August 04, 2025

433: Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation About Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood with Dr. Jessica Vernon, OB/GYN

45 minutes

Today’s guest returns to the podcast with her passion for perinatal mental health, and I’m honored to share our conversation with you about her work and her new book, which offers holistic and realistic support for new parents. We cover topics related to birth and postpartum with her real and honest perspective as an Ob/Gyn. Join us!

Dr. Jessica Vernon, PMH-C, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has cared for and supported thousands of people throughout their reproductive journeys during the past 15 years. She is the Associate Medical Director and the Director of Mental Health at Oula, a midwifery-based women’s health startup in New York City. As a mom of two, she brings her lived experience in the transition to parenthood to her work, along with a deep passion for providing holistic, people-centered, culturally humble care. Dr. Jessica has developed programs to increase access to perinatal mental health care and improve health equity. She has received professional recognition and been quoted in the media for her work and expertise in the field, as well as for her openness in sharing her story. She serves on the board of directors for Postpartum Support International and is the author of Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation About Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood.

Show Highlights:

An integration of a passion for perinatal mental health, motherhood, and her practice as an OB/GYN

The OB/GYN’s role in treating “uncomplicated” postpartum anxiety and depression

Dr. Jessica’s current role in collaboration with midwives

The decision to write Then Comes Baby

The biggest postpartum struggles for new parents

Learning to use language with patients that allows them to accept their new feelings and emotions

The art of communication and sitting with people–when it’s not taught in medical school

Meeting diverse people where they are and with the understanding they need, not with ONE strict protocol for everyone

Overcoming cultural factors in transitioning to parenthood and accepting help

Matrescence: the changes and shifts in the transition into motherhood

An overview of the topics and structure of Dr. Jessica’s book, Then Comes Baby

In postpartum, it’s essential to take a pause until your body is ready to resume normal activities.

Dr. Jessica’s hopes for those who read her book

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Jessica Vernon: Website, Instagram, and Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation About Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood.

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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By Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C

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