Today’s episode focuses on patients who receive devastating news during the perinatal period. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common, and complexities are affecting both the patient and the medical provider, most notably the delicate balance of professionalism, compassion, and humanity. Our conversation explores the psychological impacts and ways of handling these situations. 

Dr. Christiane Manzella is a senior licensed psychologist at the Seleni Institute, a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive reproductive and maternal mental health services. She specializes in working with individuals navigating bereavement, trauma, fertility challenges, miscarriages, late-term loss, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons, child loss, and life transitions. Her purposeful and caring manner helps her patients recover and navigate these complex situations. 

Dr. Babalola (Femi) Jinadu is a board-certified OB-GYN with over a decade of experience in women’s health. He earned his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Jersey City Medical Center. He currently practices medicine in northern New Jersey, specializing in comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care. He is affiliated with Holy Name Hospital in addition to the Hackensack Meridian Health and Atlantic Health networks. Dr. Jinadu has been featured on the Hot and Bothered Podcast, discussing the economic impact of women’s health issues. He serves on the boards of the New Jersey Partnership for Maternal Health and Seleni, a nonprofit focused on maternal mental healthcare and clinician education. His dedication to patient care and medical education highlights his commitment to advancing women’s health. 

Show Highlights:

Dr. Manzella’s perspective on giving patients the bad news that becomes a “flashbulb moment” in their lives, based on how they are cared for

Dr. Jinadu’s perspective on delivering the very best news—and the very worst news

Understanding that people connect with different doctors in different ways, especially when there has been a tragic loss

Establishing trust and rapport with compassion and understanding

A definite shift in medical care to emphasize the hospitality aspect of patient care, rather than simply delivering data and treatment options

Mental health IS healthcare.

The long-term effects of perinatal bad news and the loss of hopes and dreams

Reaching out with humanity as a physician in pivotal moments

Dr. Jinadu’s thoughts about the impact of loss on a partner

Dr. Manzella’s work with couples in grief and loss

A patient’s perspective on how they wish to be treated in grief and loss

The doctors’ perspectives on patients using AI, Google, and social media for medical care

Key takeaways from Dr. Manzella and Dr. Jinadu 

Resources:

Connect with Seleni, Seleni Instagram, Dr. Jinadu Instagram, Dr. Jinadu Creative Tyde, and Dr. Jinadu LinkedIn

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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