What assumptions do you think are made about pregnancy and the postpartum experience? Doula Davinah Simmons and postpartum-focused therapist Julie Davidson, LMHC join Carter Umhau, LMHC to explore the ways in which our society under-prepares the birthing person or mother for the "emotional infancy" that begins when baby arrives. They'll explore how the perinatal experience brings about new body image concerns, can impact eating disorder recovery, and the identity crisis that can often ensue. This conversation elucidates the powerful work that is required in matrescence, and why this "development phase" requires a new way of thinking about body, personhood, attachment, and becoming.

Learn more about the work of Davinah Simmons at https://www.bornrooted.com/ and on Instagram @rootedbirthdoula

Learn more about Julie Davidson, LMHC's work at http://www.juliedavidsoncounseling.com/ and on Instagram @onbeingamother

Alexandra Sacks' TED talk on matrescence: https://www.ted.com/talks/alexandra_sacks_a_new_way_to_think_about_the_transition_to_motherhood?language=en

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Thank you to our team...

Editing by Hans Anderson: http://www.hfanderson.com/

Music by Aaron Davidson: https://soundcloud.com/diet75/

Daniel Guenther at Jack Straw Cultural Center: http://www.jackstraw.org/

Host and Producer Carter Umhau: www.carterumhau.com