This week is Maternal Mental Health Week, and many organizations are joining us in being as loud as possible to spread the word that these conditions do exist, that mothers need support, and that resources are available. Sharing people’s stories on this podcast is how I help spread the message, and today’s episode focuses on Sarah’s motherhood story and the memoir she has written to help others. Join us!

Sarah Hoover is a writer, cultural critic, and former Gagosian director whose work spans art, fashion, motherhood, and feminism. She just released a new book, The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood, a beautiful, vulnerable, raw, and very real story of her motherhood experience. Her writing highlights some ways that we, as a society, are failing mothers, and Sarah’s writing shares what she went through in her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Her debut memoir is a darkly funny, unfiltered critique of modern motherhood, praised by Oprah Daily as a “long overdue reality check.” After earning degrees from NYU and Columbia, Sarah built a career in the art world before turning to writing. Her essays on motherhood, identity, and cultural expectations have appeared in multiple publications, and she is the co-founder of the accelerator committee at American Valley Theater, in addition to serving on the board of the Art Production Fund. She makes her home in Manhattan with her husband and two children. 

Show Highlights:

Sarah’s story of her first pregnancy triggered memories and disconnection from her baby

A “perfect storm of triggers”!

Sarah’s situation: She wasn’t enjoying anything about motherhood and lied to everyone with parroted responses about being “fine.”

Rebuilding her identity without her career

Instead of joy, Sarah felt depleted, stuck, and unseen.

A breakdown of Sarah’s relationship with her mother and her views of motherhood

Finding support and help—finally!

Huge gaps in the questionnaire for postpartum moms—we can do better!

Breaking down the wall of shame to be honest and vulnerable

It’s healthy to complain! Share your feelings!

Healing and finding connection with her son

Sarah’s second pregnancy, when she was determined to do things differently and advocate for herself

An overview of Sarah’s book—it’s not just for moms!

Resources:

Connect with Sarah Hoover: Website, Instagram, and The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood

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!

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