After the birth of her son, Courtney knew she wanted to serve in support to families as a doula and childbirth educator. This work has allowed her to merge two passions: working with trauma survivors and her love of all things pregnancy and postpartum. She also provides therapy focused on maternal mental health.

Alexis Edwards is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified BEST Doula, and owner of Birth 360, a private practice in Austin, TX, that provides prenatal and postnatal therapy and doula support. She is a survivor of sexual assault and an advocate for healing through birth. Her own traumatic births and journey to motherhood inspired her to become a doula with a holistic, trauma-informed practice that incorporates not only birth and postpartum support, but also recognizes the link between birth and maternal mental health.

These two women came together in January 2018 to co-create a trauma-informed support training for birth and postpartum professionals that they teach across the US. As mental health professionals and birth workers with a background of serving survivors, they bring a unique perspective on how to better support women carrying trauma through the childbearing years.

Show Highlights:

The role of a doula in birth and postpartum: a non-medical professional who provides non-judgmental support and information to improve physical, emotional, and mental health
How they want to provide information for their clients to be able to speak up with control and empowerment in the birthing process
Most doulas are passionate about advocating and educating outside of birthing spaces, all to help moms have better outcomes
How doulas help in trauma that may show up in the birthing process
How some women navigate past trauma AND new traumas in the birthing space
How they look for triggers and teach grounding techniques
Balancing the boundary between the doula and therapist roles and how they hold safe space for clients in both roles
Having conversations about potential triggers, like certain types of touch
The information that Alexis and Courtney want medical professionals to have to bring better outcomes for moms
The need for education, like in understanding the maternal mortality rates for black women in the US
Supporting moms to be heard and seen, even before the birthing process
How doulas support trauma recovery
As a doula, being in tune with the client’s needs and understanding their birth plan wishes
The Polyvagal Theory---referring to the vagus nerve, the longest in the human body
How we interpret and respond to threats: fight, flight, or freeze
How the work of medical professionals should come from a trauma-informed lens
How Alexis and Courtney deal with clients with trauma and offer support
The focus on grounding and finding a safe space
How Alexis and Courtney’s training gives tools and techniques that doulas can use
How their training helps in specific ways
How doulas can improve outcomes: decreases in C-sections, pitocin, and pain relief meds, and an overall increase in vaginal births

Resources:

Courtney: @courtneybuttsdoula (Instagram and Facebook)

www.courtneybutts.com

Alexis: @birth360atx (Instagram and Facebook)

www.birth360.net

135: Recovering from 4th Degree Tears Jan 21, 2019

Laura Fry is a wife and mother to 3 amazing kids. She is a former health care professional, turned stay at home mom after the birth of her first son. During that birth she suffered a 4th degree perineal tear and in January 2015 created a Facebook support group for others who have also sustained 4th degree tearing in childbirth. The group has grown to 1,200 members from all over the world, representing 6 continents and 33 countries. Laura is now using the knowledge she has gained from that support group to raise awareness of severe tearing and advocate for better care by using social media and speaking at conferences.

Please share your story

- How do you think this impacted your mental wellness

- Looking back, what do you think you needed at the time. What could have supported you better?

- How can health and mental health care providers do better?

- Hopeful messages for moms and families out there

- Share a bit about your work now.

Facebook support group - https://facebook.com/groups/1538075199800995

Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Mothers-with-4th-Degree-Tears-1548538518602609/

Instagram - @motherswith4thdegreetears

Twitter - @MothersWith4DTs

Blog - https://motherswith4thdegreetears.wordpress.com/

134: Chiropractic Care for Babies: Colic, reflux, breastfeeding and more Jan 14, 2019

Pediatric chiropractic care is a healthcare field that most people know nothing about. Most of us don’t fully understand how amazing this level of support can be, even for newborn babies, and how it brings relief and confidence to weary and frazzled parents.

Dr. Sheena Lee is a family chiropractor serving babies, kids, pregnant moms, and growing families. She has extensive pediatric and prenatal training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, and additional training to serve kids with neurodevelopmental challenges. In addition, she’s also a trained birth doula. Dr. Sheena is on a mission to elevate the consciousness of her community about what it means to be truly healthy from the inside out, what it means to make empowered choices, and what it means to feel deeply connected. Why? Because, as a teen, she struggled tremendously and felt disconnected from everyone, including herself, and even felt trapped in her own body. A visit to a chiropractor drastically changed things for Sheena, and she knows she was ultimately reconnected to her body and set free. Things have come full circle for her, as she’s now a chiropractor who is passionately concerned about caring for babies and children so they can thrive from the very beginning of their life, and not experience the same struggles that she did. Dr. Sheena practices at Vibrant Health Family Chiropractic in San Dimas, CA, a space dedicated to serving families so they can shine vibrantly from the inside out.

Show Highlights:

How chiropractic care for babies and kids differs greatly from adult chiropractic, and covers immune suppression, growth/development, behavior, and symptoms such as reflux and colic
Why these issues come down to stress and how the nervous system reacts
For adjustments on babies and kids, only fingertip pressure is used, as the chiropractor still adjusts the spine, but doesn’t “crack” the bones
Why special attention should be paid to the upper neck and lower back, because of how the baby was positioned in utero and how they came through the birth canal
How Dr. Sheena also uses the Insight Nervous System scan to detect stress in a baby’s body
Why Dr. Sheen emphasizes the gentle pressure of the adjustment, with no twisting or pressing
Most parents will see a lactation consultant and a pediatric dentist--when a pediatric chiropractor may have the answer
How to find a pediatric chiropractor
The specialized training that not all chiropractors have
How chiropractic can help with sensory processing disorders, evidenced by colic and sleep issues, reflux and constipation, ear infections and respiratory infections, allergies and eczema, and motor and speech delays
How things stack up with worsening symptoms until chiropractic care brings them back into balance
Why chiropractic isn’t a one-time fix, but much relief can be found when it’s used to maintain wellness

Resources:

www.getvibranthealth.com Check out Dr. Sheena’s website and her free webinars

Find her on Instagram and Facebook: @DrSheenaLee and San Dimas Chiropractor

www.icpa4kids.org Find a pediatric chiropractor near you

133: An Egg Donor's Journey Through Perinatal PTSD, Depression and Anxiety Jan 07, 2019

Sometimes traumas occur that aren’t discussed or supported in the ways they should be. It takes some brave soul to forge the path in changing the narrative for those who follow. Today’s show is an important conversation of a personal story of egg donation, what can go wrong, and the emotional trauma that might follow.

Meghan Coltrane is a Licensed Professional Counselor in perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. Her private practice is in Asheville, NC. She’s here to share her personal experience of being an egg donor, which led her into the field of perinatal emotional health. I’m putting a sensitivity notice on this episode for anyone who has experienced obstetrical complications or trauma related to a procedure. This kind of complication is very rare, but it CAN happen, so we want to bring awareness to it and learn, understand, and support people through all aspects of their reproductive and mental health.

Show Highlights:

Meghan’s rare complications are an uncommon experience in egg donation
When she was 25, she applied to be an egg donor and went through the required testing
Within days of being approved, two different couples had chosen her as their egg donor and she prepared for her next cycle with the necessary medications and many ultrasounds
Who needs an egg donor? Any couple seeking to do IVF without their own viable eggs
20 eggs were retrieved during the procedure and her mother drove her home to rest, with her plan being to return to work the next day
She tried to sleep, then woke up, and fainted on her way to the bathroom
The on-call nurse told her to drink more water
She went back to sleep, but kept waking up with increasing abdominal pain; it became sharp, like nothing she’d ever felt before
The on-call nurse prescribed Tylenol with codeine
Later, her roommate took her to the ER, where she was given IV fluids and was admitted for 3 days
The diagnosis was ovarian torsion, in which the ovaries were twisting on themselves and severe bleeding was occurring
Throughout her hospital stay, her caregivers were always on guard for the need for emergency surgery, which would have meant the removal of her ovaries
After her discharge, she visited 6 different doctors and began having anxiety, terrors, and emotional issues
Her physical recovery took 1-2 weeks, but the emotional healing took much longer
Meghan was anxious, terrified, scared, and filled with irrational fears and repeated nightmares
Her body responded as though she had been through a sexual assault, with her even being terrified of every man she came into contact with
Why she hunkered down and shut everyone out of her life
She had no energy, was exhausted, and lost a lot of weight
She saw her therapist and went to Yoga for Trauma classes
She saw a psychiatrist for medication to help her eat and sleep
During the first year, she threw herself into self-healing and did TRE (trauma releasing exercises) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with her primary therapist
The fertility clinic kept calling, asking her to donate again, even though she had told them she was done
Why she felt treated “like a machine that gave them their product”
There was no discussion about the hormonal effects or the possible mental effects of the process or the risks
Meghan’s desire is not to discourage egg donation, but to encourage trauma-informed care
How Meghan has started doing trauma-informed care training
How she wouldn’t do it again, but gained a lot of insight in how to care for herself and set boundaries
The financial benefits of egg donation, taxes, and why it’s not worth it
Her official diagnosis: anxiety, depression, and PTSD
What Meghan wants others to know about this process and the impact on perinatal mental health
Meghan’s advice: “Be open to healing and surround yourself with those who respect your boundaries.”

Resources:

www.meghancoltrane.com

www.weareeggdonors.com

132: Path to Wellness Through Pregnancy and Postpartum Dec 31, 2018

What are the key factors to wellness? Wellness is important for everyone, but is vitally important during pregnancy and the postpartum period, both for new moms AND dads. Let’s talk about the key factors on the path to wellness.

Adrienne Griffen is the founder and Executive Director of Postpartum Support Virginia. She started PSVA to fill a gap in services in her area. When she experienced postpartum depression and anxiety in 2002, it took almost six months to find the help she needed. Since then, she’s been providing information, outreach, and support to new mothers and the healthcare providers who serve them. For her efforts, Adrienne was selected as the Peer Specialist of the Year by the National Council for Behavioral Health in January 2016, and a Woman of Vision by Arlington County’s Commission on the Status of Women in June 2018. Adrienne graduated from the US Naval Academy and has a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Her early career included military and government service at the White House, Pentagon, and IRS. Adrienne lives in Arlington, VA, with her husband and three children.

Show Highlights:

Adrienne’s The Path to Wellness, a one-page summary to help moms; it starts with the basics and moves into self-care, social support, therapy, and medications
The scaffolding approach of The Path to Wellness
Self-care and its four key components: eat, sleep, exercise, and time off
How Adrienne helps moms realize the necessity of self-care
Tips to get good sleep (4-5 uninterrupted hours) for new moms
Nutrition for new moms: eat when the baby eats, and focus on nutrient-dense, high protein snacks with lots of water
Tip: stock a feeding station wherever you feed the baby
To get good exercise, go for a walk outside, which can benefit both mom and baby
To get “time off,” figure out what can make you better for the day, whether it’s showering, yoga, meditation, journaling, etc.
For social support, get connected to other women who are going through the same thing
Support will give you validation, normalization, and hope
Social support can take varied forms, so find the one that works best for you
In-person support groups can offer positive reinforcement
Talk therapy or counseling can help moms gain control over emotions and learn coping strategies
One goal is to “soften up” women who are in a brittle state so they can be more stable
Medications are not a first step, but some are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms
Why there are many misconceptions and much misinformation about medications
Why mental health meds are perceived as optional, but not other meds
How these valuable interventions help new moms
Why we do new moms a disservice by not talking about postpartum issues
How single moms can find the help and support they need
The value in short-term help, especially for getting good sleep
The warning signs of too much sleep, not falling asleep well, or not staying asleep
Words of Hope from Adrienne: “You are not alone. You are not to blame, and with help, you WILL be well.”

Resources:

www.postpartumsupportinternational.org

Find PostpartumVA on Facebook

Contact Adrienne: adrienne.griffen@gmail.com

Find the printable Path to Wellness sheet:

http://www.postpartumva.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Path-to-Wellness-February-2015.pdf

131: 7.7 Billion Ways to Heal Dec 24, 2018

Are you feeling it? You know holiday stress comes in different ways for each of us. It can make us feel frantic, overloaded, and completely overwhelmed. But deeper than that, how do you cope and heal in general? What’s your unique way? What have you found out about your strength and resilience?

In this episode, I’m having a personal chat with you about the chaos and stress that we all tend to feel. About the depths that we go to ‘get through’. It’s a good time to call it out and come to you with a different energy, one that’s geared toward healing, health, and wellness. One that is uniquely you.

Show Highlights:

The inherent strength and resilience in mothers and fathers
A new baby brings massive change, which can be even more difficult during the holidays
Self-care can be healing and can come in different ways
Using similar tools can still mean different healing processes; there’s not just ONE right way to heal
With a new year, don’t focus on what you need to do better, but focus on your internal strengths
How do you get through those quiet moments when you feel alone and misunderstood?
Internal resources vs. external resources
Why vulnerability is a strength---not a weakness
YOUR way of healing is worthy, valuable, and unique
My personal path to healing, which came in unconventional ways
Ask: What do I need? What are my strengths? What does resilience look like for me?
Look into yourself and listen deeply
You CAN get through whatever you’re going through!

130: Managing In Law Relationships in Pregnancy and Postpartum Dec 17, 2018

What if YOUR idea of your birth plan and first few postpartum days differs wildly from what your in-laws imagine? How do you stay true to your values and set boundaries without causing an irreparable rift in the family? We’re tackling these topics and more on today’s show!

Felicia Hurst is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice, serving the needs of the Ardmore, Oklahoma community. She graduated with a Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from East Central University and has post-Master’s advanced training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Her passion is working with women prior to conception, pregnancy, postpartum, and throughout motherhood, and spreading awareness about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. In today’s show, she shares her background and professional experience, along with her personal experiences in setting boundaries with her in-laws and family. Don’t miss Felicia’s great tips that anyone can use in navigating these difficult conversations.

Show Highlights:

How the desire to have children affected decisions for her and her husband, as they waited for the right time
How this anticipation played into perinatal mood and anxiety for Felicia
Why they decided to set boundaries for her birth and postpartum time
The expectations her in-laws had for the birth and postpartum, which wasn’t at all what Felicia wanted for her new family
Having the difficult discussions about expectations that clearly weren’t in alignment with each other
How people-pleasing can lead to regrets, a desire to withdraw, and even aggression
How Felicia held boundaries with the nursing staff about limiting and prohibiting family visits in the hospital
Coping with others’ hurt feelings while affirming your values and holding to your boundaries
Using a different approach with different family members
How Felicia and her husband had discussions about the boundaries
Why setting boundaries is important to have the kind of experience you want, without shame and regrets later on
How you can get through it and come out on the other side
Why it’s never too late to start setting boundaries, but setting them early on sets the stage for how things will go later and eliminates conflict ahead of time
Felicia’s tips:
Pick the right time and place to have the difficult conversations
Be clear and direct in telling others your preferences about boundaries
Communicate with family how they can support you best in helping out with cleaning, babysitting, cooking, running errands, etc.
Felicia’s advice: Be true to yourself, recognize what your values are, get clear on what’s important to you, and communicate to your partner and go from there
Felicia’s work, which focuses on maternal mental health, and her position as Chair for Postpartum Support International’s Oklahoma chapter
Felicia’s passion for educating people on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and reducing the stigma around them
How people in rural areas get the care they need, through Ob-gyns, nurses, midwives, and doulas

Resources:

www.feliciahursttherapy.com

Find Felicia on Facebook: Felicia Hurst, MS, LPC

129: Miscarriages and a Rainbow Baby Dec 10, 2018

Chances are that you or someone you know very well, has experienced pregnancy loss. One of the ongoing difficulties surrounding loss, is that it is an uncomfortable subject to discuss, both for the parents and other people in their lives. So, these mothers and parents often suffer in solitary silence. When you couple that with the lack of education, information, and support for Perinatal loss and grief, you have a recipe for mental, emotional and physical devastation. My guest today is on a mission for change. Thank you Nicole for sharing your story through miscarriages and then having your rainbow baby!

Nicole Curran Sanchez was born and raised in Orange County, CA, and has lived in Sacramento since 2008. She works at the state capitol as a Senior Legislative Assistant and scheduler to the Chair of the Assembly Health Committee. Nicole is very active in her community and loves to help people navigate state resources. She is especially gifted in helping people understand paid family medical leave, Medi-Cal, and other state programs to help the most vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, seniors, and children. Nicole and her husband, Rick, are thankful for their rainbow baby, their five-year-old son, Cruz.

Show Highlights:

Nicole’s story of two miscarriages, beginning in 2011, and the depression and heartache that came from never being given the opportunity to talk about her feelings
How she “kept on grieving” without even knowing why she was grieving
Even as a health advocate, she couldn’t even focus on what was really happening to her
In 2012-- a second miscarriage at 14-½ weeks, and the doctor treated her like a statistic
As the doctor searched for a heartbeat, she told Nicole that 1 in 4 women experience miscarriage
How Nicole felt, with no sympathy, no care, and no hand-holding
The domino effect that occurred when Nicole posted a little about her story on social media and then a group of women shared and connected over their losses
Why she found a new Ob-gyn AND got a rescue dog who ended up rescuing her
When she was pregnant again, she was excited, scared, anxious, and very paranoid
After 38 hours of labor and an allergic reaction to the epidural, she experienced the birth of her rainbow baby, Cruz
How she felt: “a void of empathy, lack of care, and feeling alone”
The ways of support that worked and helped her push herself to not get depressed
Nicole’s advice to other moms: Name the losses, make a keepsake box, and honor the losses
How her husband was her biggest support and constant source of comfort
The emotional rollercoaster that dads go through with losses
How Nicole wants to help and support others who go through loss
How Facebook allows Nicole to reach out and share to help others
How Nicole advocates for other moms in her meetings with healthcare professionals
Hopeful messages from Nicole: “Families come in all shapes and sizes and they are all different. Your family is YOUR story and you aren’t just a statistic. Let others be there for you to help and support you.”

128: Supporting Plus Size Pregnancy Dec 03, 2018

We all know about the unfair stereotypes and stigma that exist in our society, but have you ever thought about---or experienced---what a plus-size woman goes through in pregnancy? The body shaming and unfair assumptions are particularly tough to take. Today’s guest is passionate about changing the stereotypes and offering help to these often unsupported moms.

Jen McLellan is a published author, speaker, and founder of Plus Size Birth, and she now hosts the Plus Mommy podcast. Plus Size Birth is a premier resource for all things plus-size pregnancy, with over four million page views. Jen is passionate about plus-size pregnancy, sharing tips on embracing your body and navigating the bumps along the road of motherhood. Through the Plus Size Mommy podcast and other social media outlets, she seeks to create an environment of acceptance and to end the stigma surrounding plus-size pregnancy with education, support, and a sense of humor. She is a certified childbirth educator, wife, and mother to a charismatic 8 year old. We’re discussing many great topics related to being a plus-size mom, education, and statistics on things we should consider in supporting plus-size moms to have the happy, healthy pregnancies that they deserve.

Show Highlights:

In 2010, Jen became pregnant, went online for support, and was horrified at the messages there for plus-size moms
Why she decided to break the cycle by telling her story and starting a blog
How she found a community of followers who were hungry for resources that weren’t there
Why she became a childbirth educator
The stories of mistreatment for plus-size women, even by their healthcare providers
How a woman’s mental health is affected by this treatment
The importance of connecting with a size-friendly care provider
Ways to handle weight issues with doctor appointments
Stigma about pregnancy and birth for plus-size moms
The assumptions: that a plus-size pregnancy won’t have a positive outcome, will definitely have gestational diabetes, cannot have a vaginal birth, and will probably smother her baby while breastfeeding
Jen’s work: sharing images of plus-size pregnant women, so they see “someone who looks like me”
The care that’s available to help plus-size moms with breastfeeding
Why plus-size women should wear clothes that celebrate pregnancy
Why plus-size moms don’t take pregnancy photos
Ways to normalize the pregnancy experience for larger bodies
The importance of connecting with a therapist during the postpartum period
Be mindful of language that might be triggering, like “obese”
What you can’t tell about a plus-size woman: what she eats, how much she eats, or how she struggles
Why we need to come from a place of compassion and not a place of shame
How Jen was changed forever by a midwife who had compassion and believed in her
The “health at any size” approach, and why it’s important
The need to work through your own personal bias
The podcast: the topics that are covered with transparency and the hopeful messages that make an impact
How the Plus Mommy community as grown as people learn that people don’t deserve to be mistreated just because of their size

Resources:

Plus Size Birth: http://www.plussizebirthcom

Plus Mommy Podcast: http://www.plusmommy.com

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.om/plusmommyblog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plusmommy/

127: Holiday Self-care and Stress Reduction Nov 26, 2018

Do you find the holidays stressful? We would all have to say YES, if we’re completely honest. For a pregnant mom, a postpartum mom, or a mom experiencing loss, the holiday obligations can be overwhelming in magnified ways. In today’s solo episode, we will discuss how to survive the holidays and manage stress by setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

Show Highlights:

The holidays: a mix of lovely things and difficult moments with the unseen pressure of motherhood to take care of everyone
Boundaries are not easy, and sometimes confusing, but necessary
Set boundaries around family, friends, spending, activities, and the time you spend with others
Don’t be afraid to communicate what your needs are
In spending time at someone’s house, have a set time limit or some kind of communication with your partner to signal when it’s time to go
To figure out where you need boundaries, ask yourself, “What brings me stress? What do I find difficult?”
Why we feel guilty for setting boundaries
How anger and resentment toward others will develop when we don’t set boundaries
How pushback from someone else can signal the need for boundaries
It’s OK when you need a time-out from the tension of social situations
Important skills include knowing when to say NO and when to say YES
Why you shouldn’t feel obligated to do things that aren’t good choices for you
Allow flexibility and compassion in considering your needs
How saying YES and NO protects against resentment building up in relationships
Ask yourself what you need when you feel anger, guilt, anxiety, and sadness
If sleep and self-care are not on your holiday list, then you will feel depleted
Sleep is essential for health and restoration, but especially for pregnant moms, postpartum moms, and moms with loss
Give yourself permission NOT to do everything
Steps to take to manage stress:
Think about times in the past when you’ve ignored your own needs
Figure out where you can make adjustments
Find places where you can say YES and set limits
Don’t allow yourself to feel guilty
Why your new holiday regimen should be ways to manage stress, keep your energy level, and feel like yourself
What feels restorative, whole, and good to you?
Set intentions for baths, yoga, solitary walks, connection time with a friend, alone time, or time with your partner

This Episode Sponsored by Ritual Women's Essential and Essential Prenatal Vitamin www.ritual.com/MIND

126: A Journey Through Trauma and Postpartum OCD with Alexis Bruce Nov 19, 2018

Imagine what it would be like to not even trust yourself to be alone with your children---for fear of doing them harm. What if you KNEW something was wrong with your mental health, but couldn’t find the help and support you needed? Dealing with anxiety is always a problem, but never more so than in the postpartum period, when a mom is called upon to give SO MUCH of herself to care for her new baby. Yet moms are not informed and educated about the possibilities that may occur, or given access to the resources that can provide help. My guest today is committed to getting the word out that there is help for new moms.

Alexis Bruce is a stay-at-home mom turned maternal mental health advocate after the traumatic birth of her youngest son. Her birth experience, postpartum anxiety, and intense OCD fears and thoughts have been the impetus for her desire to help others in these situations. Through her struggle, it became clear that there is a lack of information and education about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and her mission has become to change that narrative. Alexis now works with Moms Mental Health Initiative, a local non-profit group whose mission is to help moms navigate perinatal mood and anxiety disorders by sharing information, connecting them to resources, and providing the necessary peer support. Alexis lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, Tyler, stepdaughter Ava, and sons Noah and Leo.

Show HIghlights:

How Alexis struggled long-term with anxiety that was usually manageable until her first son was born, and the intrusive thoughts began, with fears, panic attacks, and guilt
Becoming unexpectedly pregnant again, when Noah was only 8 months old, caused a spike in anxiety
Intrusive thoughts began again, and Alexis now knows that this is the way her brain sends alarms
She went to a therapist and things got better until she was 33 weeks along
Around midday, while home alone with Noah, she experienced severe bleeding, called her husband, and paramedics came and took her to the hospital by ambulance, all the while with her fearing she had lost the baby
The baby’s hearbeat was OK and they started preparing for an emergency C-section, but then decided to wait and see what would happen
Steroid shots for the baby to help lungs develop, and the hope that she could wait 48 hours to deliver
Discomfort, contractions, and then intense pain: within 5 minutes, 12 people from the NICU team, several nurses, and the doctor were all present in the room
How Alexis pushed once and Leo was born, but he was whisked away
The helpless feeling of listening to the medical team trying to get the baby to breathe
With no information about their baby’s condition, they watched the baby taken away to NICU
Alexis felt no sympathy or attention to the severity of the trauma she had been through; the nurse came in and told her to start pumping, something she did 10x each day for the next few days
She finally got to see her son about 3 hours later, but he was covered in tubes and medical tape
A hopeful message from Alexis: “You aren’t alone. Help is available. It’s possible on the recovery end to grieve the pregnancy and postpartum period that you wanted to have.”
Alexis’ advice: “Be aware of vulnerabilities, be gentle with yourself, and have self-compassion.”

Resources:

www.momsmentalhealthmke.org

www.postpartum.net

Email Moms Mental Health Initiative: mmhimke@gmail

Find Moms Mental Health Initiative on Facebook

125: Perinatal Loss in the Orthodox Jewish Community Nov 12, 2018

How is perinatal loss handled in the Orthodox Jewish community, or in any other faith-based culture? Today’s show takes a deep dive into a new perspective as my guest shares how she offers faith-based support and understanding of perinatal loss in a unique culture of rich traditions.

Dvora Entin, LCSW, developed and directs JFCS Ma’oz in Philadelphia, a unique initiative to engage the Orthodox community on mental health issues. With specialized training in maternal mental health and perinatal death, Dvora moderates the Pregnancy Loss phone support calls for K’nafayim and for Yesh Tikvah Yeesh on infertility. In 2017, her BLOOM program to engage the Orthodox Jewish community on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders won the Perinatal Mental Health Society Innovation Award. Dvora provides private sessions for supportive counseling and consultation and presents nationally about perinatal loss and compassionate bereavement. She resides in Philadelphia with her husband, Isaac, and their children.

Show Highlights:

How stigma and shame play a role in perinatal loss and seeking support in a culture and religion with a very long history
What orthodox Judaism is
The need for a niche approach with mental health, one that is specific and tailored to the needs of the community
Dvora’s work as an emotional doula and mental health counselor with 50-100 women monthly from the US and other countries
Why mental health is not openly talked about, especially in light of the tendency to help “arrange” marriages
The community’s approach to loss and bereavement with the 7-day Shiva
Why there is no ritualistic tradition for any loss of a baby who hasn’t lived 30 days
How families are given a meaningful space for grief
The orthodox community is in tune with mental health, and wants to increase awareness, as long as it doesn’t conflict with religious law
Why some women wonder what they’ve done “wrong” to encounter a perinatal loss
Why they question their grief and the strength of their faith, wondering if their faith is not strong enough, since they are grieving
The stigma around having only 3-4 children, when the norm is many more than that
The deeply driven core identity of motherhood for the Orthodox Jewish woman
The norm: marry young, have children quickly, and have many overall; if they don’t, then something MUST be wrong
In Dvora’s work, she sees the transition from an anonymous phone support space to an in-person space
Why early losses are isolating because pregnancy isn’t announced until the 2nd trimester, so women have to act like “everything is fine” if they suffer an early loss
The blend of faith and American Jewish heritage
The struggle with faith questions and shame
Why support is available for men, but it’s difficult to engage them
The challenges for husbands to support their wives when there are strict rules about physical contact when a woman is bleeding
The challenges in communication skills with a very young couple who now must deal with the intricacies of a multi-layered loss
The goal is to more deeply understand the impact of perinatal grief on a woman, her husband, their children, family, and community
How Dvora helps them find the pathway to OK and allows them to ask the questions
The challenges of different kinds of losses and disenfranchised grief
The deep hole that occurs after making the decision to terminate a life-threatening pregnancy
Why there is room for growth in any faith community and how remembering their pain helps bring connection

Resources:

www.dvoraentin.com

124: Single Mother Journey in Pregnancy and Postpartum Nov 05, 2018

Have you thought about--or personally experienced--the stigma surrounding single moms? We all know that the road can be tough for these women, but what support is available? Today’s show features someone who has been there, caught in the swirl of shame, doubt, and fear as she struggled to go through pregnancy and single motherhood. She’s turned the narrative on its head and spreads an empowering message to women who are fearfully stuck in relationships that aren’t healthy and nurturing. There is hope for you, Single Mom!

Jaren Soloff is a women’s health practitioner based in San Diego who became a single teen mom after enduring an abusive relationship. As a young, single mother of her daughter, now 7, Jaren is passionate about creating a new narrative for moms to find their voices and connect to themselves. Jaren has the unique experience of raising a child while navigating college, career, and parenting. She hopes to share her journey of single parenting to empower others on their journey. Jaren is a registered dietitian and lactation educator, and the founder and owner of Empowered RD, Nutrition+Lactation, a private practice dedicated to empowering women through their reproductive years, from preconception to postpartum. Jaren shares her perspective on changing the narrative and the language we use around single motherhood.

Show Highlights:

Jaren’s unplanned pregnancy while in college--and the on/off abusive relationship with the father of her child
The shaming reactions and conversations from her family, filled with criticism and judgment
How her partner felt about the pregnancy and manifested his power and manipulation
Jaren’s next steps: how she left school, moved back home, and braced herself to face motherhood alone
How she knew the relationship would have to end for the safety of herself and her child
How her mom and her conservative religious background affected her during her pregnancy
How Jaren felt about herself and her mental state during this time
The chaotic postpartum period and how she returned to school just five weeks after giving birth
The helpful support Jaren found in her doula
What she really needed was partner support and community with other moms
The validation she felt when there was a label put to what she was going through
How Jaren finished school when her daughter was four--and then got her nutrition credential
Her great job at a university, with good psychological and social support
Why resilience was one strength that helped Jaren survive
Why we need better support for single moms
How Jaren helps support single moms today with her passion and sense of responsibility to serve them and women who are breastfeeding and facing other feeding challenges
How we can create a different narrative by eliminating the stigma and shame around single motherhood:
Help them form their own identity and interests
Teach them to prioritize self-care
Help them be unafraid to do well and thrive

Resources:

www.empoweredrd.com

Find Jaren on Instagram: @empoweredrd

Facebook: Empowered RD, Nutrition+Lactation

123: Perinatal Chiropractic Care with Dr. Elliot Berlin Oct 29, 2018

Do you know the benefits of chiropractic and massage during pregnancy and the postpartum period? Despite the opinions of some, these practices can be a regular and extremely beneficial part of overall maternal wellness. What does chiropractic care for prenatal women look like and what conditions can be treated in this way? We’re diving into these topics and more with today’s expert guest.

Dr. Elliot Berlin is an award-winning prenatal chiropractor, childbirth educator, and labor doula. He’s here to share how chiropractic care can support mental wellness and, specifically, perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. He shares how he came into this amazing work, almost by accident. His Informed Pregnancy Project aims to utilize multiple forms of media, including a weekly podcast, documentary films, and a YouTube series to compile and deliver unbiased information about pregnancy and childbirth to empower new and expectant parents to make informed choices regarding their pregnancy and parenting journey.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Berlin’s work and how it resulted from his lifelong interest in holistic medicine
He and his wife took a long medical journey to have a child---with no success
A holistic approach brought them their first baby, and then another every two years for awhile!
When they moved to Los Angeles, he started a program to help others improve their health and fertility naturally
He was soon surrounded by pregnant women who wanted to continue their wellness with chiropractic and massage care
His work grew into attending births and body work, so he and his wife completed doula training together
Their holistic perspective of prenatal wellness that developed over time
The debate over C-section and VBAC (vaginal birth after Caesarean)
How he wrote articles, then a blog, then a magazine, then a podcast, then documentary films, and then a YouTube series
How he sees about 15 pregnant patients each day and tries to make sure they are informed about their choices
Common conditions that people seek chiropractic care for during pregnancy: sciatica, hip pain, neck/shoulder pain, headaches, pubic joint pain, heartburn, nausea, and positioning problems
The analogy of the birth canal: a stretchy rubber band and a squishy basketball
How chiropractic care helps with mental wellness, especially with perinatal mood and anxiety disorder
The Importance of improving sleep during and after pregnancy
Every appointment at Dr. Berlin’s clinic includes at least 25 minutes of massage and body work
Being “part of the puzzle” to perinatal mental health
Misconceptions about chiropractic care: getting one adjustment isn’t enough unless you keep coming back, and pregnancy isn’t a good time for chiropractic and massage
If you are looking for a chiropractor/massage therapist, you need to know that no special training is required for prenatal/postnatal chiropractic
Dr. Berlin’s podcast, Informed Pregnancy, airs one episode weekly; they have great audience interaction as they provide information and entertainment about pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting. They present facts about topics in an unbiased way and let people know about their choices
The YouTube series: The Real Midwives of Los Angeles, Heads Up, a documentary about the disappearing art of vaginal breech birth, and VBAC, about vaginal birth after C-section

Today's episode supported by Ritual Vitamin! Essential for Women and Essential Prenatal. Go Find out how awesome this vitamin is at www.ritual.com/mind

Resources:

Find resources on Instagram: @DoctorBerlin

icpa4kids.com Find a chiropractor for pediatric patients and pregnancy

Find Dr. Berlin on Twitter @DrBerlin or on Facebook @InformedPregnancy

Parents on Demand network Find parenting resources!

122: Postpartum Depression, PTSD Personal Story Oct 22, 2018

If you know something is wrong, wouldn’t you want your doctor to listen? How does it feel to advocate for yourself with no success? My guest shares her story of dealing with postpartum depression for years while she tried to advocate for herself. Listen in to see how she finally found healing, and why she shares her story with honesty and openness.

Jessica Mirisis lives in Massachusetts and is the mother of three girls, ages 2, 6, and her stepdaughter, age 12. Jessica works as an RN and helps her husband run their two businesses.

Jessica battled several issues with maternal mental health for years, not getting the help she needed.

Show Highlights:

In May 2012, her first daughter was born, about the time she graduated from nursing school, got married, and bought a house
With her pregnancy, she was sick all the time
Her labor was slow and long, the baby came four days early, and she had low iron after the birth
Her breastfeeding struggles for 6 weeks and then switching to formula
How her baby didn’t sleep well and woke up every 3 hours to eat
Her husband tried to tell her doctor that something was “off”
How Jessica continued to struggle with motherhood and going back to work
Her frustration and anger that continued for almost 2 years
Again, she tried to tell her doctor that something was wrong, that she wasn’t sleeping, and that she was angry and frustrated----but the doctor discounted her feelings
Why Jessica saw a psychiatrist and therapist on her own
With her 2nd pregnancy, the anxiety increased and the constant sickness returned
Why she had a scheduled C-section to avoid another long, hard delivery
When her daughter was born, her in-laws came for an extended visit and Jessica still felt the anger and frustration
She started Zoloft, but wasn’t getting any better an continued to go downhill
The wine rack incident that was the last straw
Why she switched to another psychiatrist
Another episode that scared her
Jessica’s hard time functioning as a mom, with suicidal thoughts and desires to run away
How the psychiatrist suggested a partial hospitalization that helped immensely
The group sessions, where people actually listened and helped her
Jessica’s youngest daughter was almost 2 years old before she started to feel better
The diagnoses: generalized anxiety, major depressive disorder, PTSD, and panic
Jessica’s new “8 pm rule” and how it helps her every day
How journaling has helped her
Why she finally feels ready to return to work as a nurse and begin helping others again
What Jessica wants others to know about postpartum depression: “Motherhood is not all rainbows and butterflies. Take the advice of others, but make your own decisions.”
Her advice to others who may be going through postpartum depression: “You may not even realize what’s going on. Talk to someone who can help and keep going.”
Jessica’s rules she lives by now in her recovery
How postpartum depression can affect the entire family---not just the mom

Resources:

Find Jessica Leigh Mirisis on Facebook

121: Eating Disorders and Recovery for Perinatal Moms Oct 15, 2018

If you’ve had any experience with eating disorders, then you know how difficult the recovery process can be. If you’ve ever been a new mom, then you know the perinatal period is crammed full of physical changes, emotional adjustments, and lifestyle challenges. Putting these two volatile situations together can be a recipe for disaster, mainly because of all the triggers and the constant fear of relapse. My guest today has been there. She knows the common triggers for those with eating disorders and how to cope; she’s here to share what she’s learned.

Linda Shanti McCabe is a licensed clinical psychologist in CA who has worked in the field of eating disorders, chemical dependency, anxiety, depression, and co-dependency recovery since 1999. She has served in a variety of settings as a therapist for women and their families, and she now is in private practice in San Francisco. Her doctoral research focused on reimagining the body, using expressive arts with women recovering from bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating. Doing work with eating disorders in the postpartum field is her true labor of love, especially since she has recovered from an eating disorder 20 years ago. She will tell us about her new book, The Recovery Mama Guide to Maintaining Your Eating Disorder Recovery in Pregnancy and Postpartum, which is coming out in February, 2019, and available for pre-order now!

Show Highlights:

What we should know about relapses and shame around eating disorders in the perinatal period
The culture of “fat chat” in perinatal circles
The societal myths and pressure around thinness
Common body image struggles in the perinatal period
Eating-related stress and body image problems that exist even in those not officially diagnosed with an eating disorder
How hormone shifts and sleep changes set new moms up for difficulties
The disruption of hunger and satiety clues for new moms
How former eating disorders are triggered
How Linda’s own journey has led to connection and understanding for others
“You can’t keep it unless you give it away, and you can’t give it away unless you have it.”
Common triggers for those with eating disorders include body image changes, relapse into mood disorders, past abuse triggers, lack of sleep, food cravings, nausea, and new hunger cues
The myth that eating disorders are limited to straight, white, adolescent women
The truth: eating disorders affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, and ages
Eating disorders are usually the result of trying to work throught some sort of trauma
Why people don’t realize that talking about their struggle will be what gets them through the struggle
What an eating disorder really is and the different types
How perfectionism and rejection play into eating disorders
An overview of chapter topics in Linda’s new book
More information about the telesummit next year
Hopeful messages about recovery (Are you an orchid or a dandelion?)
Action steps: get support, decrease isolation, and lower the bar on your expectations

Resources:

www.drlindashanti.com

Find her on Instagram: @Dr.LindaShanti

Find her on Facebook: “Recovery Mama”

The Recovery Mama Guide to Maintaining Your Eating Disorder Recovery in Pregnancy and Postpartum by Linda Shanti McCabe--available in February and pre-order now!

www.ellynsatterinstitute.org Helpful resource for parents!

120: Preeclampsia, NICU and a Healing Journey Oct 08, 2018

If you’ve gone through a trying experience and NOT had the support or services that you needed, then you become distinctly passionate about helping others find those services. If those services don’t exist, then you may be determined to help provide for others exactly what YOU needed and didn’t have. This is precisely the story of today’s guest, who turned her lemons into lemonade after her own experiences and lack of support inspired her to fill the need in her area.

Meisha Shockley is the owner and executive director of Shore Grace, a family wellness center providing wrap-around services to support families on the eastern shore of Maryland who are welcoming a new baby to their home. Meisha is a doula, speaker, and coach with a specialty in maternal mental health for women of color, high risk pregnancies, prematurity, and pre-eclampsia awareness. She holds a BA in Rehabilitation Counseling and is currently pursuing her MA in Marriage and Family Counseling with a specialty in Sex Education. It was her own experience with pre-eclampsia and the premature birth of her daughter that led to the opening of Shore Grace.

Show Highlights:

After college, Meisha worked full-time in case management with moms who just needed support
When she was 24 weeks pregnant with her second child, she went to a walk-in clinic with a headache and swollen feet, not realizing her blood pressure was dangerously high and she would be admitted to the hospital
After tests showed pre-eclampsia, she was stabilized and discharged
She saw her Ob the next day, was readmitted to a different hospital, educated about pre-eclampsia, and put on meds to go home on bed rest
At 25 weeks, she was told she would have to deliver the baby soon and was put in ICU on bed rest
At 27 weeks, an ultrasound showed obstructed blood flow to the baby and a C-section was scheduled, but then rushed up as an immediate life or death situation
When her daughter was born, weighing 1 lb. 6.9 oz., she remembers them saying, “It’s a girl!”
Why she didn’t want to see her baby because she thought she would be burying this baby soon
The baby went to NICU and she didn’t see her for two days
A pivotal moment when her husband said, “Our daughter is in there fighting, and I need you to fight with her.”
Even though the baby had bleeding on the brain and a hole in her heart, she was not in critical condition and had stabilized
How Meisha started spending more and more time with the baby
70 days in NICU and then the scariest part: bringing her home at 3 lbs.
With no one to turn to, Meisha battled postpartum depression
After bringing her daughter home in August, she found out she was pregnant again in November
As she started worrying and knew she was not ready for another pregnancy, she started seeing a therapist
As she started journaling and using Facebook as an outlet to share, she developed a following
She felt frustrated about the lack of education about pre-eclampsia
How she became interested in becoming a doula, because it is the kind of support that SHE needed
She started Mothering Mother Postpartum Doula Services, but knew families in her area needed more than just birth support
Shore Grace Family Wellness was born, providing doulas and counselors whose goal is “to touch families wherever they are in their walk”
Why Shore Grace builds lifelong relationships with families and not just provides short-term help
Meisha’s efforts to break the stigma and generational habits with black women about not going to therapy or talking about the hard things
Why she takes very good care of her mental health and pays attention to her triggers
How she and her husband teach a Postpartum Recovery and Infant Care class together

Resources:

www.shoregracefamily.org

Find Shore Grace on Instagram and Facebook: @ShoreGraceFam and Shore Grace Fam

Find Meisha on Instagram: @MeishaShockley

119: Healing Mother Wounds Oct 01, 2018

Did you have a difficult relationship with your mother? If so, then those issues may have an impact on your own mothering process. Today’s show address this topic and gives information that can be valuable in the healing process and applicable to the experiences held in this vital relationship between mother and child.

Crystal Clancy, LMFT, has a private practice specializing in perinatal mental health. She is one of the founding members of Pregnancy and Postpartum Support MN, which is the Minnesota State Chapter of PSI. She has been a PSI State Coordinator for 5 years. She is married and the mother of a son and a daughter.

Show Highlights:

How Crystal had a difficult relationship with her mother that intensified when her daughter was born and she encountered postpartum depression
Crystal noticed the common theme in her clients of a difficult mother relationship, which can also apply to a father
Factors to consider when examining a difficult relationship with a parent
The problems when a parent is centered and focused on their own needs over those of their child
The difficulty in mothering when you had a difficult relationship with your mother usually manifests itself after your baby is born
Sometimes a healthy level of attachment hasn’t been realized and the mother goes to one extreme or the other, either detaching or going overboard with care and control
A big step a new mom can take: find someone in your “village” or a professional who validates your feelings
Why new moms can feel ungrounded and unsettled
Depression and anxiety may be more common for these women due to shame, guilt, and lack of quality support
How Crystal helps women and teaches them to find the goal in the parent/child relationship
Scripted responses to use to say to a mom that can rewire self-talk
The grief that never ends, over the fact that you didn’t get the kind of mom you wanted and deserved
Accept that your parent is not capable of giving what you needed and not because of who you are
What Crystal has seen with moms reclaiming themselves
The intricacies of the healing process to empower and come through with resilience
Tools and resources that can help:

Will I Ever Be Good Enough? By Karyl McBride

Children of the Self-Absorbed by Nina Brown

The value of writing therapeutic letters

The Little Shaman Healing (youTube.com)

Other Resources:

www.irisrepro.com

Find Crystal on Facebook: @irisrepro or @ppsupportmn

118: Latina Mothers and Perinatal Mental Health Sep 24, 2018

Susana Marquez, LMFT, is the founder of Me Myself N Mommy Therapeutic Services, a private practice in Long Beach, CA. The practice focuses on Latina maternal mental health. Due to her personal struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, Susana opened up a practice that specializes in providing education, support, and resources to Latina mothers and their families on what maternal mental health is and the importance of a mother’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Her mission is to bridge the gap between Latina mothers and mental health support while bringing awareness to the real issues they face both culturally and socially.

Show Highlights:

The hard adjustment and loneliness she felt while she experienced postpartum depression and anxiety following the birth of her son in 2014
How her culture expects mothers to deal with motherhood issues and not need extra support
Why she couldn’t share her dark and negative feelings and shut down from everyone
How the sudden, tragic loss of her father sent her spiraling out of control
How she put herself on the back burner and didn’t care for herself or process her grief and anxiety
Living with the myth that “time heals all wounds”
Dealing with grief, triggers, and having no one to connect with
How a colleague insisted that she see a therapist for help and how he changed everything for her
The pressure on Latina moms as they are compared and held to the highest standard of motherhood in the Virgin Mary
How Susana wanted to put her clinical skills and education to use to help other Latina moms
Realizing what is missing in services and resources for Latina moms
How she reached out to provide classes and education in her area
Offering something for free and still being turned down
Raising awareness and erasing the stigmas
“Latinx”---the new gender-neutral term
Feeling like what you’re doing is “not enough”
Cultural specifics that make postpartum a challenging time for Latinx moms
In Latina culture, there is not room for setting healthy boundaries and limits
How Susana is reaching out to moms and spreading the word about available resources
Working with doulas to provide info to pregnant moms and not waiting for postpartum problems to appear
Why maternal mental health is not a “one size fits all” issue
What Susana wants Latina/Latinx moms and the providers who support them to know
Susana’s biggest takeaway for Latina moms: Ask for help
Susana’s biggest takeaway for providers: Ask how cultural traditions may play into a lack of support for Latina moms

Resources:

www.memyselfnmommy.com

Find Susana on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: Me Myself N Mommy

117: Sisters in Loss with Erica McAfee Sep 17, 2018

Infertility, pregnancy loss, infant and maternal mortality----none of these are topics that we enjoy talking about, but the number of women and families affected by these obstacles is astounding. For African-American women, there is a stigma attached to these issues, and the compounding problem of their voices not being heard.Today’s show addresses these topics and more in honor of October being Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Erica McAfee is the founder of Sisters in Loss, LLC, a faith-based grief and pregnancy loss coaching company that helps black women turn their pain into purpose after loss.

Sisters in Loss provides consulting and coaching services to help women step beyond anxiety and fear into trust and peace after loss. The Sisters In Loss goal through courses, retreats, and conferences is to help women minimize regrets, maximize memories, and manage their path forward after loss. Their self-titled podcast spotlights faith-filled black women who share miscarriage, infant loss, and infertility stories and testimonies to heal, gain clarity and peace, find hope, and become victorious after loss. Launched in August 2017, the podcast has a community of 5000+ Sisters in Loss.

Erica is a Grief and Pregnancy Loss coach, pastor’s wife, and Mom to two angels in heaven and one rainbow baby, Maxwell, also known as Super Mighty Max. She is an alumnus of Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned a BS degree in Chemical Engineering.

Show Highlights:

How Erica found podcasts a few years ago when she had a long commute to work each day, but she couldn’t find one that told the stories that aligned with what she and her friends had experienced with traumatic loss
The year-old podcast shares weekly stories of real women of color and how faith helps them gain clarity, peace, and learning
Erica’s coaching work with those still early in their loss experience or those in pregnancy after loss
How loss affects everyone around you
How the podcast helps African-American women know what questions to ask their medical professionals, no matter where they are in their journey to parenthood
The example set by celebrities recently who have shared their pregnancy and birth stories
The power of storytelling in healing the pain of loss
How the podcast helps support women through the grieving process by building a community
Seeing success stories of others helps people in their personal experiences
How Erica and her guests share their faith on the podcast and the role faith plays in the journey to healing
How the podcast gives scripture, tools, and resources for support
How some people going through loss cling to faith and others push it away
Sometimes the grieving process isn’t “over and done” and we tend to shove those feelings down because we feel guilty holding onto them
What we should know about supporting women of color through loss: Maternal and infant mortality is an issue that African-American women face 3-4 times more than other races
Why black women are not taken seriously by their medical providers and their voices aren’t being heard
Erica’s message to friends and family of those who have lost: Continue to check on loved ones who have gone through loss, because they may have deep, dark moments. Be a listening ear for your loved ones.
How healing requires you to do the work

Resources:

Find Erica and Sisters in Loss:

www.ericammcafee.com

www.ericammcafee.com/podcast

www.sistersinloss.com

www.instagram.com/ericammcafee

www.facebook.com/ericammcafee’

https://www.ericammcafee.com/summit Find out about Erica’s free healing and prayer summit, Oct. 15-19

Therapy for Black Girls, a podcast by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford

116: The NICU and Mental Health with Fawn McCool, LCSW Sep 10, 2018

We all know that the path to parenthood can look very different than we dreamily imagine. Sometimes it’s a tough and traumatic experience that leaves us stunned. It’s when our personal struggles motivate us to bring about change that we use our experiences to help others. That’s exactly what today’s guest has done.

Fawn McCool, LCSW, is based in Portland, Oregon with Aiyana Counseling. She holds certification in Interpersonal Neurobiology through Portland State University and MamaCare certificate through Shoshana Center. She is the creator of Interpersonal Neurobiology of Perinatal Mood Disorders and Birth Trauma, an online training for professionals that explores the impact and practices of attachment and bonding, including development and interventions for families affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and birth trauma.

She offers clinical therapeutic services through Aiyana Counseling and also sits on the board of NICU Familes Northwest, as well as volunteers with Baby Blues Connection. She is the mother of two girls, the oldest of which was born prematurely at 29 weeks. After 8 weeks in a southern California NICU, Fawn vowed that she would work tirelessly to change the mental health outcomes for NICU parents nationwide through advocacy and education. In today’s episode, Fawn discusses her experiences as a parent in the NICU and the work she’s doing to support families in their NICU experiences.

We are discussing the common stressors in having a child in the NICU and what it’s like to spend time there and then take that baby home. Fawn also shares about the strength and resilience she sees from parents with their NICU experiences and how we can better support children and parents through their time in NICU.

Show Highlights:

Fawn’s gratefulness to the maternal mental health community for the support she’s received
With her first child, Fawn knew something was wrong at 28 weeks, but she was sent home for bed rest
How she had to be pushy and insistent to save her baby’s life
How she never felt safe, secure, or cared for through her emergency birth and NICU experience
Her baby was diagnosed with reverse blood flow and was not getting the nutrients needed to survive, so an emergency C-section was scheduled, with Fawn being told her daughter had a 50% chance of survival
Why the mother’s mental health should be at the forefront
The financial stress and the loss of parental autonomy in the NICU experience
How NICU parents find strength and resilience--”The size of the body does not reflect the size of the spirit.”
NICU parents learn to celebrate their child’s uniqueness and learn that they can’t control outcomes
The support Fawn would like to see: advocacy for more peer support, counselors, zero separation, psychological education about the effects of trauma, massage, connection to mental health support, and to prioritize maternal mental health
Fawn’s message: “There is strength in numbers and you are not alone. Believe in your child.”

Resources:

www.fawnmccool.com Find out about Fawn’s work and her online class

115: The Highly Sensitive Mother Sep 03, 2018

Show Highlights:

High sensitivity is a trait and not a disorder--and it’s NOT the same as introversion (30% of HSP’s are extroverts and 20% are introverts)
From Elaine Aron’s work on HSP’s: Depth of Processing, Overstimulation, Emotionally responsive, and Sensitivity to subtle stimuli (DOES)
The judgment around being sensitive and its connection to weakness
How scientific research shows real brain differences in HSP’s
On the positive side, HSP’s are more empathetic, more aware, and more compassionate
Common for the HSP mother is to put themselves at the bottom of the priority list and take care of others first
Trained HSP vs. untrained HSP
Self-care---a conscious action you take to lower your stress and bring you to a balanced state
A key for HSP’s is getting enough sleep in order to understand and meet specific needs
An HSP mom’s default setting is to be hard on themselves and focus on everyone else’s needs
Certain parts of the brain in HSP moms will be overactive, like merging into everyone else’s moods and experiences
Many people who seek treatment for anxiety will also have the HSP trait
How HSP contributes to overall perinatal depression and anxiety, since everything changes in mind, body, and spirit
Why HSP’s need creative ways to get two hours of alone time each day
The tendency to measure everything in ourselves and others against the standard of perfection
Self-talk, with low levels of self-compassion and criticism of themselves
Common characteristics of HSP’s: perfectionism, sleep-deprived, overstimulated, and misunderstood
Steps to help HSP’s:
Develop self-compassion (Kristin Neff outlines 3 steps)
Take breaks when needed
Practice mindfulness
50% of clients in therapy are HSP’s
Supporting moms and dads better in pregnancy and the postpartum period could impact parenting differently and offer more support
Using the right tools for support in children can prevent many problems and help them gain confidence and have an easier time accepting who they are

Resources:

Brain Training for the Highly Sensitive Person: Techniques to Reduce Anxiety and Overwhelming Emotions.by Julie Bjelland

The Highly Sensitive Child by Dr. Elaine Aron

Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff

www.juliebjelland.com

Find Julie on Facebook: The Highly Sensitive Person

Instagram: hsp psychotherapist

Twitter: @juliebjelland

LinkedIn: highly-sensitive-juliebjelland

114: Minority Maternal Mental Health Aug 27, 2018

Do you think there is a specific need for therapists of color to help African-American women and other women of color who are PMADS (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders) sufferers? You may not think race, ethnicity and culture are factors to be considered in this treatment, but it can be--mostly due to stigmas, access, and the dynamics around seeking out services as a woman of color. Join us for today’s conversation around this important topic.

Shivonne Odom, LCPC, is the founder of Akoma Counseling Concepts, LLC, which is the only minority-owned private practice in Washington, DC that focuses on minority maternal mental health. Shivonne provides continuing educational training on cultural competence and minority maternal mental health. She loves to promote awareness on these important issues via community panel discussions, podcasts, and local media outlets. She is passionate and excited about all things mental health and advocacy for women’s health initiatives. In today’s episode, she talks about things on her mind and things everyone needs to hear about more culturally competent services, the need for more therapists of color to be trained in maternal mental health, and the stigma around postpartum depression for black moms. She even touches on how some organizations could do much more to support perinatal mental health.

Show Highlights:

How Shivonne started her practice just a year ago in response to the realization that there were no local counseling spaces for moms of color for perinatal mental health
How she worked at a community healthcare clinic in DC and saw the need, noticing that 90% of their clients were African-American
Why she wanted to make as many mental health services as possible open to as many people as possible
What Shivonne saw at the clinic: services focused on diabetes, hypertension, and reproductive services---but not on maternal mental health
What it means to provide culturally competent care
What Shivonne has seen in pushback regarding mental health from reproductive justice organizations
The story of Erica Garner, who died a few months after giving birth and losing her father to police brutality----how she could have been helped with more comprehensive services
How mental health and stress affect one’s physical condition
Thoughts on the changes that meed to be made and securing more therapists of color being trained to help with culturally competent care during the perinatal period
The dominance in healthcare of hetero-normative care and the need for diversity in patient-centered training
The trainings Shivonne offers: Perinatal Mood Disorders in Minority Mental Health (See the link below for more info on her upcoming webinar on Sept. 28)
At her trainings, Shivonne helps therapists discuss and identify cultural and spiritual issues to be able to assess PMADS and to explain how perinatal health impacts mental health in the African-American community
The class teaches what a therapeutic dialogue should sound like with a client of color and what help-seeking behaviors might look like for a mom of color with PMADS
The feedback she has received about the “powerful experience” of the webinar, and how people felt connected and established professional relationships with each other
How Shivonne’s work has been the most rewarding therapy ever
The far-reaching impact of this work to help families
The myth that moms believe: that it’s selfish to consider their own mental health

Resources:

Shivonne’s website: www.akomacounselingconcepts.com Use promo code “momandmind” to receive 10% off Shivonne’s webinar on September 28!

Find Shivonne on Twitter: https://twitter.com/akomacounseling

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akoma_counseling

Facebook: Akoma Counseling Concepts

113: Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aug 20, 2018

How would it feel for your own doctor to discount your postpartum anxiety? Today’s guest experienced this, along with pregnancy loss and depression. The important part of the story is how healing showed up for her and how she is using her experience to help others.

Ivy Sias earned her Master’s of Science and Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and became licensed in Louisiana in 2015. In 2017, she founded Ivy Counseling and Wellness Services, a private practice with a focus on assisting people with planting seeds of insight, growing in self-awareness, and making life changes that flourish from the inside out. After her experience with postpartum depression and anxiety and her struggle to find assistance and support in her community, the focus of her practice shifted to maternal mental health and the treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. A Compton, California native, Ivy has always believed that change happens when people are loud about injustice and when those who have experienced adversity boldly stand in their truth. She’s a wife to her loving husband, Joseph, and the mother of a son, Carter, 4, and daughter, Ryan, 1. Ivy is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor (LPC-S) in Louisiana. She is passionate about helping underserved populations through therapy, advocacy, and promoting total wellness as a way to heal and grow.

Show Highlights:

Her son was born in June 2014 after an easy pregnancy, but he had breathing issues and pneumonia which landed him in the NICU for 10 days, while his parents felt helpless
How high blood pressure put her on bed rest for 2 days after giving birth
Her baby came home, Ivy went back to work soon after, and life returned to the “new” normal
In 2016, they decided to have another baby, but had an early miscarriage in June
After deciding to try again, Ivy got pregnant right away in September, even though she didn’t feel emotionally ready
How she felt disconnected to this pregnancy and felt guilty for not processing the loss and not celebrating the coming daughter
How her pregnancy was uncomfortable and full of guilt and worry, with Ivy being constantly upset, frustrated, and in tears
In June 2017, her daughter was born during a difficult labor and delivery, in which Ivy had an allergic reaction to the epidural
How she didn’t see her baby for several hours after the birth
She went home and started feeling sadness and didn’t have much of a support system
Upcoming for Ivy is a way to reach out to local daycare centers who might see moms who need resources and support
Ivy’s parting advice to moms and families: “You’re not alone. There are social media connections you can make until you find local services. Trust your instinct if you feel that something’s wrong. Share your story.”

Resources:

Find Ivy on Facebook and Instagram: Ivy Counseling and Wellness

112: Motherbirth Aug 13, 2018

How have your personal experiences launched you into a certain line of work or the pursuit of a passion? Today’s show is about someone who used the tough and challenging journey into motherhood to find ways to help others through their difficulties. If your road to motherhood has been anything but smooth sailing, then you don’t want to miss today’s show!

Mellisa Reeves is a doula, coach, and the co-founder of the Motherbirth podcast and community. She shares her personal story around postpartum anxiety and the difficulties that caused in connecting with her son, along with the subsequent loss, birth trauma, and milestones that came and went. She shares about what she had to overcome and how she felt disconnected after the birth of her son and how her experiences have shaped the work she does today. Mellisa works with women who have experienced pregnancy loss and want to trust their bodies again, helping them find their path to hope and healing through the innate intuition they each possess. Brought up with an innate love for simple, natural, rhythmic living, Mellisa’s perspective on motherhood and life comes from a slow reawakening to the depth of feminine wisdom through her experience of stillbirth, multiple miscarriages, and postpartum anxiety. Mellisa is based in Portland but travels semi-fulltime with her husband and two children.

Show Highlights:

How Mellisa’s interest in perinatal wellness was sparked by her first pregnancy loss, and then intensified with a difficult postpartum period with her son and the stillbirth of her second son
As the oldest of ten siblings, she grew up on a farm in Canada with a hippie mother who was either pregnant or breastfeeding for Mellisa’s entire childhood and youth
How her mother was very intentional, thoughtful, and present as a mom, and how Mellisa drew confidence from her about the manual aspects of motherhood, but felt severely lacking in the emotional preparation
The challenges with a difficult birth, postpartum, and bonding issues with her son
How she struggled with postpartum anxiety and felt like that trying time period would NEVER end
How she was so overwhelmed that she couldn’t comprehend having more children, lacked any peer support, and lacked connection with her intuition and inner voice
How her son reacted with force to her attempts to control him and she thought she would never have a connected relationship with him
Why it’s difficult to admit that our relationships with our children are less than ideal because of what it says about us as mothers
How her podcast shares stories and experiences of women and the significant identity shift that takes place with the birth of the firstborn
How the podcast shares stories of the transition to motherhood and its themes and narratives that are common and shared
Her co-host, Laura, is finishing up her doctorate in Nurse Midwifery and focuses on the power of storytelling and group coaching

Resources:

The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary

Find Mellisa online, along with her courses and group coaching: www.trustyourbodyagain.com

Find the Motherbirth podcast: www.motherbirth.co

Connect with Mellisa on Instagram

111: The Empowered Mama: Lisa Druxman Aug 06, 2018

What are the most important needs of women during pregnancy, postpartum, and the days of new motherhood? You might guess that nutrition, healthy habits, physical fitness, and emotional support are some of the most important needs---and they are! Wouldn’t it be ideal if there was a way to wrap up all of these AND a sense of connection and community with other moms? Join me for today’s show and find out how my guest has found the perfect intersection in meeting the needs of women embarking on their journeys to motherhood---and it just might be available in your hometown.

Lisa Druxman is the Chief Founding Mom of FIT4MOM, the parent company to Fit4Baby, Stroller Strides, and Body Back. With nearly 2000 class locations nationwide, FIT4MOM is one of the fastest growing franchises in the country. Lisa is the author of The Empowered Mama and the host of The Empowered Mama podcast. She has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and more. Lisa is a speaker, writer, and thought leader with a passion for helping moms get out of overwhelm and into a healthy and happy life. We connected through the podcasting network, Parenting on Demand, where we both have our podcasts.

Show Highlights:

How Lisa felt “lost” 17 years ago on maternity leave with many questions, no confidence, and a loss of identity
Why she started a stroller workout to help moms get back in shape as they helped her learn about motherhood
The growth of Stroller Strides from 2001 until now, through word-of-mouth advertising; now, it’s a nationwide program that provides a sense of community and much more than just a workout for moms
The programs offered now: Fit4Baby (prenatal), Body Back (transformational, high-intensity), and the new brand, FIT4MOM, with 300 franchises and 2000 class locations across the US
Our Village, the play group and Mom’s Night Out program as part of Stroller Strides
How the positive support leads to success with many motherhood issues
How they provide fitness classes and provide education for moms to understand fitness and exercise science
The instructors are not therapists, but are trained to be aware of signs of postpartum depression and recommend needed resources
How the classes are benefitting new moms and creating amazing success stories of life-changing reconnection and rebuilding relationships and confidence
How the classes teach moms to treat themselves the way they hope their kids will someday treat themselves
A main point is the focus on inclusivity and that every mom is welcome
Lisa’s podcast and book: helping moms reclaim their time, their selves, and their health
The podcast format: solo episodes where Lisa shares personal experiences and body image issues, and interviews with amazing moms about their expertise and how they balance their lives
Mama Well, the new digital program with 42 weeks of exercise videos, birth preparations, and nutritional guidance---and it includes a private Facebook group
Why this holistic program works for general health and wellness for moms---and is different from anything else in the country
The new programs coming later this year
Lisa’s #1 takeaway: “Every single minute of every single day, you are writing the story to your only life.” ---Katherine Center

Resources:

www.fit4mom.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisadruxman

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lisadruxman

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lisadruxman

The Empowered Mama by Lisa Druxman

110: Preeclampsia & Perinatal Loss with Stacey Porter Jul 30, 2018

Every woman’s pregnancy experience is different, and each pregnancy brings its unique challenges. Today you’ll hear one woman’s story of her pregnancy, loss, and the obstacles she faced due to pre-eclampsia, which can affect women during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. My guest is gracious enough to share the heartbreaking details of her story, with the hope that those in similar circumstances will know they are not alone.

Stacey Porter is president and founder of The Tangerine Owl Project, a nonprofit devoted to offering peer support to families, started in memory of her daughter after a NICU loss in 2012. Stacey has been dedicated to efforts centered around supporting families who have suffered infant loss and traumatic birth since 2013. Stacey is heavily invested in efforts to support maternal mental health as it intertwines so greatly with traumatic birth and bereavement experiences for these families. She works as a contractor with the 2020 Mom Project, leading a volunteer program, social media, and a handful of other projects. She sits on the board of directors for local nonprofit Beyond the Baby Blues, which offers clinical group support to women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and she serves on the bereavement committee for the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes. Stacey is a member of the National Perinatal Association and Preemie Parent Alliance, and has collaborated on projects for patient education including online curriculum for staff on psychosocial support for NICU parents.

Show Highlights:

Stacey was pregnant with her third child in 2012 after two picture-perfect pregnancies with her son and daughter
Why this was a completely different pregnancy experience, when swollen ankles at a 24-week appointment prompted her doctor to probe further and discover pre-eclampsia
Within a few days, she found herself hospitalized and then transferred to a more equipped hospital
The baby began to decline rapidly and her doctor told her to be prepared for delivery
A C-section was scheduled and the baby was given a 40% chance of survival
What is pre-eclampsia? A pregnancy condition in which maternal blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels, the baby is deprived of oxygen, and the placenta’s health can be affected
Pre-eclampsia can occur in pregnancy or postpartum, causing vision problems and seizures, and can decelerate the baby’s heart rate
Pre-eclampsia can affect people in different ways; Stacey didn’t have the typical risk factors, which include: the first pregnancy, a pregnancy with a different partner than previous pregnancies, smoking, and advanced maternal age
Pre-eclampsia can be mild or severe and can affect women of every race and every age
Her baby became lethargic and the doctor discovered an infection from hospital-acquired bacteria
The baby became septic and they tried antibiotics for the aggressive Pseudomonas infection that they couldn’t get control of
After three days of sickness, they spent the last moments with her and held her as she passed away
Stacey realized that there is not a lot of peer support for people going through infant loss
The Facebook connection that became Stacey’s lifeline, because even though friends and family tried to help, they just couldn’t understand like someone who had been through the same experience
How people feel helpless and like they want to help but don’t know what to do or say
How the Tangerine Owl Project was inspired through the experience with her daughter, Delilah
How Stacey has grown and learned through her grief, starting the organization on the anniversary of her daughter’s death
How anxiety, depression, and panic attacks started a couple of years later, even though she was doing everything she could to deal with her feelings
How Stacey has become an advocate for maternal mental health

Resources:

www.tangerineowl.org

Find Stacey on Facebook: @Tangerine Owl Project or Stacey Dunlap Porter

109: Healing After Postpartum with Graeme Seabrook Jul 23, 2018

How do we, as mothers, keep ourselves centered while raising our little ones? It’s a tough question to answer, but it becomes even more difficult when perinatal mental health is in jeopardy. Many times, we think that dealing with the crisis is the most important focus, but it’s the time period that follows the crisis---and the healing--that deserves big attention. Don’t miss today’s conversation covering these important topics.

Graeme Seabrook is a Motherhood Life Coach whose approach to coaching is that YOU must be a priority in your own life in order to thrive. Following a traumatizing birth experience that left her with PTSD, and surviving postpartum depression and anxiety, Graeme began a healing journey as a mother and a woman. That healing journey led her to train as a life coach and to create spaces where mothers can come to be witnessed, nurtured, inspired, and supported, so they can integrate motherhood with personhood and not the other way around. She does this work because she believes we are living in a global culture that treats mothers as if we are inhuman and expects us to be superhuman. Graeme’s work is dedicated to helping mothers reclaim their humanity. Today we discuss her work in helping mothers recover from recovery, the stabilization after a perinatal mental health issue, and the way to build resilience after the crisis passes.

Show Highlights:

How the conversations are now happening to help those who are “in it,” but still have active triggers
Why we don’t talk about how your life may be changed for years or even decades
Carrying the guilt and pressure to be “the perfect mom” and “make up” for what you’ve put your family through
Readjusting and cleaning up after the “storm” has passed
How Graeme is using the pain and anger as a catalyst to tell her story and do her advocacy work
The process of “recovering from recovery” and how Graeme borrowed the phrase from a therapist who helped her
How Graeme figured out the next step in recovery: resilience
Recognizing triggers and going through the checklist to make a totally different experience in the process of healing
Explaining the process of recovering from recovery: when you have made peace with your journey into motherhood
The grieving process inherent in motherhood over what we thought it would be
Learning to be a mother in the storm of mental illness trauma
The tendency to neglect self-care as we recover after the crisis
Our underlying drives and how we deal with them
How to cultivate resilience: learn to prioritize, make connections, and learn what “balls” to juggle and when
Graeme’s program of online coaching: 12 weeks, with no more than 10 people at a time, for moms who are out of the crisis period
Graeme’s passion-filled and heart-centered work, which is what she was looking for a few years ago
The power and potential connections through the internet
Success stories of how moms have transformed with Graeme’s help and become more in control of their lives

Resources:

Website: www.graemeseabrook.com Twitter: @graemeseabrook Instagram at @Graemeseabrook

108: Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Therapeutic Termination Loss with Kaleigh Mancha, MFTI, Doula, Yogi Jul 16, 2018

We are all familiar with morning sickness that is a common part of pregnancy, but have you heard of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)? It is a very significant medical issue that is very different from “normal” morning sickness, yet it’s been minimized even in the medical community, and the expectant mothers who suffer from this condition have not been treated with the care and respect that they deserve. Knowledge is power, so I hope with today’s show comes the education to help people empower themselves in this extreme condition that affects 1-2 out of 100 pregnancies.

Kaleigh Mancha is a licensed mental health therapist, certified full spectrum doula, body positive yoga teacher, and mother. She runs her business, K.a.y. & M.e., offering various wellness services in the Las Vegas Valley. Advocating for underserved and underrepresented populations has been a lifelong passion of hers and is what brought her into the mental health field ten years ago. She has also been heavily involved in advocating for equitable access to education. Her practice specialties include trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and concerns related to reproductive justice, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. As a body positive yoga teacher, she believes that all bodies, abilities, and experience levels are welcome on the mat, and her goal is to reach people who, like her, didn’t grow up in spaces where wellness was a familiar experience. Kaleigh lives by the motto that “Wellness is a necessity, not a luxury.” She believes all people deserve better access to resources and the knowledge to help them live their best lives. She’s here to share her personal story about HG and how this condition has affected her life in many ways.

Show Highlights:

Ten years ago, she was pregnant with her daughter, extremely sick beyond what is “normal,” but filled with gratitude because a prior surgery had jeopardized her fertility
At 8 weeks pregnant, her doctor downplayed her nausea and sickness, but she became dehydrated and was diagnosed with HG
From 8 weeks to 8 months, she was severely sick, but it went away immediately at the birth of her daughter
As she planned for a 2nd child, she prepared her partner for the idea of more extreme sickness
She quickly became pregnant in December 2017, felt symptoms right away, but didn’t think it would be a big deal
At 5 weeks along, her partner was overwhelmed and decided not to continue to be a part of the journey
How she dealt with full-time work as a yogi, therapist, and doula while pregnant and so sick
Planning for a home birth with a midwife, but was hospitalized again with dehydration; she then tried acupuncture and CBD oil and was hospitalized again
Symptoms and facts about HG: Affects less than 2% of pregnancies and is characterized by intense nausea and vomiting (10-20 times/day); can lead to severe dehydration, organ failure, and extreme weight loss. It can vary in severity, can last the entire pregnancy, and is thought to be genetic.
The impact on Kaleigh was hopelessness and isolation
How her doula, Christina Hernandez, helped her formulate a plan
Trying a couple of different medications, which don’t really treat HG well. One was a mixture of B6 and Unisom (a sleep medication)
How she had to move in with her parents so they could help care for her and her daughter, close her practice, and cancel her doula clients
How the illness left immediately and she felt like herself again, but then she had to deal with the grief and loss. She took 3 weeks for self-care and healing
Her recommitment to her patients, to use her experience to become a better doula to help others who don’t have the same support that she did. She now offers free help for those suffering from HG.

Resources:

Find Kaleigh on Facebook: Kay and Me Doula and Wellness Services

Visit her website: www.kayandme.com

Find Kaleigh on Instagram: @kaym86

On Facebook, find HG Moms

For more info, visit www.hyperemesis.orgI

107: EMDR for Perinatal Mental Health with Bethany Warren, LCSW Jul 09, 2018

Are there experiences in your life that you just can’t “get past”? We all have those memories that seem to crop up again and again, bringing anxiety, depression, and other effects. What if these memories are tied to a pregnancy or postpartum experience? You can see how this might be difficult for a woman to work through on her own. Even traditional talk therapy is not always effective at clearing through these feelings. Today we are discussing the benefits of using a therapy model called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help women.

Bethany Warren has been interested in this modality as a treatment for some time and has a passion for women’s mental health issues. She has worked in this field for 20 years, specializing in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, also working with women who experienced birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, adoption, and surrogacy. She is certified in EMDR and the trauma processing lens and attachment model guides most of her work with clients. She is passionate about coaching and guiding parents through their adjustment to new roles and assisting women who have children with medical and other health-related issues. She has worked in hospital and outpatient psychiatric settings and is now in a group private practice. Bethany serves on boards and community organizations that promote women’s health and wellness. She is also an adjunct professor at a local university in San Diego and supervises clinicians working toward their licenses.

Show Highlights:

EMDR has been used mainly in treating veterans with PTSD, but now is a tool found to be useful in many areas, including maternal mental health
The connection between EMDR and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep
The differences in memories that have been fully processed and those that are “free floating”
The statistics: 12% of pregnant women and 9% of postpartum women meet the PTSD criteria, and 34% of women report having a traumatic birth experience
How EMDR has impacted Bethany’s practice with more insight-oriented therapy that processes memories the way the brain already knows to do
The components of EMDR therapy include eye movement, tapping, and headsets with sounds---these can be used separately or in combination
These tools are used to process memories and negative beliefs in the correct part of the brain
How does it help? “The memory becomes unstuck”
For the therapist, treatment involves less talking and more observing
How the therapy works without making clients “take a trauma bath” in the experience they’ve learned to avoid
EMDR does NOT involve sitting with a therapist and talking through your traumatic experiences
My personal experience with the power of EMDR therapy in getting past stuck feelings and deep-rooted traumas
How EMDR helps with early attachment repair, early memories of shame and failure, and repeated harmful patterns
The leading researchers on EMDR: Carol Forgash, Amy Robbins, Andrew Leeds, and Claire Stamrood
Bethany’s advice: Find a trained and certified EMDR therapist
Those who should NOT do EMDR include anyone who is psychotic or currently using substances or is in current chaotic circumstances
Hopeful messages of success in how clients have responded and been able to move past the things they never thought they could

Resources:

Bethany’s website: http://balancehealth.org/therapist_bethany_warren.html

Follow Bethany on Instagram: @bethanywarrenlcsw

http://www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk

http://www.emdria.org/ EMDR International Association

http://pattch.org Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Birth

http://www.solaceformothers.org Solace for Mothers after Traumatic Birth

http://tabs.org.nz Trauma and Birth Stress

106: A Couple’s Journey, Loss and Postpartum Jul 02, 2018

Have you ever dealt with pregnancy loss? Unfortunately, it’s more common than we think and the topic is one that we just don’t talk about. Dealing with one miscarriage is difficult enough, but when you have the pain of multiple losses, it can be almost unbearable. How does a couple get through these times? How do you offer support to each other and keep your relationship strong? These are the questions addressed in today’s episode, in which we talk to a husband AND wife together about their experience with loss.

Shane and NaKaisha Banks are a couple who dealt with loss, birth, loss again, and birth again. They share about their two rainbow babies, the anxiety and depression that came after, and how they have navigated all of this as a couple. In this powerful episode, NaKaisha and Shane share their story in hopes of increasing awareness about loss as a couple of color. Although this is one couple’s story, it’s a great catalyst for us to think of the family as a system. While we tend to focus on what happens with the mother, the male partner is deeply affected as well. You’ll hear the strength of their relationship and how they were able to pull together through their experiences.

NaKaisha loves her roles in life, including Social Worker and life coach through her practice D.U.O. Empowerment Services, which stands for “Do Unto Others” and was begun in 2008. She is the author of The Birdcage, released in April 2018. She is the mother of two beautiful girls, London and Germany, and has been married to Shane for 12 years. Shane is a minister who enjoys fishing, sci-fi and action-packed movies, and lives a blessed life as a husband and father. Shane and NaKaisha share a passion of serving in ministry together, in which their faith is the foundation of life and difficult times.

Show Highlights:

Why their daughters, London (8) and Germany (2) are “rainbow children,” since Shane and NaKaisha suffered a pregnancy loss prior to each of the girls’ births
The first loss was in 2009, when they weren’t even trying to conceive because they were living their lives and waiting to see what God ordained for them as a couple
The first pregnancy and its complications, then a miscarriage at 9-11 weeks and a flood of unexplained emotions
From Shane’s perspective: he was excited about the baby but found the miscarriage a tough thing to go through. He wanted to be strong and support his wife as much as possible
How communication transcends across the relationship and allows you to be present, even without a voice
How NaKaisha finds personal healing in being able to help others because of her understanding and empathy

Resources:

Connect with NaKaisha at www.nakaishatolbertbanks.com

Find NaKaisha Tbanks on Facebook, DUO Empowerment Services on Facebook, and @1stLadyGiggles on Twitter and Instagram

105: Let's Talk About Postpartum Sex! Jun 25, 2018

When it comes to sex after having a baby, what’s normal? If we’re honest, we have had these questions and probably been afraid to ask. After all, who do we ask? How do we improve the communication between partners about sex and sexuality? These topics are very important, both during the pregnancy and during the postpartum period. We talk primarily about heterosexual relationships in this episode but some of the dynamics affect all sexual relationships.

My guest today holds nothing back! She has a refreshing, honest, and direct approach to everything you want to know about this topic.

Elyse Springer, MA, MFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist who practices in the Los Angeles area. She uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR Therapy, and psychodynamic modalities to assist people with depression, anxiety, death and loss, relationship conflicts, HIV/AIDS, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and trouble with the creative process for artists and writers. Elyse has taught and lectured in a variety of settings and serves on boards and task forces in support of Maternal Mental Health and other causes that are closely related to her work in private practice.

Show Highlights:

How it became clear that this topic is one that Elyse wants to help people understand more fully
A common complaint during the postpartum period for moms: being “touched out”
The difference in sex and sexuality and how a woman’s sexuality can change after giving birth
Adult woman’s sexuality vs. younger woman’s sexuality
The definition of a “sexless marriage”---having sex 10 times/year or less
The average frequency of sex before a baby is 1-3 times/week---the key after giving birth is to look at what the frequency was before the birth
How fatigue and sleeplessness impact sex drive
Is there a difference in a woman’s sex drive after a C-section as opposed to vaginal birth?
The specific overall pattern to resuming sex after a baby
A common dynamic is when the partner isn’t supportive but still wants sex
The distinction between sex and emotional intimacy that allows for sexual satisfaction in a relationship
The four parts of sex: desire, arousal, orgasm, and relaxation (for women, sometimes the desire comes AFTER the arousal)
Different levels of desire and communication for men and women
How a baby can fulfill the mother’s need for connection and intimacy
For survivors of sexual trauma, the pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum period are full of potential issues
The tricky dialogue around sexual victimization--especially if the woman hasn’t been 100% honest
The common cycle of anger vs. anger vs. anger
The amazing groundbreaking research by Darby Saxby from USC about the equal dynamic in households
How touching increases the connection
How a mother changes physically AND mentally after giving birth
Elyse’s exercise about writing down your five best sex moments before the birth and asking how you can get back to those
How resentment forms from HER irritation and HIS rejection and withdrawal
How to listen to those bids for affection
How open dialogue about sexual satisfaction can be the precursor to actual sex in the postpartum
The ridiculously inaccurate stereotypes of female and male sexuality on TV and in movies: the vampy young woman, the cougar, and the goofy inept dad stereotype
The concrete assumption that it’s ALWAYS the mom who doesn’t want sex
How men’s testosterone drops in the 4-6 months postpartum
Common issues with dads: not knowing the oral language of caring and affection and bearing the mental load to ease up anger and resentment

Resources:

www.elysespringer.com

Twitter: @espringermft

104: Certification in Perinatal Mental Health Jun 18, 2018

You may have wondered about the process required for certification in perinatal mental health. There is much confusion around any supplemental certification and in many cases, the process isn’t clear. What is clear, however, is the increasing need for certified professionals to deal with the issues faced by many new mothers and their families.

Birdie Gunyon Meyer is an RN with a Master’s Degree in Psychology/Counseling. She is the Coordinator of the Perinatal Mood Disorders Program at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, Indiana.

She is a Past-President and Past-Chair of Education and Training for Postpartum Support International and currently is the Director of Certification. PSI is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to helping those suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Birdie is also on the President’s Advisory Council for PSI and for the International Childbirth Education Association. She specializes in the recognition and treatment of pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. She is a childbirth educator and a lactation counselor and speaks frequently to communities, nursing schools, grand rounds, and conferences.

Birdie has been interviewed frequently for radio, television, and print media. She is highlighted as a PMD expert in PSI’s DVD that is shown around the country: “Healthy Mom, Happy Family: Understanding Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders.” Today’s show covers everything you need to know about getting certification in perinatal mental health.

Show Highlights:

The history of the PMD certification: the money was donated for the program and PSI took on the task of developing and overseeing the certification program
Subject matter experts were chosen (and they volunteered their time) to develop the core competencies for certification
How the “blueprint” was developed from which test questions for the exam are fornulated
The process of determining the questions is complete and the test should be ready by August 1, 2018
The certification has three tracks: psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and affiliated professions
The prerequisites to sit for the exam: basic training (13-14 hrs.) OR the PSI webinar (18 hrs.) OR an equivalent approved training---AND then a third day advanced training in one of the three tracks
The cost of the exam is $500, which covers a lifetime certification as long as the 6 hours of continuing education yearly in your track are fulfilled to keep the certification
A common question people ask is if they can bypass the prerequisite courses and just take the exam, especially if they have been in practice for a long time. The answer is NO, that everyone must take the same path to achieve the certification and protect its integrity

Resources:

www.postpartum.net

http://www.postpartum.net/professionals/certification/

certification@postpartum.net

103: Breastfeeding, D-MER and Mental Health with Heidi Koss Jun 11, 2018

You may think that postpartum depression covers all aspects of perinatal mental health issues that new mothers face. The fact is that there are other kinds of mood changes, some that are talked about and some that are relatively unknown and uncommon. Today’s show focuses on one specific problem that some mothers experience: it’s called D-Mer, which stands for Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex.

Heidi Koss, MA, LMHC, is a psychotherapist in private practice in Redmond, WA. She specializes in perinatal (pregnancy and postpartum) mood disorders, birth trauma, sexual abuse, and parent adjustment issues. Heidi has been the WA State Coordinator for Postpartum Support International www.postpartum.net, and has volunteered for over 20 years with Perinatal Support Washington www.perinatalsupport.org. She served as past board member for PATTCh – the Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth, www.pattch.org. Heidi is active leading trainings for clinicians on appropriate assessment and treatment options for perinatal mood disorders and birth trauma. She leads monthly clinical consult groups mentoring mental health care providers to develop their competency and expertise in perinatal mental health issues.

Heidi was a co-founder of the Northwest Association for Postpartum Support (NAPS, www.napsdoulas.com) a postpartum doula organization as well as the recipient of the Doulas of North America (DONA) Penny Simkin Doula Spirit and Mentorship Award. Prior to her psychotherapy career, Heidi was a Postpartum Doula and Certified Lactation Educator for 12 years.

Show Highlights:

Heidi’s work as a mother and perinatal mental health therapist and lactation educator: ”Helping moms with mind, body, and breast”
Why D-Mer is not often talked about and often misunderstood
What D-Mer is: Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex. It occurs when milk onset/letdown happens and lasts a few seconds or minutes
D-Mer is a strange emotional phenomenon with negative emotions of sadness, dread, despair, nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
D-Mer can be severe, with fleeting suicidal thoughts and urges for self-harm
The biochemical connection is with two hormones, dopamine and oxytocin, in which they “go rogue,” misfire, or become overactive
No studies have shown who is more predisposed to experience D-Mer
For some women, D-Mer symptoms ease as the baby ages, but some have no change until weaning
D-Mer symptoms might be harder to treat and control in women who already have a diagnosed anxiety or depression disorder
What D-Mer is NOT: nausea, postpartum depression, anxiety, breastfeeding aversion---”It’s NOT the mom’s fault.”
The best treatment is to educate women about D-Mer
How some women can “talk themselves through” D-Mer episodes
Ideas for easing symptoms include rewiring the stress hormones, making positive associations with breastfeeding, and positive touch (massage)
General good habits for life will ease D-Mer symptoms, like mindfulness, meditation, good sleep and self-care, reduced stress, and managing blood sugar fluctuations
To target dopamine, nursing locations should be aesthetically pleasing to make a pleasant mental and physical experience for the mother
Some women find D-Mer intolerable and decide to wean, while some can deal with the symptoms and continue to breastfeed
Wellbutrin works for some women to ease the symptoms
How to find support: Find a lactation consultant and pursue therapy with a perinatal mental health therapist

Resources:

www.d-mer.org

www.heidikoss.com

Email Heidi: heidi@heidikoss.com

102: A Personal Story of Postpartum Psychosis with Tarah and Julie Jun 04, 2018

You’ve heard of postpartum depression, but have you heard of postpartum psychosis? Do you know the difference and how to recognize the signs and symptoms? We are talking about a very difficult mental condition that can wreak havoc on a new mother, her baby, and her family. Fortunately, there are signs to look for and ways you can help if someone you know might be experiencing this rare condition.

In this episode, we are hearing from Tarah, a woman who experienced postpartum psychosis after the birth of her twins. Tarah’s mother, Julie, joins this chat, which is the first mother-daughter duo we’ve had on the show to talk about the postpartum experience. One or two out of 1000 women will experience a postpartum psychosis, and while it’s very rare, it is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Most people have been misled to think that postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are synonymous, but they are not. Psychosis is a break from shared reality and is an emergency situation that looks very different from postpartum depression.

Please note that Tarah’s story may be sensitive for some listeners and is not necessarily what all moms with postpartum psychosis experience. Resources for support are available and listed below.

Show Highlights:

Tarah married in 2007 and began trying to have a baby in 2009. After Clomid and two miscarriages, she experienced a textbook pregnancy with her twins
The twins were born almost 4 weeks early and the postpartum depression began immediately
Julie noticed how Tarah didn’t want to hold the babies a lot and seemed disconnected and anxious
Three days after the twins were born, Julie noticed that Tarah was not acting normal and took her to the hospital
The hospital gave Tarah Xanax and an antidepressant and sent her home, but the symptoms snowballed into psychotic fears and extreme anxiety
Two days later, Julie took Tarah for the 2nd visit to the ER and they admitted her to treat her exhaustion
Two hours after Julie went home to rest, the hospital called to say Tarah had jumped through a window to escape (she was later found, bleeding, wandering around the parking lot)
How one doctor nailed the diagnosis and saved Tarah’s life
Tarah was transported to a behavioral health hospital because she thought people were out to hurt her
What Tarah and Julie want you to know:
This is a real condition and not made-up
Someone you know may need help and not even know it
People are not aware of postpartum psychosis as something to look for

There are some risk factors that can help you know if you are susceptible to a postpartum psychosis or postpartum bipolar onset. Learn more here...

Resources:

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, please reach out to a local organization that supports postpartum women or reach out to Postpartum Support International (PSI) for information

Postpartum Support International (PSI) www.postpartum.net

If you feel that your family member is experiencing some of the symptoms of postpartum psychosis, please take them to medical care immediately.

PSI also has a specialized support coordinator, providing non-emergency support to women and families dealing with postpartum psychosis: Michele Davidson, PhD, CNM, CFN, RN--703-298-3247 or michelerdavidson@gmail.com

Mom and Mind Connection FB Group

101: Black Women Birthing Justice May 28, 2018

Have you ever considered how the systemic and institutional racism, implicit bias and disempowerment of women might be played out with birth? This is especially true for Black women, many of whom are experiencing discrimination, bias, racism and/or poor care while pregnant, birthing or postpartum. Today’s show explores these dynamics, the findings of a research project and the recommendations that have come out of that research.

Oparah is the author of Other Kinds of Dreams: Black Women’s Organizations and the Politics of Organization, the only comprehensive history of the black women’s movement in Britain. Her most recent book, Birthing Justice: Black Women, Pregnancy and Childbirth, places Black women at the center of debates around childbirth and highlights their role in the emerging birth justice movement.

Dr. Sayida Peprah became certified through DONA International Inc., as a Birth Doula and began assisting mothers professionally in their journey of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

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
The ramifications and implications for these women, along with the potential stress and trauma
How to have empowerment in the birth experience, including how providers interact with you for physical exams during labor and birth
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

Resources:

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

Dr. Sayida: www.DrSayidaPeprah.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

100: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Mom and Mind May 21, 2018

Join us for this very special episode, celebrating 100 episodes of Mom and Mind! In this episode, Dr. Kat takes a look back at some of the most impactful episodes of the first 100!

You also get to hear messages from other listeners. These are messages of encouragement and hope. The first 100 episodes is a huge milestone, but to be honest, we are just getting started! There's still so much more to discuss and so many more people to talk to.

So join us as we celebrate this milestone, and keep coming back week after week because we are just getting started. Share this episode with a friend and if you haven't already joined the Facebook group, what are you waiting for?

For this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at:

www.momandmind.com

Facebook: Mom & Mind

Facebook Group: Mom & Mind Connection

Twitter: @drkaeni

Instagram: @momandmind

For Sponsorship and Guest Inquiries, please email momandmind@gmail.com

99: "Strong As A Mother" May 14, 2018

Maternal Mental Health Month continues and so do we! Hearing real life situations and experience is so important for us. In this episode, Kate Rope talks about her personal experience with pregnancy and postpartum Anxiety.

She also shares about her book, Strong As A Mother, which addresses pregnancy, postpartum throughout the first year and pressures that society place on women. This is book is built to be a useable resource for moms to help guide them through the transition to motherhood.

Kate discusses:

*How having a medical test during pregnancy made her worry more.

*How a Pericarditis diagnosis lead to more testing, which lead to increased Anxiety and intrusive thoughts about illness

*Exhaustion from Anxiety

*Meeting with a Reproductive Psychiatrist for Anxiety and starting to take the medication Sertraline

*"Zoloft was sort of like a snooze button for my brain and I was able to rest"

*"Keep talking until you get somebody who listens"

*How her book, Strong As A Mother supports women to make the decisions that will help them through the journey into motherhood.

Connect with Kate Here:

twitter: @katerope

insta: @strongasamotherbook

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Strongasamotherbook

http://katerope.com/

For this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at:

www.momandmind.com

Facebook: Mom & Mind

Facebook Group: Mom & Mind Connection

Twitter: @drkaeni

Instagram: @momandmind

For Sponsorship and Guest Inquiries, please email momandmind@gmail.com

KATE ROPE is an award-winning freelance journalist whose work has appeared in many publications and online outlets including The New York Times, Time, Real Simple, CNN.com, Shape, Glamour UK, BabyCenter, Parade and Parenting. She is author of the forthcoming, Strong as a Mother: How to Stay Healthy, Happy and (Most Importantly) Sane from Pregnancy to Parenting (St. Martin’s Press, May 2018), coauthor of The Complete Guide to Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding and lives in Atlanta with her husband and two daughters.

98: When Postpartum Packs a Punch May 07, 2018

Kristina Cowan shares her story and her book, When Postpartum Packs a Punch: Fighting Back and Finding Joy. (We discuss sensitive content for birth injury and complications.)

May is maternal mental health awareness month and Mom & Mind is dedicated to highlighting the lived experience of moms, partners and families.

Kristina discusses her experience through a traumatic birth experience, a postpartum thyroid condition and her path to healing. She has written an amazing book that includes her experience, others stories of lived experience and great information from experts in the field. She wrote, “When Postpartum Packs a Punch” and we will learn a bit about that today. Kristina touches on:

*Birth Trauma

*Postpartum Depression

*Medication for treatment

*Postpartum onset of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

*Healing and recovery

*The resources in her new book

Connect with Kristina Here!

Website: www.kristinacowan.com

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/cowankristina/

Twitter: @kristinacowan

Instagram: kcowan8863

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinacowan/

Find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/When-Postpartum-Packs-Punch-Fighting/dp/1946665002

For this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at:

www.momandmind.com

Facebook: Mom & Mind

Facebook Group: Mom & Mind Connection

Twitter: @drkaeni

Instagram: @momandmind

For Sponsorship and Guest Inquiries, please email momandmind@gmail.com

97: When Perinatal Myths Become Beliefs Apr 28, 2018

Maternal Mental Health Week is Here! 4/30-5/4

World Maternal Mental Health day is Wednesday 5/2

We are addressing the myths of motherhood and parenthood while digging a little deeper to see how those myths become the beliefs that we carry about ourselves.

What are these myths? So glad you asked! They basically sound like perfection at it's most perfect...

* You will get pregnant easily

* You and your baby will be healthy

* You will love being pregnant and being a mother

* You will know what to do and how to do it

* Breastfeeding will be easy

* You will instantly bond with your baby postpartum

And so on...What can you add to the list? WELL, what happens when these myths don't become reality????

We feel like failures. We blame ourselves. We think that we did something wrong. We feel like bad mothers.

Let's tear this down and start over. Yes, some people have these really lovely experiences, but for those of us who don't...we are suffering by the pain of these "failures". I say, we say, that's enough. Let's call it out and realize that you're working so hard and you are a good mom.

Join in and raise your voices for #maternalmentalhealth

This week check out these organizations...

The Blue Dot Project https://www.thebluedotproject.org/

#realmotherhood #noshame

Maternal Mental Health Day (5/2): http://wmmhday.postpartum.net/

#maternalMHmatters

For this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at:

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96: Team Approach and Global Understanding of Perinatal Mental Health Apr 23, 2018

Dr. Raja discusses the importance of multidisiplinary approaches to health and wellbeing in pregnancy and postpartum. He shares his rich and global perspective on how care providers can work together across roles to make sure that perinatal mothers are receiving the care they need.

Here are some of the topics we touch on:

*OB's are one part of the care team for pregnant mothers

*There might be different care pathways in different countries but if we are working together as a care team, we can "join the dots"

*How the World Health Organization defines health: physical mental and social well-being.

*Keep mothers and families in the heart of everything. "If you listen to the mothers and the families, you can never go wrong"

*Discussing Maternal Death and thoughts on prevention

*Identify and understand your role in the care of women, which includes making appropriate referrals and following up to make sure she gets support.

*Acknowledge your limitations as a provider and offer to find out more.

* The International Forum for Wellbeing In Pregnancy: Open access information resource to discuss and learn about different aspects of wellbeing in pregnancy, to understand different practices in different parts of the world.

Dr. Raja Gangopadhyay is a Consultant Obstetrician from the UK with a special interest in Perinatal Mental Health and the Founder of International Forum for Wellbeing In Pregnancy."

Connect here:

International Forum for Wellbeing in Pregnancy (IFWIP): http://www.ifwip.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raja.gangopadhyay

IFWIP FB page: https://www.facebook.com/ifwip/

Twitter: @RajaGangopadhy3 and @ifwip1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raja-gangopadhyay-b0816875/

Links to the information that Dr. Raja discussed:

Global scenario: http://www.who.int/mental_health/maternal-child/maternal_mental_health/en/

Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths (UK & Ireland): https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/mbrrace-uk/reports

Red Flag symptoms: Pg 3 of

https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/downloads/files/mbrrace-uk/reports/MBRRACE-UK%20Maternal%20Report%202015%20-%20Lay%20Summary.pdf

IFWIP Resource page: https://www.ifwip.org/resources/

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95: The AfterBirth Plan Apr 16, 2018

Dr. Alyssa Berlin is on to talk about planning for life after the birth of your child. We often don't consider what happens after the baby comes home, or how our relationship might change.

It's important to consider planning for life after you come home with baby! Dr. Berlin uses some really great analogies and examples about our needs during this time. She discusses how to strengthen the couple to be prepared for life with baby, but also normal life after a child.

We discuss what postpartum planning is...real expectations, relationships changes, planning for 'normal and learning what could happen...

Connect with Dr. Berlin!

http://www.doctorberlin.com/dr-alyssa-berlin-psyd

Dr. Alyssa Berlin is a clinical psychologist specializing in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting, a labor support doula and a certified Gottman educator. Dr. Berlin is the creator of The AfterBirth Plan Workshop, a program that prepares couples for what to expect after a baby is born and how to prepare for a physically and emotionally healthy postpartum transition for the baby, for each partner and for the evolving relationship. Dr. Berlin is is on the Board of Advisors for the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) and is a faculty member of Maternal Mental Health NOW Training institute. You can read Dr. Alyssa's blogs on the Huffington Post where she contributes to PBS's 'This Emotional Life" project. Dr. Alyssa and her husband, prenatal chiropractor Dr. Elliot Berlin live in Los Angeles and are the proud parents of four amazing children.

For this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at:

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94: Postpartum Stress and how to start healing Apr 08, 2018

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is talking about some essential info on how stress affects postpartum moms and what to do about it! This is a must listen, it's so fascinating.

This episode is jam packed with great information and insight. You might want to take notes and pass this along to others. What is so fantastic about this episode is that most people don't have access to this kind of info and education. We aren't reading research articles or even able to understand them half the time.

Kathy gives us some education on how our bodies work, which I believe really helps us to take the blame off of ourselves. There are real things happening in our brains and bodies that affect how we feel, think and behave.

There are really too many gems to count here...

*Depression in pregnancy

*Depression and breastfeeding

*The stress response: what's normal, what hurts us

*The role of inflammation in our illness

*WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY to get on the path to reducing stress and inflammation!

Connect with Kathy here:

UppityScienceChick.com,

BreastfeedingMadeSimple.com

KathleenKendall-Tackett.com

PraeclarusPress.com

Google Scholar link: http://bit.ly/1nSwWIW

The article we discussed: http://www.uppitysciencechick.com/ibj_new_paradigm.pdf

HAVE YOUR VOICE BE HEARD for MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH MONTH!

****Listeners, we want to HEAR YOU! Click on this link to find out how to leave me a voice message to be used on the podcast for Maternal Mental Health Month in MAY! https://goo.gl/forms/Kjdzxjp7cDIvxqCJ2 ****

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93: Healing through PPD and nourishing new mothers Apr 02, 2018

Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC is sharing her personal story of dealing with postpartum depression after three of her five children. She then went on to use her professional skills to help and support other moms find balance with nutrition and breastfeeding.

Crystal touches on many aspects of her experience that so many moms can relate to:

-a past eating disorder of anorexia and worry that she wouldn't be able to get pregnant due to that history

-feeling disconnected from her children because of postpartum depression

-dealing with the pressure to be happy because she was able to have children

-breastfeeding difficulties, feeling the pressure to breastfeed and having the support of a lactation consultant

Crystal shares how her experiences shaped her work and passion to help mothers nourish themselves and nourish their new babies.

Please share this episode with other mothers or partners who are struggling with these similar issues. Crystal shares the message that we talk about on this podcast...you are not alone mamas! With some compassion and understanding you can get through this.

Connect with Crystal!

Instagram/Twitter: @ crystalkarges Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystalkargesnutrition/ FB group: Start with You Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/635731143293755/ Website: www.crystalkarges.comFor this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at:

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92: SOAPBOX Edition! Mom guilt, mom shaming and helping families Mar 26, 2018

Dr. Kat gets on her soapbox! Dishing on a few things that get her upset and maybe get you upset too?!?! We have a long way to go to do better for pregnant, birthing, loss and postpartum moms!

Here are some of the things she touchs on...

*Can we just be supportive to moms? Can we stop with the shaming and guilt? It's hard enough to be a mom...we need a softer approach on how we treat new parenthood in general.

*I have some thoughts about the pressure to breastfeed...

*My fantasy and utopia of how if we could treat mothers and families well, with the right kind of support that we can lessen the impacts of stress for generations.

*Healthcare providers need to do a better job of supporting perinatal mental health. It's a cop-out to say that "we can't screen mothers because we don't know what to do with them". My advise...figure it out.

Let me know what you think! What are the topics that get you on your soapbox? Raising our voices to speak to the stigma and disparities for mothers can be productive if it leads to doing something about it! Have those important conversations!

Listen in and share with a mama in need! Let's support each other into wellness!

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91: Therapist perspective: Psychotherapy with new moms Mar 19, 2018

There are some powerful experiences that new moms go through when coming in to psychotherapy. Moms who are pregnant, experienced a loss, birth trauma or postpartum are often transforming in to a new version of themselves.

Here's what we reflect on...

*These moms are brave and strong.

*New motherhood is a mirror. Sometimes a magnifying glass.

*Motherhood makes your heart open and can make you a deeper sense of vulnerability, anxiety, be in touch from deeper feelings. That can happen for partners too.

*Working through some of the pain leads to healthier lives.

*Therapy helps you understand that it's not "you" it's what you're going through.

*You can heal through past events that are impacting you now.

*You are not alone and you can feel better!

For this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at:

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90: Self Care helps us heal our emotions Mar 12, 2018

Dr. Kat goes solo in this episode and talks about self care and the process of healing.

Self care is a complicated topic for motherhood and parenthood. It's pretty straight forward as a concept, but it can be hard to actually do. I'm on here to break down some of those barriers to understanding what self care looks like for you.

We talk about how self care is part of the healing process. It's something that you can do for yourself, today. It's not going to fix everything, but it does help over time.

Listen in and share with a mama in need! Let's support each other into wellness!

For this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at:

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89: Essentials of Postpartum Planning Mar 05, 2018

Birth planning is very important. Postpartum planning is essential. Arianna Taboada talks about so much, including some of the reasons we need this kind of support in the US specifically or places where maternity leave is not well supported.

More specifically, these plans are very supportive for mothers who have any history or risk of perinatal mental health challenge, such as postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety.

We touch on:

What is a postpartum plan and why do we need it?

What's in a postpartum plan and what should be on there?

"Who's your crew?" getting the support of others.

This is the resource that Arianna discussed...

Postpartum eco-map(for anyone)
Postpartum eco-map for entrepreneurs

Connect with Arianna:

Instagram: @ ariannataboada

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ariannataboadaconsulting/

Twitter: @ ariannataboada

website: www.ariannataboada.com

Arianna is a maternal health consultant who works with experienced entrepreneurs who are becoming first time mothers, helping them customize their maternity leave plan and return to work. She is deeply committed to providing on-going, multi-faceted support that meets the professional, physical, mental, social, and emotional needs of entrepreneurs as they babyproof their business and navigate new motherhood.

Prior to her consulting practice, Arianna worked on maternal health issues for over a decade as a health educator, a social worker in a mental health clinic, a reproductive health researcher, and a yoga therapist. She draws from her expertise as a maternal health professional, combined with her experience as a business owner and mother, to provide highly personalized services so expecting entrepreneurs have the tools and information they need to make decisions and take action when it comes to balancing their business with a new baby.

Arianna lives, works, and plays with her family in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

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88: Body Full of Stars - Personal Story Feb 26, 2018

As we’ve talked about many times on this podcast, hearing personal stories can be very liberating and shame relieving for mothers. Stories are real, educational, heart breaking and heart opening all at the same time.

Today we are hearing a personal story, the lived experience of Molly Caro May. She is going to tell us about parts of her story and how as a writer, she was able to use her story in her own healing and the hope to heal others…. In her book entitled, Body full of Stars: Female Rage and my Passage into Motherhood.

She talks about incontinence, breastfeeding challenges, relationship challenges, pregnancy illness, postpartum rage and what she thinks we all need to know in order to keep ourselves well.

Please get connected with Molly and check out her book:

Website: http://www.mollycaromay.com Facebook: Molly May Instagram: @mollycaromay Twitter: @mollymay26

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87: Postpartum Anxiety Feb 19, 2018

We are talking about Postpartum Anxiety today and more specifically, what’s common and what’s cause for concern and treatment. This is a question that moms have so often and I’m happy for Dr. Carly Snyder to come on and dispel some of the confusion.

We touch on the ever present guilt and shame that runs its course through motherhood as well as some ways to cope and manage postpartum anxiety.

Some of what we touch on:

- What is "normal" anxiety in new motherhood

- How can people know when it's becoming more difficult or a clinical issue?

- What kinds of anxiety might a mother experience

- What you can do to begin feeling better

Connect with Dr. Snyder here:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CarlySnyderMD

Twitter - @CarlySnyderMD

Dr. Carly Snyder is one of a small cohort of medical physicians in New York City specializing in reproductive psychiatry. Her unique approach combines traditional psychiatric treatment with integrative medicine-based treatments.

Dr. Snyder is an attending physician on staff in the Department of Psychiatry at Beth Israel Medical Center. She also holds a teaching appointment at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and is an assistant attending with a teaching appointment at Weill-Cornell in the Payne Whitney Women’s Program.

Dr. Snyder is on the Postpartum Support International (PSI)Board of Directors as the Research Chair. She frequently speaks to various audiences, such as ‘The Pregnant New Yorker,’ and at professional conferences and meetings. Dr. Snyder is also a member of the Women’s Mental Health Consortium. She is the Director of Women’s Health for Family Health Associates.

Her weekly radio show, MD for Moms, can be heard Wednesdays at 1pm ET on the BBM Global Network and TuneIn radio, or anytime on BBMglobalnetwork.com/MD-for-moms. Dr. Snyder’s HuffPost parenting blog shares the MD for Moms moniker.

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86: Natural Postpartum Support Feb 13, 2018

Katie Flores shares her personal story and how she became an holistic health coach for new mothers.

She describes her depression, a miscarriage, the stress that she felt with her daughter who was fussy all of the time for a whole year and sleep deprived that whole time. She discusses some of her underlying biological factors that added to her experience.

Katie talks about what she sees as root causes and biological contributors to postpartum depression, including trauma, loss physical illness and nutrition. She started her own podcast to address these issues, called Natural Postpartum Support Podcast.

Please note: This is not medical advice. If you are concerned that you may be experiencing some of the things that are discussed in this episode, please contact your Naturopathic Doctor or Primary care doctor.

If you are interested to learn more about Katie and her work, Connect here:

Website: katieeflores.com

For updates on the podcast: bit.ly/naturalpostpartumsupportpodcast

PPD Root Cause Assessment: katieeflores.com/ppdrootcause

FB: facebook.com/KatieFloresFanPage

Instagram: instagram.com/KatieEFlores

Katie Flores is a certified holistic health coach + postpartum depression survivor. Sheprovides a natural approach for moms struggling with postpartum depression so they can show up as their happiest self and connect with their kids in a way they never could imagine. As an integrative nutrition health coach, mother, and advocate, she's discovered that postpartum depression can happen based on a variety of circumstances, but the missing factor that most doctors overlook, is that it can be treated nutritionally. Postpartum depression is a symptom, not the final answer.

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85: The power of our story Feb 05, 2018

Shame thrives in the dark. Sharing our story and having ourselves reflected out in the world releases that shame. Sometimes we feel relief right away. Sometimes it takes time.

Today I want to talk with you about what happens for you when you hear another person share their pregnancy, loss or postpartum story. I’m talking specifically to the people who are or have experienced a perinatal mood change like depression, anxiety, ptsd, bipolar or psychosis. Or a pregnancy loss. Or a situation similar to yours. What is your experience when you hear others talk about what they went through? What happens for you in your mind, body and soul?

There seems to be such power in listening and being reflected out in the world. In fact, I know there is power in that because it was my experience too….

The hope of this podcast and platform is to offer some way that you are all reflected out in the world. There will be parts of your story that are reflected here in our discussions, maybe not in a single episode, but across several.

If there are moms or dads listening who DO want to share here on the podcast, please reach out to me at momandmind@gmail.com

For some, This may not be the place you feel comfortable, so search for a place that you do. There are really great people doing work that may better reflect your needs.

For this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at:

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Dr. Kat meets with clients in her Claremont, CA office or Online with anyone in the state of California. If you're looking for help, please reach out drkaeni@gmail.com

84: Understanding Stigma in Perinatal Mental Health Jan 29, 2018

Stigma is a terrible 6 letter word and it gets in the way of connection, truth, healing and compassion for moms. Dr. Walker Ladd is on to talk about some of her amazing research into stigma, her books about understanding women's stories and her new podcast Rebel Research Radio.

The sting of stigma is so very real and we have internalized it in such a way that we hold shame about ourselves, when we should have understanding. Listen in to hear what Dr. Ladd has to say about mothers and motherhood.

We also touch on some really fascinating facts about what happens with baby DNA!

Connect with Dr. Walker Ladd

Twitter @DrWLadd https://twitter.com/DrWLadd

Facebook: @Rebel Research Radio

https://www.facebook.com/RebelResearchRadio/

Dr. Walker Ladd has been a thought-leader in the field of maternal mental health care for over a decade. Her first book, “Transformed by Postpartum Depression: Women’s Stories of Trauma and Growth (Praeclarus, 2015), was based on her research of the transformative nature of postpartum depression. She just completed a study of the stigma of mental illness for women diagnosed with a bipolar disorder the first year postpartum and is currently working two new studies about stigma. Her next book will be based on her project When Postpartum Grows Up: Reflecting. Researching. Reclaiming. https://whenppdgrowsup.com/. Walker is the host of a new podcast, Rebel Research Radio, on the Mental Health Network Radio, where she interviews leading women researchers about the art of research.

For this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at

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Dr. Kat meets with clients in her Claremont, CA office or Online with anyone in the state of California. If you're looking for help, please reach out drkaeni@gmail.com

83: Postpartum Attachment & Bonding Jan 21, 2018

We are getting into some good stuff today about attachment and bonding in new parenthood. We are talking again with Dr. Juli Fraga about what all of this means and what it means for you and your baby. In particular, what might be going on for a mother experiencing a perinatal mood change.

*We will be touching on the difference between attachment and bonding.

*What can happen in new parenthood when a mother or father is struggling.

*We touch on the ever present shame and guilt.

*Getting support for your perinatal mood change can support good bonding and attachment.

*That you don’t need to be perfect in order to have a good connection.

Connect with Dr. Fraga!

Twitter @dr_fraga

www.drjulifraga.com

Dr. Juli Fraga is a psychologist in San Francisco where she specializes in maternal mental health concerns. Dr. Fraga is also a freelance health writer and she's written about women's health concerns for Refinery29, NPR, Quartz, Psychology Today, The Huffington Post and the Washington Post.

For this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at

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Dr. Kat meets with clients in her Claremont, CA office or Online with anyone in the state of California. If you're looking for help, please reach out drkaeni@gmail.com

82: Using Compassion for Perinatal Healing Jan 13, 2018

Why Compassion? I'll tell you...

I’ve been doing some deep thinking about the podcast, perinatal mental health in general and how to continue the movement forward through our neck of the woods here. I really believe and feel deeply that more information, awareness and support need to get to mothers and families. I believe that we can improve our efforts at prevention too and I’m hopeful to have that reflected in the podcast this year. How can we improve the lives of mothers, fathers, babies, couples? It’s a complicated issue or set of issues...

For now, I’ll talk about one way through this in particular that I see A LOT. Well, maybe two ways.

We need to change our culture of perfection-or-nothing and into a culture of compassion and flexibility. I think this is key to combat stigma, guilt and shame.

I’m going to talk a little bit about developing self-compassion AND how OTHERS can be more compassionate towards those who are suffering.

Short-hand: if you’re in it and suffering, be kind to yourself and allow for learning to happen. If you’re not in it, but looking from the outside… LISTEN, be kind to the person who is struggling and allow you both to learn.

Tune in to this episode to hear more!

I really hope this give you a tool or two in coping and healing through the yuck and getting back to the good!

For this and all episodes of Mom & Mind, please find us at

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Dr. Kat meets with clients in her Claremont, CA office or Online with anyone in the state of California. If you're looking for help, please reach out drkaeni@gmail.com

81: Fathers & Perinatal Mental Health Dec 18, 2017

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.

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

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

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80: Impacts of Relational Trauma on Perinatal Mental Health Dec 11, 2017

Andrea Schneider, LCSW is sharing with us about how our difficult, toxic or traumatic past relationships might affect our journey into motherhood, fatherhood and parenthood.

This fascinating discussion digs deeper into how we may respond, behave and interact as new parents...based on our own early experiences with our own caregivers, parents or influential difficult relationships.

We chat about:

* What is relational trauma? How does it show up for perinatal mothers and fathers? * What are some signs that a person might notice if they are impacted by this? * What can they do? What kinds of support, therapy, etc is available? * Coping suggestions & hopeful messages

Connect with Andrea:

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreaschneiderlcsw/ https://www.facebook.com/aschneiderlcsw/ Twitter: @SavvyShrink @andrea_schneid Website: Andreaschneiderlcsw.com The Savvy Shrink Podcast: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thesavvyshrinkAndrea Schneider, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist in private practice in San Dimas CA. She obtained her BA in Psychology from UCLA and a Masters in Social Work at University of Michigan. Andrea's practice centers on a broad range of concerns related to trauma, including narcissistic abuse recovery, maternal mental health, special needs parenting and grief/loss. She is EMDR trained. Andrea writes a regular blog for Psych Central, as well as The Minds Journal and goodtherapy.org She also has a podcast entitled The Savvy Shrink. In addition to providing psychotherapy for clients in her office and telephonically, she also supervises pre-licensed therapists and provides training for clinics and hospitals in the area.

Find all Mom & Mind episodes at www.momandmind.com Join the discussions on our FB Group- Mom & Mind Connection: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MomandMindConnection/

79: Stress Less - Mindful Perinatal Coping Dec 04, 2017

Dr. Diane Sanford is talking with us about coping skills for wellness! Pregnancy and postpartum mental health changes can really take you by surprise and leave you feeling disoriented. When we have skills for coping that we can rely on, it really helps us heal.

Our guest, Dr. Dianed, has been supporting perinatal mothers for many years. Shares a bit about how she's seen the landscape change in supporting mothers. AN she dishes on what she'd like to see more of in support of perinatal mothers.

We talk on:

* Using mind-body and integrative health to support mothers.

* Use able, short skills that fit into the lives of busy people.

* We are often unprepared to cope with difficulty, skills can be really helpful

* How simple skills can support us

* 3-5 minutes of a break from stress is better than NO break.

* Notice your accomplishments!!!!

Connect with Dr. Diane

https://drdianesanford.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/drdianesanford/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdianesanford

Bio

Dr. Diane Sanford is a psychologist, author and educator whose work in health psychology has received local and national attention. In practice for 30 years, she is an internationally recognized expert in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She is co-author of Life Will Never Be the Same (2010), Midlife and Menopause: A Celebration of Women’s Health (1998) and Postpartum Survival Guide (1994).

For the past ten years, she has studied mindfulness-based skills to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and promote health and well-being. In 2012, she opened the Midwest Mind Body Health Center where she provides counseling and classes in her mindfulness skill program “Stress Less. Live More.” Her newest book, “Stress Less. Live More: Mindfulness if 5 Simple Steps which describes her stress reduction program is now available.

Dr. Sanford obtained her Masters and PhD degrees in clinical psychology from Syracuse University. She completed her internship in 1984 at the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She is an adjunct faculty member of St. Louis University’s School of Public Health, Department of Community Relations, and on the Medical Advisory Board of BabyCenter.com.

Come connect with the Mom & Mind Connection FB Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/MomandMindConnection/

78: Mother Recovering - Momming Sober Nov 20, 2017

Annika O'Melia breaks through stigma to share her story about alcohol use in early motherhood and increase awareness about the impact of substance use for perinatal mothers. Annika is speaking out about her experience and has created a podcast, Mother Recovering, that focuses on supporting these mamas.

*She talks about the thought process that happens with substance use and how we sometimes can't see how bad things are getting.

*Substance use is a way to cope, but ends up making things worse.

*Health care providers aren't asking enough questions

*What "normal" drinking limits are for women and how to notice when it's going beyond that limit.

*The social messaging to mothers that drinking is what get's you through motherhood.

*Use compassion when talking with mothers, and mothers who are struggling with substance use.

*What we can do better to support mamas

*Safety concerns that we should consider for kids

*Getting past quitting and onto living

*What coping in a new way can look like

Connect with Annika:

www.motherrecovering.com https://twitter.com/MommingSober https://www.facebook.com/motherrecovering/ Quad City Women’s Therapy, PLLC www.qcwomenstherapy.comBooks & Resources mentioned in this episode by Annika:

"Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol"

"The Drunk Mom"

"Drinking: A Love Story"

She Recovers - http://sherecovers.co/

The Bubble Hour Podcast

Annika O'Melia Bio

Annika O’Melia is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and runs her own private psychotherapy practice, Quad City Women’s Therapy, PLLC, where she specializes in reproductive & maternal mental health. Annika is particularly interested in the impact of trauma and addiction on pregnancy and motherhood and utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to assist clients with trauma recovery. Annika is a mother of four, including twins who just turned one, and has been living in recovery from alcoholism for over six years. Annika is also a survivor of rape and sexual assault and has benefitted greatly from therapeutic and recovery programs in her own personal healing and return to wholeness. Annika hosts a podcast called Mother Recovering that focuses on what it’s like to Mom Sober! For all Episodes, go to www.momandmind.com

77: Caribbean Mothers & Perinatal Mental Health Nov 13, 2017

Caribbean Mothers and Perinatal Mental Health with Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter

One of the important pieces of understanding perinatal mental health, is putting it in the context of culture, immigration and other socio-cultural factors. When we use the culture to inform healing, a depth of relief and understanding happens. Today we will learn a bit more…

Today we have on Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter to discuss perinatal mental health from the lens of Caribbean mothers. As we have stated on previous episodes about culture, there are many different cultures within the Caribbean. So, this is not meant to be specific or prescriptive, rather it is information for us to keep in mind for pregnancy and postpartum.

She talks about:

*Broad cultural differences for Carribean Mothers

*How immigration and length of time in the US impacts seeking help

*Ways that Caribbean mothers may experience or express perinatal mental health difficulties

*Ways to support mothers

Dr. Flores-Carter Bio

Dr. Kendra Flores-Carter received her BA in psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2002 her MSW from Cal State, Long Beach and her Doctor of Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Dr. Flores-Carter currently works as a Maternal Child and Pediatrics Associated Clinical Social Worker. She is a proud researcher in the Perinatal Mental Health Field. Dr. Flores-Carter received her certificate in Maternal Mental Health training from Postpartum Support International and works as an expert in Maternal Mental Health.

She is a member of Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Institutional Review Board and has several research projects in the works. She has done several trainings and presentation on topics related to maternal mental health as well as other issues relating to women’s health including breastfeeding, intimate partner violence, and disparities in health care.

Dr. Flores-Carter currently serves as co-chair of the Inland Empire Maternal Mental Health Collaborative. She’s an active member Postpartum Support International, and facilitates a free monthly Postpartum Support Group for women and their families’ on-site at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Flores-Carter was a recipient of the 2016 ARMC Employee Recognition Award for her effortless work to improve Maternal Mental Health care at ARMC and within the community. She also received the 2017 Golden Ida M. Cannon Award for her work to bring awareness and education on Maternal Mental Health concerns to ARMC’s Women’s Health Department.

If you’d like to listen to more episodes of Mom & Mind, please go to www.momandmind.com, where you can get links and subscribe on your favorite listening platform.

76: Perinatal Mental Health & the Military Family Nov 06, 2017

Just in time to honor Veterans Day, we talk with Dr. Melinda Thiam about what life might be like for some military mamas.

In this fascinating and necessary discussion, Dr. Thiam talks with about the unique aspects of perinatal mental health in the military family.

Dr. Thiam highlights:

*The stressors for both for the perinatal mother who is in active duty and for the perinatal mother who is the spouse of an active duty person.

*She addressed the need for more healthcare providers to receive training in Perinatal Mental health to be able to help mothers.

*The need for healthcare providers to take TriCare insurance so that these mothers and families can access the care that they need.

*Understanding the stress that military life may bring and how that may impact social supports.

Resources:

Link to Book: https://www.routledge.com/Perinatal-Mental-Health-and-the-Military-Family-Identifying-and-Treating/Thiam/p/book/9781138924789

Postpartum Support International: http://www.postpartum.net/get-help/psi-support-for-military-families/

Dr. Thiam Bio

Dr. Melinda Thiam, M.D. is a board certified staff psychiatrist who was a military psychiatrist until she retired this past June 2017. She is currently splitting her time between private practice psychiatry with Future Psych Solutions in Columbia, SC and Community mental health.

During her time in pediatrics, Dr. Thiam witness the challenges of perinatal mental health for numerous spouses who had to give birth alone while their spouses were overseas serving the country. Dr. Thiam also was able to experience first-hand the challenges of being an active duty mother in the military. Through these experiences, Dr. Thiam saw many mothers suffer in silence as they found that pregnancy was not the joyous period they thought it was and new motherhood was met with darkness, sense of shame and belief that one was a ‘bad’ mother. The plight of the pregnant and postpartum mother led Dr. Thiam to switch to psychiatry with desire to specialize in women’s mental health. She initiated/led a mother-infant dyadic therapy group for last two years of residency and went on to recruit of group of perinatal mental health experts in the military/civilian population to edit manuscript Perinatal Mental Health and the Military Family: Identifying and Treating Mood and Anxiety Disorders. While this book is targeted toward military population, it is all applicable to general population and is my desire to build a practice specializing in women’s mental health/reproductive psychiatry.

For all Mom & Mind episodes, go to: www.momandmind.com

75: Expectful - Guided Meditation for Pregnancy Loss & Beyond Oct 30, 2017

Expectful offers guided meditations for all of the transitions through motherhood from fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood. They heard feedback that many mothers who experienced pregnancy loss, didn't have guided meditation support they needed. So, they teamed up with Dr. Jessica Zucker, who is well known for her strong advocacy through the #ihadamiscarriage campaign. Together, they made a beautiful resource to help mothers to cope through guided meditations and supportive information.

It is so hard to know how to heal after a pregnancy loss. In this episode, we are talking about using guided meditations as a way to cope and heal. We honor all who have dealt with such grief and hold space, love and support for you, especially through October for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Our guests share:

-Some of the unique stress and grief that comes with pregnancy loss

-How guided meditation can support healing and give a sense of grounding through the upset of pregnancy loss.

-The importance of having a supportive community with other people who really 'get it'.

-Expectful is a resource that can be supportive to you 24/7, whenever you need.

Connect with Expectful and Dr. Jessica Zucker:

www.expectful.com

Pregnancy Loss Support Guide on Expectful https://expectful.com/pregnancy-loss-support/

IG: @expectful

FB: facebook.com/expectful

Twitter: @expectful

http://drjessicazucker.com/

IG: @ihadamiscarriage

Twitter: @DrZucker

Dr. Jessica Zucker

Dr. Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based licensed clinical psychologist specializing in women’s reproductive and maternal mental health. Jessica primarily works with women struggling with fertility, pregnancy ambivalence, pregnancy loss, during transitions in motherhood, prenatal and postpartum adjustments, perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, pregnancy and postpartum body image concerns, and in the midst of relationship challenges after the loss or birth of a child.

Mark Krassner

Mark Krassner is the founder of the fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood meditation guided meditation app, expectful. He’s an unlikely person to head this up as a 33-year-old unmarried man with no children. Expectful - a meditation web and mobile app that empowers current and soon-to-be moms to live happier, healthier lives. Mark’s mother struggled with anxiety and depression throughout her pregnancy and early parenting years. As an adult, Mark experienced the power of meditation and its positive effects on his health, relationships, and even his professional career, and it occurred to him that his childhood may have been very different for him and his mother if she had access to a meditation practice. It was this realization that led to him years of research and, eventually, Expectful was born.

For more episodes of Mom & Mind, go to www.momandmind.com

74: Resilience building in pregnancy & postpartum Oct 21, 2017

When you can really start to understand how stress and trauma affects you on a physiological level and emotional level, you can hold more compassion and understanding for yourself.

Nkem Ndefo is on with us today, teaching, informing, shedding light on how to think realistically, holistically about stress. This is totally necessary to understand for pregnancy and postpartum...but also for pretty much everything.

Nkem is teaching us about how our bodies and minds respond to stress and ways to build resilience. There are too many gems in this episode to quote, you'll just have to soak this up when you listen. Here are some of the things Nkem discusses with us.

* Understanding how a "disorder" may actually be an "adaptive response" to stress.

* "What can we build up, what's good, what's working"... "How do we build on that and help build out the strengths?"

* "We do grow, we do get stronger, but it has to be within our window of tolerance, if it's outside of our window of tolerance its too much, it doesn't cause us to grow, it causes us to break"

* "What are the systemic factors [of stress] and what are the individual factors...one of the most damaging things we say to people is to hold them responsible for systemic factors"

* High stress in pregnancy and how that affects the mother and baby.

* Ways to support regulating the body-mind system in a supportive way, by being a partner in care.

Connect with Nkem and Lumos Transforms:

http://lumostransforms.com/

Facebook: @lumostransforms

Insta: @lumos_transforms

Twitter: @lumostransforms

Nkem Ndefo is the founder and president of Lumos Transforms and creator of The Resilience Toolkit. As Certified Nurse Midwife, Nkem holds a Master’s degree in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University. She has extensive post-graduate training in complementary health modalities and emotional therapies, including Level 3 certification in Tension/Trauma Release Exercises and Level 5 certification in Emotional Transformation Therapy.

She brings an abundance of experience as a clinician, educator, consultant, and community strategist to innovative programs that reduce stress and build resilience for individuals, organizations, and communities throughout the US.

As a clinician, Nkem has worked in settings ranging from large volume hospitals to mobile community clinics. She founded and operated a full scope midwifery and homebirth practice from 2000-2007. And she has maintained a small holistic private practice in Los Angeles since 2007. She worked for California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative researching maternal death outcomes and served on the Los Angeles County Trauma-and Resilience-Informed Systems Change Initiative Workgroup. Currently she sits on the Strategic Planning Committee for the Trauma-Informed Task Force of Greater Los Angeles

#theresiliencetoolkit #lumostransforms #buildresilience

To check out all of the Mom & Mind episodes, go to www.momandmind.com!

73: Perfection in new motherhood Oct 17, 2017

Some of the things we address on this episode...

*The struggle with feeling the need to be perfect

*It seems that perfectionism often comes with a high sense of morality and conscientiousness - I believe that this makes intrusive thoughts even more unbearable.

*Perfectionism often develops as a way to cope and manage life. But that way of coping goes head to head with the challenges of new parenthood.

*The stress of perfectionism, can make getting help feel hard. Help can feel SLOW or inadequate.

*Accepting that we can't be perfect is very hard, and it's part of the key to healing.

If you'd like, please check out the blog post on the Postpartum Support International Blog that I mentioned: Soul Level Crisis

Please pass this episode along to any person who could benefit!

If you haven't yet subscribed to the podcast head over to www.momandmind.com

We welcome ratings, reviews, sharing the podcast and spreading the word about perinatal mental health! Lets crush this together!

72: Social support is part of the solution Oct 09, 2017

"It is ridiculous that when you are the person in the middle of a crisis, that you are the person who is faced to do the heavy lifting"

- Joy Twesigye

Lack of social support is a part of what is impacting perinatal and postpartum wellness. Could we start to count on our social supports more if we are giving them some fundamental info?

Joy Twesigye has a great perspective on how we can all support perinatal mothers more fully. She is talking about a fundamental need for change in the way WE, not medical or mental health professionals, but us, the people close to mamas, support mothers.

Some gems from Joy:

- Empathy for the mothers

- We can support the support people though education

- Changing our mindset to better support mothers and babies

- Not making the person who is having the crisis, do the work!!!! YES!!!!

Joy Twesigye

Joy is an impact driven health care administrator with 16 years progressive experience in health systems and policy. 2017 marks 26 years of starting and managing socially responsible organizations framed around maternal and family support, community and school-based services, and healthcare reform. In 1991, she founded The Dining Room, the first sustainable soup kitchen for Delaware, OH. In 1993, became a founding member of Andrews House, a not-for-profit community center in the same town. Joy is currently a volunteer Maryland State Co-Coordinator for Postpartum Support International, Ohio Wesleyan University Baltimore Chapter Leader and Maryland Association of School-Based Health Care board member.

71: Pregnant & Postpartum - Soapbox Edition II - Yeah, no. Oct 02, 2017

Pregnancy & Postpartum: Soapbox Edition II

Yeah, no. I have some thoughts about how mothers are treated....

I'm hoping back on the soapbox! And this time, I'm shouting out some of the things that the Mom & Mind listeners are upset about too! Thanks for sharing!

Let's see..most of the things I discuss are about how other peoples OPINIONS and JUDGMENTS affect mama's and partners. Can we just stop spouting out whatever comes to our mind when we see a pregnant person, or someone with a new baby? How 'bout that?!?!?!

I also touch on some potentially controversial topics related to birth, birthing justice and maybe upsetting to some medical providers. Let's just say there are mostly amazing providers and a few that are less than amazing....

As always, please come join us, listen in, share, subscribe, rate and review this podcast! Find links to places to listen at www.momandmind.com

CONNECT WITH US!

FB @momandmindpodcast

Twitter @drkaeni

Instagram @momandmind

70: Postpartum Bipolar, "Birth of A New Brain" Sep 25, 2017

Bipolar disorder in pregnancy and postpartum is not often discussed. Dyane Harwood is advocating for that to change. In this episode, Dyane shares her personal journey through postpartum bipolar, what she wishes people would understand and how we can all be more supportive to mothers experiencing this difficult and often misunderstood condition.

In this rich discussion, we touch on:

-Some signs, symptoms and what it may look like to others

-Insight into what it might feel like for a mother to be going through Bipolar in postpartum.

-Supportive tips on what might help in early detection, prevention and healing.

Connect with Dyane:

Twitter: @DyaneHarwood Website: www.dyaneharwood.com Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BirthofaNewBrain Instagram: birthofanewbrain

Birth of a New Brain is available for pre-order on Amazon and Kindle. Released on October 10 2017. https://www.amazon.com/Birth-New-Brain-Postpartum-Disorder/dp/1618688014/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506311992&sr=8-1&keywords=birth+of+a+new+brain

Support and Resources:

International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) http://www.ibpf.org (858) 598-5967 Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) http://www.dbsalliance.org (800) 826-3632 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) https://www.nami.org (800) 950-6264 Helpline Postpartum Support International http://www.postpartum.net (800) 944-4773 Dr. Aluwaidan Twitter: @MoAlsuwaidan Dr. Alsuwaidan's article - excellent advice for mood support/stability https://medium.com/@MoAlsuwaidan/exercise-mood-part-iii-from-science-to-action-4f668e96c83a

Dyane Harwood graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in English and American Literature. In 2007, Dyane was diagnosed with postpartum bipolar disorder (also known as bipolar, peripartum onset). Her book "Birth of aNew Brain - Healing from Postpartum Bipolar Disorder" will be published by Post Hill Press on October 10th 2017.

Dyane has been a freelance writer for twenty years and has written for the Huffington Post, Self Magazine, and Postpartum Support International. She founded a chapter of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and facilitated support groups for moms with mood disorders for nine years. Dyane lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California with her husband Craig, their daughters Avonlea and Marilla, and their Scotch collie Lucy.

69: Postpartum Feelings: Anger, rage, failure & guilt Sep 18, 2017

We talk about feeling bad about our bad feelings in postpartum & pregnancy. How many of us have had feelings in pregnancy or postpartum that we didn't understand, but then also felt guilt or failure for having them at all?

Melissa Divaris Thompson, LMFT shares with us some of her personal experience and a great discussion on the roller coaster of feelings that we may have related to anger, rage, failure and guilt.

This is SUCH a common mix of feelings. Most of us don't know about this, because we don't talk about it much as a society. SO, we get in to it here! Breaking the silence on anger and rage, normalizing the pattern and reducing the stigma of having negative feelings in motherhood and feelings with our babies, relationships and ourselves.

Listen in, deepen your understanding and feel understood. We got you mamas and parents!!!!

Connect with Melissa here:

www.embracingjoy.com

www.honestmamas.com

Twitter: Embracing_Joy

Twitter: HonestMamas

Melissa Divaris Thompson, LMFT

Is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in New York City, seeing primarily women in their 20s and 30s, pregnant women, and new moms. As a holistic and depth oriented therapist, her role is to support her clients in finding wholeness — mind, body, and spirit — creating more joy, ease, and healthy relationships.

68: Natural Disasters & Perinatal Women Sep 11, 2017

To those of you who are living through the natural disasters all over the world right now, the Mom & Mind Podcast is with you. Especially the pregnant and postpartum mothers and new families. In this episode, i'm adding my support and a couple of thoughts and ideas of how we can support you.

This episode is proudly supported by Maternal Mental Health Now and their online, self-paced, Perinatal Mental Health Training. We all really need to be trained in this, it’s essential. I can’t even count anymore the number of mothers who have said that they can’t find the appropriate help that they need, then suffer needlessly. The format that MMH Now offers, easy to integrate in to your life and work, because you can access it at your convenience. And they offer education units to boot! Go to www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org to check out their training.

In this episode, we touch on:

*It is essential to help reduce the level of stress for pregnant and postpartum mothers, especially now, as it helps them to have healthier pregnancies, healthier babies.

*For those of us who are able, it will be essential to give what you can to local and on the ground non-profits that support these mothers and families. Diapers, formula, toys, underwear, bras, used clothes and shoes, money, shelter, support. Anything you think you’d need if you were in their position.

*People who deal with any kind of devastation may not feel the weight of their stress right away. Sometimes after they are safe is when then they feel their feelings. Let's be checking in on folks for a while, not just for the next few weeks.

Resource for Pregnant and Postpartum support:

Postpartum Support International warm line and website:

1-800-944-4773

http://www.postpartum.net/get-help/locations/

Episode Sponsor:

Maternal Mental Health Now Online Training! You can learn more in-depth about perinatal mental health issues like (1) Risk Factors & Prevalence, (2) Symptoms & Diagnoses, (3) Screening & Assessment, (4) Attachment & Bonding, (5) Interventions, (6) Treatment Plans, and (7) Psychopharmalogical Considerations.

This training, given by experts in the field, is helpful to anyone who supports pregnant and postpartum families! Go to www.Maternalmentalhealthnow.org

Mom & Mind can be found wherever you listen to podcasts and at www.momandmind.com

67: Eating Disorders in Pregnancy & Postpartum Sep 04, 2017

Stefani Reinold, MD shares some about her personal experience through pregnancy and postpartum and how she is helping other moms cope and manage with eating disorders in the perinatal time.

This episode's super supporter: Maternal Mental Health NOW- Online maternal mental health training!

In this episode, we touch on:

-Pressures that mothers feel to keep weight down in pregnancy and lose weight postpartum.

-Dr. Reinold shares her story and getting a diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), potentially due to stress and not eating enough.

- What a mother may be experiencing with an eating disorder while pregnant or postpartum

- The pressures of weight gain/loss and the scale, binge eating disorder, restriction of food

-Who's at risk? History of eating disorder, anorexia, binge eating, other body image challenges?

- How marketing, social media, health care providers and other societal factors impact how we think and feel about ourselves.

Dr. Stefani Reinold

A Reproductive Psychiatrist, mother of two, and women’s mental health advocate. She has presented nationally and internationally on the topics of eating disorders, body dissatisfaction and body image in pregnancy and postpartum. Her mission is to encourage new moms to stop suffering and to start embracing motherhood.

Connect with Dr. Reinold:

www.stefanireinoldmd.com

Instagram: @pushpastpostpartum

Facebook: stefanireinoldmd

Sponsor!

This episode of the Mom & Mind Podcast is proudly supported by Maternal Mental Health Now. They offer an online training on all things related to Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. It is the only self paced and virtual training for perinatal mental health that you can do whenever you want and wherever you want. Find them online at www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org,

Also on FB, Twitter and IG:

Facebook: MaternalMentalHealthNow

Twitter: @mmhealthnow

Instagram: @maternalmentalhealthnow

66: Supporting "overweight" perinatal mothers Aug 28, 2017

Bebo Mia's Bianca and Natasha talk about what mothers deal with who are labeled as overweight.

Have you ever been labeled as being overweight, plus size or obese during pregnancy? Has that lead to providers telling you what you are or are not able to do in pregnancy and birth? Has that lead you to feel badly about yourself or "less than"? How does that impact your mental wellness?

Here's what we touch on:

-Myths of what "overweight" mothers are capable of in birthing and assumptions about their health in pregnancy.

-How the BMI labels women and their bodies.

-Stressors of weight gain in pregnancy and weight loss in the postpartum period.

-How some moms are losing there decision making power because of how they are being treated.

-Self advocacy and how to talk to your providers.

-Focusing on body positivity and informing mothers of their options.

Connect with Bebo Mia

Facebook & Instagram handles: @bebomiainc

Website: www.bebomia.com

Only for Mom & Mind Listeners!

Bebo Mia is offering 20% to you listeners off of all of their programs! use the code: MOMANDMIND

Check out these links (affiliate) to see if these workshops help you:

The doula training (next one begins Sept 28th) : https://jx201.isrefer.com/go/Doula/momandmind/The informational workshop for those who are thinking about doula work (on Sept 13th): https://jx201.isrefer.com/go/doulawebinar/momandmind/The sleep certification: https://jx201.isrefer.com/go/sleepybaby/momandmind/Bebo Mia

Bebo Mia is a training & mentorship organization for women in the maternal health field, including pregnancy/birth professionals, childbirth educators & parenting specialists. They offer comprehensive skills, business support & community care through an innovative online structure that spans a global market.

A very different culture from both the patriarchal boardroom model & the female-centric multi-level marketing industry, bebo mia offers opportunities for women to work from home while making an income for themselves and their families. They develop inclusive, accessible trainings for women that provide the skills needed to grow & sustain a lucrative business. Bebo mia remains fiercely committed to their original mission that was developed in 2008: To connect women to their intrinsic value and power.

65: Postpartum Psychosis, A Mothers Story Aug 21, 2017

Postpartum Psychosis, while rare, is very serious. 1-2 in 1,000 new mothers experience this and most have no idea what is going on. Kristina Dulaney shares her story and her journey through recovery.

The recovery process can be long. Kristina tells us about the length of her recovery and what she did to get back to herself. This is another important highlight of why we HAVE to educate mothers, families, healthcare providers and whoever will listen. Prevention and early intervention are NECESSARY!

Some of her story highlights why we HAVE to have more specialized units for postpartum mothers and very specifically for postpartum psychosis.

We have to understand this experience, treat these mothers well, with respect and with dignity. Then we have to educate everyone, get more resources that will actually help, rather than just contain them.

She describes how the support of her husband, family and faith really helped her to get to feeling better.

Kristina is working to reduce stigma and increase awareness, gather resources for her community in Tennessee. She is looking into the future to make sure resources are available for moms and families going forward.

Her message and hope for moms: reach out and get help.

Connect with Kristina here: www.facebook.com/intothelightandthriving

Her story here on Postpartum Progress:

http://www.postpartumprogress.com/experience-postpartum-psychosis-hospitalization-recovery

Kristina Dulaney now lives in East TN with her husband and 2 children, now 4 and 2. Her postpartum crisis occurred May 22,2015 when her youngest was 5 1/2 months old and they lived just outside of Greensboro at the time. She has made a full recovery and now advocates for perinatal mental health in her area. She enjoys spending time with her family and taking pictures!

64: Supporting Native American Mothers Aug 14, 2017

Julie Andrews, LCSW is sharing a glimpse of the Native or Indigenous mothers pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. This is such a valuable discussion and even though we just scratch the surface of cultural and societal understanding, it is a deeply needed start on our podcast to understanding Native mothers experience.

Julie discusses some of the mental health impacts affecting Native mothers related to pregnancy and postpartum. She is sharing what she's seen and understands mostly of the stressors and strengths of Native mothers in her local community.

She touches on the challenges of identity, historical trauma, current issues that mothers face in the local clinic and ways in which the community is working to support pregnant and postpartum mothers.

Connect with Julie

Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. http://www.rsbcihi.org/

Facebook Native RC

Julie Andrews, LCSW

Julie Andrews is an enrolled member of the Sicangu (sick an-gu) Band of the Lakota Nation/Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Ms. Andrews is an LCSW employed by Riverside San Bernardino County Indian Health Services Inc. in the Native American Resource Center since 2007. Ms. Andrews work includes the field of clinical mental health, prevention and early intervention, and domestic violence advocacy.

Riverside San Bernardino County Indian Health Services Inc.

Native American Resource Center

11980 Mt. Vernon Ave. Bldg B

Grand Terrace, Ca 92399

63: Encore of The Good Mother Aug 07, 2017

Encore! Dr. Diana Lynn Barnes

We are re-airing some episodes while I take a break and regroup for a moment! This is one of the popular episodes of the podcast. This one is #7, The Good Mother, and I think it's a great reminder for us to understand some of the myths of motherhood that we are all quietly fighting against.

Dr. Barnes shares some of her own experience, as well as her thoughts about the pressure of new motherhood. It's a tough job and we are generally too hard on ourselves! Listen in to this episode, even if you already have, its such valuable perspective.

Connect with Dr. Barnes

FB - Dr. Diana Lynn Barnes

twitter - @ppddoc

There is help and you will get better with the right help. If any of you listening need resources, go to www.postpartum.net, search "get help" and find someone in your state or country who may be able to support you.

CONNECT WITH Dr. Kat!!!

Go to www.momandmind to check out more episodes and grab a FREE download of 27 Top Tips for New Parents Mental health.

Podcast FB Page, Mom & Mind

OR the Mom & Mind Connection FB Group!

Twitter @drkaeni

Instagram @momandmind

62: Rewind! Postpartum Everything. Jul 31, 2017

My Postpartum Story - Redux

We are taking a short break from new episodes, 'cause well, this mama's taking a vacation! We won't leave you with no episodes though! We've picked a couple of the most popular episodes to Re-air over the break.

Here is an Encore of Episode #1, where I share my story of Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum ODC and well, Postpartum Rage. So many things were going on...intrusive thoughts, sadness and crying, a deep and almost painful love for my daughter and utter overwhelm. Most people wouldn't have guessed it by looking. I didn't even know what was going on.

On a lighter note, listen if you haven't before, just to hear how stiff I was and how bad the audio quality was! We've come a long way from Episode 1 to Episode 62! Yay for growth!

Anyhow, mamas who are suffering, please know that you are not alone. I went through it and so do many other people. There is help and you will get better with the right help. If any of you listening need resources, go to www.postpartum.net, search "get help" and find someone in your state or country who may be able to support you.

CONNECT WITH US!!!

Go to www.momandmind to check out more episodes and grab a FREE download of 27 Top Tips for New Parents Mental health.

Podcast FB Page, Mom & Mind

OR the Mom & Mind Connection FB Group!

Twitter @drkaeni

Instagram @momandmind

61: When The Bough Breaks - PPD Documentary & Personal Story Jul 24, 2017

Tanya Newbould - Producer of When The Bough Breaks and Personal Story of Postpartum Depression

*sensitive content at 7:00 & 20:50*

Tanya shares her personal journey with Postpartum Depression and how her experience sparked the beginning of the When The Bough Breaks - A Documentary about Postpartum Depression. Narrated and Executive Produced by Brook Shields, this documentary takes a close look at Perinatal Mental Health, with stories from mothers, partners, advocates and experts. The film features personal stories of postpartum depression from producers Lindsay Gerszt and Ms. Newbould, Carnie Wilson, Peggy Tanous, Aarti Sequeira and many other courageous women and partners.

Tanya tells us:

-About her personal experience of pregnancy, birth and postpartum

-How she came to know that she had postpartum depression and antenatal depression.

-How she coped and what helped her to recover

-What it was like to do the documentary after her own experience

This documentary is in over 70 countries in 5 different languages! You can find the film on iTunes, Netflix or even bring it to your community through a screening. Check out the links below and be sure to connect with them!

Connect with Tanya

Instagram-tanya4re

Twitter-@tanyanewbould

FB-Tanya J. Newbould

Find the Film

FB : https://www.facebook.com/whentheboughbreaksdoc/

iTunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/when-the-bough-breaks/id1210503223

Netflix : https://www.netflix.com/title/80175828

Tanya Newbould

Actress for over 20 years and Producer of When The Bough Breaks, a Point Of View Pictures feature-length documentary about postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders. Exectutive Produced and Narrated by Brook Shields, Directed and Produced by Jamielyn Lippman, Produced by Lindsay Gerszt and Ms. Newbould. Tanya and Lindsay connected in a common bond from suffering the same symptoms, but finding little to no in formation on the subjects, despite the big impact of Perinatal mood disorders.

60: PPD Coretta's Story & Helping Women of Color Jul 17, 2017

Coretta Rae Daniel – Postpartum Depression & Anxiety, Personal Story and helping women of color

*Sensitive Content, 17:45-20:45*

Coretta shares her personal story of postpartum depression, how it impacted her first months of motherhood. As she was coming out of the heaviness of PPD, she realized that the women of color in her community in Ohio did not have enough resources. So, she went to work. You will hear how passionate and driven she is to help mothers and women of color.

She talks about:

- Her experience through Postpartum Depression, worry, intrusive thoughts, colic and exhaustion

-How her experience impacted new motherhood

-The issues that she has seen in cultures and communities that make it difficult for women of color to get help.

-How to support mothers

-Her organization 2BNurtured that aims to help under- served and under-represented women and families.

Please connect with Coretta here:

Facebook: Coretta Rae Daniel

Instagram: @coretta.r.daniel

Twitter: CorettaRDaniel

Birthing Beautiful Communities: http://www.birthingbeautiful.org/

Coretta Daniel

Coretta Rae Daniel is a resident of Cleveland, OH, a wife, a full time mom of 16 month old Charles Jr. and 4 Month old Zaria. She holds her license in Social Work and will be pursuing her Master's in Clinical Mental Health this fall. It is with the birth of her son where she suffered and overcame postpartum depression and discovered her passion to help other minority women in her community find the support that she so longed for. She developed 2BNurtured in April 2016, a growing organization that seeks to build partnerships with others who desire to raise awareness of maternal mental health issues among the under-served and under-represented populations. It is her belief that motherhood should not be done alone.

If you know someone who would benefit from this episode, feel free to share this podcast as a resource. If you need support, please go to www.postpartum.net

For additional resources, access to all of the episodes, and links to iTunes, Stitcher Radio, GooglePlay Music, YouTube, please visit www.momandmind.com

Join our FB community, Mom & Mind Connection

59: Postpartum Anxiety, Ingrid's story Jul 10, 2017

Ingrid Esparza - Personal story of Postpartum Anxiety

Ingrid tells us about her experience after birth and in the early months of life with her new son. Again, we get to hear the powerful ways in which a mother copes and fights to get through medical complications, breastfeeding challenges and the anxiety that came with it all.

She tells us about:

- How a postpartum hemorrhage affected her and her first days of motherhood.

- The challenging experience with breastfeeding and how that fueled her anxiety

-Some factors to her experience, related to her Mexican culture that impacted your experience?

-How she dealt with and coped through the experience?

- How she is advocating for mothers now.

Thank you, Ingrid. By sharing your story, you are putting out a hand to help other moms find their way through.

Ingrid Esparza

Ingrid Esparza is originally from Mexico, but have lived in the US since she was 9 years old. She moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in October 2015 from Savannah, Georgia. She is married and has a son who will soon be 3 years old. She has the privilege of staying at home with her son, but plans to go back to work outside the home this fall. She has a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. She’s led a Climb out of the Darkness event in Lincoln for the past two years, and hope to continue to do more to bring awareness, education, and support to her community about Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

58: Finding Joy after Trauma Jul 03, 2017

Lindsay Marie Gibson

We discuss some topics that may be sensitive for some listeners.

Many mothers experience a trauma in life prior to having children. More specifically a sexual trauma. These experiences can sometimes come up and affect us in a way that we did not expect when we have kids.

Lindsay discusses her journey to find Joy after trauma. We talk about her inspirational path to healing and helping mothers, after going through harrowing life experiences.

-She shares about her children and the experiences of the birth of her first child, the loss of her second child, her rainbow baby, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and Postpartum depression.

-She shares how the loss of her son made it necessary to deal with her past trauma of rape and attempted murder at the age of 16.

-The devastation of postpartum depression after having her rainbow baby.

- She is healing through yoga, writing, spiritual coaching and other supportive approaches, and is helping mothers find their own joy and healing.

-She is writing a memoir of her life experience, with the goal of helping other mothers and families. (Link to support getting the Memoir published below)

If you are in need of support and are pregnant, experienced a loss or have babies, please contact www.posptartum.net to find resources in your area.

Connect with Lindsay:

http://lindsaymariegibson.com/

Support the book: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/just-be-how-my-stillborn-taught-me-to-surrender

FB - https://www.facebook.com/authorlindsaygibson/

IG - @authorlindsaygibson

Twitter - @LindsayMarieJoy

Always with Me Foundation www.alwayswithme.org

Lindsay Marie Gibson

Hello! My name is Lindsay and I am a Motivational Speaker, Writer, Doula, Trauma Yoga Instructor, Birth Psychology Specialist and Joy Restoration/Health Coach for Mamas.

I wear many hats in the work that I do but my focus is helping to bring light back into women that promotes inner healing. I am the creator of my 7-Week therapeutic writing series, “Journal Back to Joy." Here in Connecticut, I also teach my JOYoga® series.

They are yoga classes for women that are designed to prepare for Motherhood, mind, body and spirit, clear energy and restore JOY!

I spend most of my time taking care of my two young blondie daughters, Lillian and Layla, being a wife to my Irish (brogue and all) husband Jason, and all that motherhood/wifely duties entail.

I am also a mother to my angel son above, Joseph, whose love shines through me every day. My greatest passion is writing to inspire through my heart and through God. I am currently working on my first book, an inspirational memoir, entitled "Just Be" so stay tuned!

57: Understanding Birth Trauma Jun 26, 2017

Dr. Rebecca Moore - Understanding Birth Trauma

We are discussing traumatic birth experience and it's impacts. Did you know that someone could feel traumatized by their experience and you can't tell by looking at them? Yep, sometimes a traumatic experience can happen that only the birthing mother is aware of. Sometimes it's very clear that there is a trauma. Dr. Moore talks about -the Medical system in the UK and how they are helping mothers -What is birth trauma? -How it can affect the birthing mother and partner -working across cultures -Her birth trauma conference and upcoming book on birth trauma. Connect with Dr. Moore on twitter: @dr_bjm Dr. Rebecca Moore Dr. Moore is a UK London based psychiatrist who has worked in the perinatal field for 20 years. She has a special expertise in Birth Trauma and runs an annual conference in London each year. She works in a very deprived area of London where 50% of the population are Bangladeshi. She is a 70/30 Ambassador a UK scheme to reduce child maltreatment by 70% by 2030. She is also a Winston Churchilll Fellow for 2017 and is funded to travel to the US to meet colleagues there and produce a report. She is writing her first book on Birth Trauma and it's due to be published in 2018 Please visit www.momandmind.com and consider a donation to support keeping this podcast afloat to get these amazing resources and information out to the people in need. Thank you

56: Alliance for Women of Color Jun 19, 2017

Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for Women of Color – PMHAWOC

Here are three powerhouse women who have come together to co-found a beautiful and needed organization focusing on perinatal mental health for women of color. This is what closing the gaps and supporting women of color, in a BIG way, looks like. Divya Kumar, Desiree Israel and Jabina Coleman are doing outstanding work.

Please listen in, connect with PMHAWOC, learn about the work that's being done and what still needs to be done. Also, connect with each of the co-founders individually via their contact info listed below.

In this episode, we all get to learn about these women and the amazing work that the organization is doing.

Connect here:

http://www.pmhawoc.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pmhawoc

www.postpartum.net

Divya B. Kumar

ScM, CPD, CLC

Divya is a South Asian American woman who holds a Masters in Public Health and is a certified lactation counselor. Her work connects postpartum support with public health by addressing unmet needs in the structure and delivery of perinatal support services. In 2013, she helped create a postpartum depression prevention pilot program in four community health centers in Massachusetts and currently provides comprehensive perinatal support at Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center. She is a Commissioner on the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression and also co-founded the Every Mother Project, an organization that provides training and support for women’s health professionals around addressing perinatal emotional complications. A writer and a truth-teller, Divya brings a fresh voice, compassion, and humor to her work with new families. She lives in Jamaica Plain, MA with her husband and two children.

Connect with Divya: http://www.divyakumar.org/

Desiree Israel

LGSW

Through her own journey into motherhood, Desirée knows just how far compassion can go. With a foundation of authenticity, integrity and fully understanding the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” Desirée works each day to assist women in their own journeys and understanding through motherhood, postpartum support and healing. As a licensed social worker, Usui Reiki II practitioner and perinatal psychotherapist in Baltimore, MD, and the owner of her private practice, Postpartum Recovery, Desirée assists women decipher the funk of motherhood through integrative and eclectic therapeutic modalities. When she's not tending to her two sons, Desiree is a volunteer for Postpartum Support International and board member for 2020 Mom Project.

Connect with Desiree:

Website: www.desireeisrael.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pprecovery

Instagram: @pprecovery

Twitter: @DLIsrael

Jabina Coleman

LSW, IBCLC

She makes breastfeeding a habit and a hobby. Jabina, a mother of two, Licensed Social Worker and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant has dedicated more than a decade of her life to protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. Jabina focuses a lot of her work on educating women, families and the community to make informed decision about breastfeeding. She empowers women to trust their bodies throughout the perinatal period and provides guidance during the process. She specializes in perinatal mood disorders and helping women and families adjust to motherhood and parenting. Jabina lives in the Philadelphia, PA area.

Connect with Jabina: http://lifehouseorg.weebly.com/

55: SOAPBOX EDITION!!! Celebrating 1 year! Jun 12, 2017

Dr. Kat - Soapbox edition, sounding off!

Hey everyone! It’s just me in this episode, to bring you a special soapbox edition of Mom & Mind. Basically, there are some things that get me really heated about new parenthood, pressures on new moms and dads and the way that we look at the transition to becoming a parent. I have a few choice thoughts…I’m sure you can relate…and I’m sure I won’t cover ALL of them.

This episode marks THE one year anniversary of Launching the Mom & Mind podcast! Thank you so much for listening and being a part of this journey into podcasting!!!! It’s sort of hard to believe that it’s been a year, it’s gone by so quickly, I still feel like the podcast just started. I do know that I’m more comfortable doing this than I was a year ago, that’s for sure.

I’m getting soapboxy about is harsh reality stuff that LOTS and LOTs of women face... I’m speaking for all of us who ever thought or felt “why didn’t anyone tell me about this”, “I feel crazy”, “this sucks”, “I’m not getting enough help”, “im

Some of the topics:

*Motherhood is magical

*You’ll just know what to do

*Getting pregnant, staying pregnant, giving birth, being a new mother is “easy”,

*You’ll love everything about motherhood

*I'm a Bad Mother

*Cant’ say anything negative

*Pressure from society

*Where’s the f’ing village? Who said we are supposed to do this by ourselves, oh, and also do everything else. THIS IS NOT A VACATION.

*You feel crazy without enough sleep

*People don’t believe you when you say you’re not doing well

NEW STUFF JUST FOR YOU ALL!

Download just for you! We’ve put together a list of the 27 Top Tips for New Parents for Mental Health! There are 27 Experts and advocates who have come together from this years episodes to give you their wisdom to help you through the transition to parenthood. I LOVE THIS LIST! Please go grab it from the podcast page website at www.momandmind.com

Facebook Group- So, in honor of the year anniversary and of all of you amazing folks listening out there, This is an official announcement! The podcast now has a place just for you, a new FB group called Mom & Mind Connection. I’m personally inviting all of you to join in this closed group, that’s just for listeners to have a place to connect, ask questions about episodes and topics of perinatal mental health, get resources and know that you are not alone. This won’t be a formal support group, as there are already so many great ones out there on FB and online. But it Will be a place to be honest about things, get inspiration or ideas on wellness, have a forum to ask the questions about the podcast episodes that you want more answers for.

Support for the Podcast! I’m looking forward to continuing on with the podcast, for as long as I can! While it is a labor of love, it also does cost me quite a bit in time and money. Moving forward, I’ll be looking into sponsorships to help support the growth of the podcast and cover costs which will allow me more time to develop other perinatal mental health projects. When the time is right and the kind of sponsorship is right, you all will hear that the podcast has the support of some organizations or companies. Until then, I’ll be adding a Donation Page for the podcast.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST ---- THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU!!!!! I'm so happy to have you on board and thank you so much for listening!!!!

54: LGBTQ Perinatal Mental Health Jun 05, 2017

Elyse Springer, MFT

Elyse shares vital info and awareness in this focused conversation on LGBTQ perinatal mental health. There are many many facets to cover, so in this chat, we start with some basics and dig a little deeper into these aspects:

-Elyse talks with us about LGBTQ fundamentals and how people identify themselves, sexuality, gender and attraction.

-Perinatal mental health is not just "maternal" or "paternal", it's everybody.

- LBGTQ parents having to "pass" in straight spaces and the stress that comes with that dynamic.

- Intrusiveness of questions from others to explain pregnancy, sexuality and gender related to pregnancy and postpartum.

- Trauma related to the history of the person, coming out or other stressors as it can impact the carrier of the child.

-Not enough research or studies into the factors that may contribute to postpartum mood disorders for LGBTQ.

-Lack of access to care, increased stigma, community inclusion, "fitting" into a category.

-Touch on current politics and how that stress could impact making and having a family.

- We touch on the intersection of LBGTQ and race

There is so much more depth that we can cover and need to cover as you can see from our talk. I'm so glad to learn from my guests and I hope you are too. Please write in to momandmind@gmail.com to send me your thoughts on this and any other episodes of Mom & Mind.

Connect with Elyse:

http://www.elysespringer.com/

Twitter: @espringermft

Elyse Springer M.A., M.F.T. is a licensed marriage and family therapist focusing on perinatal mental health, anxiety and depression, death and loss, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and creative blocks. Elyse is training faculty and Governing Council for Maternal Mental Health Now, board member for 2020 Mom and past co-chair of the Los Angeles County HIV Mental Health Task Force.

53: Naturopathic Medicine in Pregnancy & Postpartum May 29, 2017

Dr. Christine White, ND - Fascinating Discussion about Whole-Person perinatal wellness.

What is Naturopathic Medicine and how can it help you? Dr. White tells us how she supports whole-person wellness. We discuss the ways in which pregnant or postpartum mothers can be supported by this type of care, specifically when dealing with postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and postpartum psychosis.

As. Dr. White states "Stress and life change and sleep deprivation are extraordinarily impactful on the being" and we need to address these things to support the perinatal period.
This is great information, specifically for mothers who have tried to get support through conventional medicine, but are still not able to feel well.
Sometimes there are underlying hormonal or systemic issues that can be addressed for increased wellness.
We discuss hormone testing, neurotransmitter testing and so many other cool assessments.
How to work with a conventional doctor AND have the support of a Naturopathic doctor as well.
I share a little bit about my own experience with Naturopathic medicine as well, specifically related to hormone imbalances.

Our chat aims to give you another avenue and perspective on health and wellness, options for care and a deeper understanding of how our bodies function during the perinatal period.

I'd love to know what you all think about this episode and welcome your feedback! click here to take a quick survey on your experience listening to Mom & Mind: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S6DD7YK

Resources from Dr. White:

If you are interested in finding a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor, go to http://www.naturopathic.org/

Dr. White Website: http://montananaturalmedicine.com/

Dr. White Facebook - Black Bear Naturopathic Clinic, PC - https://www.facebook.com/Black-Bear-Naturopathic-Clinic-PC-157397260960749/

Dr. Christine White, naturopathic physician, has a general family practice in Missoula, MT where she treats patients along the full spectrum from prenatal to hospice care support. As a naturopathic physician her focus is on treating the whole person, regardless of the specific diagnosis, and working to uncover the underlying, root causes of illness. She has become increasingly involved in the care of women dealing with perinatal mood disorders and offering perspective and treatment options beyond traditional medication options. Dr. White regularly collaborates with colleagues across many disciplines and specialties in the health care realm.

Dr. White is actively involved in the profession of naturopathic medicine serving in the state naturopathic association, including past president, as well as holding a Governor appointed seat on the State of Montana’s Board of Alternative Health Care, the licensing board for naturopathic physicians in Montana.

52: REAL self care for mamas May 22, 2017

Graeme Seabrook, The Postpartum Mama, shares her personal story through a very difficult postpartum depression and how it shaped the work that she does to support moms now. She talks about real self care - not just nice things to do for yourself, but how to change things in your life to keep yourself on the priority list. She is passionate, engaged and upbeat, I'm sure you'll enjoy our chat!

Listen in to her insights on what real self care is and why your self care actually important for your family too! There are things you can do to help in pregnancy and postpartum to cope!

Find Graeme here:

Website: www.graemeseabrook.com Twitter: @graemeseabrook Instagram at @Graemeseabrook

Graeme Seabrook is a Life Coach who works with moms to find and re-center themselves in their lives. She is a blogger, a speaker, and a course creator and a mom.

51: Postpartum Suicide - The loss of a wife & mother May 15, 2017

Raul Martinez - Postpartum Suicide- The loss of a wife and mother.

After losing his wife, Kelly, Raul became a powerful advocate for moms and families. He shares about Kelly, his message to mothers and partners and the work that he does now to advocate for better care of perinatal mothers and families.

We talk about how postpartum mood changes impacted his wife and the how knowing what he knows now, what he would have helped to do differently.
He shares about the loss of his wife Kelly, her complications from postpartum depression, her specific risk factors which lead to her suicide when their daughter was just 3 months old.
He discusses things to look out for and how sleep deprivation factored in for Kelly.
Raul emphasizes to take care of the mom too, not just the baby.
He offers advice for partners of new mothers

Resources

If you or someone you know may be struggling, please reach out. You can look at www.postpartum.net, Postpartum Support international for resources in your area as well as information about symptoms and risk factors.

Raul shares Kelly's story is in the recently released Documentary - When the Bough Breaks - A Documentary about Postpartum Depression

www.mmhcoalition.com

www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org

www.postpartumstress.com

Please take a short minute to complete this anonymous survey about your listening experience: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S6DD7YK

Raul Martinez lost his wife, Kelly, to complications with postpartum depression in 2010, when their daughter was only 3 months old. Since then, Raul has become an advocate for improvements in perinatal depression awareness, prevention, and treatment. Raul has been featured in documentaries about postpartum depression and has spoken before the California Legislature, at medical training seminars, and to numerous community groups in an attempt to raise awareness and to effect change on behalf of the women, children, and families of California.

50!! Jane Honikman - Roots of Maternal Mental Health & Beyond May 08, 2017

EPISODE 50! Jane Honikman - Mother of Maternal Mental Health

2 OMG's at once, Jane Honikman is on with us and we are at Episode 50! I'm honored to bring you this weeks episode with Jane, she is the founder of Postpartum Support International which is having it's 30 year anniversary AND the co-founder of Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) coming up on it's 40 year anniversary this June!

Most recently, Jane also co-founded the Postpartum Action Institute, which she runs with Shoshanna Bennett, PhD.

In this episode:

-Jane talks with us about how Maternal Mental Health as a discipline began, how it's changed and what she hopes to see as we move forward.

-The collaboration with Dr. James Hamilton of Marce Society, in getting psychiatry, science, medicine and social supports engaged in helping moms and families.

-Silos of healthcare that have made it difficult to establish care for families.

-On caring for people, focusing on wellness - "you don't wait for someone to be ill, you automatically assume everybody needs support"

-Maternal Mental health should be more about Parental Mental Health because it is about THE WHOLE FAMILY!