Beyond Baby Blues: Recognizing and Managing Postpartum Mood Disorders

Postpartum is a time of profound change, but how do you know when your emotions are part of the normal adjustment—or when they signal something more? In this episode of Buffalo Birth Talk, I sit down with Colleen Young, an experienced doula and postpartum doula, to explore Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs).

We discuss:
✔️ The difference between “baby blues” and a postpartum disorder
✔️ Signs and symptoms of PMADs
✔️ How postpartum mood disorders present differently
✔️ Resources and support options for new parents

No one should have to navigate postpartum struggles alone. This conversation sheds light on an often-overlooked topic and provides guidance for those seeking support. 💛

🎧 Listen now and share with a friend who might need this!

Resources:

https://www.wnypostpartum.com/

https://www.postpartum.net/

Join me for a conversation with Elizabeth, a 30-year-old Nutritional Therapy Practitioner specializing in unexplained infertility and PCOS. Inspired by her own fertility journey, she’s passionate about helping women uncover root causes, restore balance, and support their body’s natural ability to heal. With a holistic approach that challenges conventional Western medicine, Elizabeth empowers women with the education they deserve to nourish their bodies and enhance their fertility—naturally.

Elizabeth can be found on instagram atinstagram.com/primalrootsfertility

Mamas, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention—your pelvic floor! 

This week, I’m joined by Racquel Kurzweg, DPT, founder of Adore Your Core Physical Therapy in Buffalo. Racquel is on a mission to help women feel strong, supported, and informed through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and beyond.

We dive into:

If you’re expecting, recovering, or just curious about how to better support your body, this episode is a must-listen! 

Racquel can be found on Instagram: instagram.com/adoreyourcorept

Meet Anna Gavlock, a Center for Babywearing Studies Certified Educator, mother of two, and Speech Language Pathologist!  She’s passionate about helping parents find the best babywearing options, from the newborn stage to toddlerhood and beyond.

Anna’s babywearing journey began with her first child, and after realizing there was a gap in local resources, she decided to get certified and now runs a rental program with over 50 carriers! 

On this episode, we dive into:
 How to choose the perfect carrier for your needs
 The benefits of babywearing for both parents and babies
 Anna’s tips for comfort and confidence in every carry
 And so much more!

Whether you're new to babywearing or a seasoned pro, Anna’s expert advice will empower you on your parenting journey.

Anna can be found on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buffalobundles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/747550000658945

Email:

[email protected]

Dr. Kathleen and her team at Buffalo Pelvic Health & Acupuncture Clinic, utilize the Shockwave Machine- from Softwave TRT. BPHAC is one of the only clinics in Western New York offering this cutting-edge technology.

If you're looking for more information, Dr. Kathleen Ross can be contacted at 716-325-0427, email [email protected] or Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/buffalo.phac

Dr. Hallie is a native Buffalonian and a nationally certified and state licensed doctor of acupuncture and East Asian medicine. Valedictorian of her graduating class at Pacific College of Health and Science in New York City, she spent five years of academic concentration in both eastern and western medicine. She is certified from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in oncology acupuncture. Additionally, she has studied acupuncture for stroke recovery with the renowned Claudia Citkovitz, Phd, L.Ac., orthopedic acupuncture techniques with Whitfield Reaves, OMD, L.Ac., and obtained her certification in facial acupuncture rejuvenation from Pacific College of Health and Science NYC.

 Dr. O'Gorman is a certified member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe based in the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. She began Community First Acupuncture and Wellness Inc., a non-profit organization, to be able to give back to Native American populations and to provide the medicine to people of all financial backgrounds. She believes that East Asian medicine, whether used alone or in conjunction with other modalities, is highly effective at addressing root causes of diseases. This treatment method allows for significant and long lasting results that have been the signature of the medicine for thousands of years. 

Dr. Hallie can be found at https://bphac.com/

Emily is a Postpartum Doula, Matrescence Activist, Motherhood Coach, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse and founder of Love Grow Release - helping women through their transition into motherhood.

Emily is a ICF certified coach having graduated from the accredited Mama Rising program. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and Masters of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner. She is CPR certified and has training in lactation, matrescence and postpartum depletion. She continues to study the changes that occur in motherhood. Prior to starting a family she worked for over a decade in multiple healthcare settings as a RN then a board certified Nurse Practitioner.

After having her first child she was shaken to her core, she could not understand why she felt so lost and alone. She knew in the first week postpartum she wanted to do something to help mamas through this massive shift. She discovered matrescence and she began her journey towards healing. Having lived through a very challenging first three years of motherhood, she understands what it is like to be in the deep of it. Love Grow Release was formed to help moms know they are not alone in their motherhood journey.

When not helping other mamas, she enjoys savoring her coffee, gardening, being in nature, and playing with her little.

In addition to working with her clients, Emily teaches online, facilitates mama circles and mother blessing ceremonies.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley and Emily discuss matressence, the role of community in motherhood, mama connection circles, motherhood blessing ceremonies and online education and resources for moms.

Emily can be found on instagram https://www.instagram.com/lovegrowrelease/

or on her website at:

https://www.lovegrowrelease.com/

Dr. Ashley began her career in physical therapy in 2019. Shortly after graduation, she took an interest in pelvic health and from there it took off. 

Dr. Ashley is particularly passionate about reproductive health, as well as pregnancy, postpartum care, and pelvic pain. Her personal experiences with reproductive health have fueled her commitment to exploring how physical therapy,  and more recently become certified in Mercier Therapy under Dr. Jennifer Mercier herself. 

She is excited to bring this therapy to the area and spread the word about it!

https://www.instagram.com/a_la_pelvis/

Dr. Alana is a WNY native and boy mom of 2. She graduated from D’Youville college with her doctor of chiropractic degree in 2013 and received her Webster certification in 2016. She has been specializing in prenatal, postpartum and pediatric chiropractic work ever since.

It was Dr. Alana’s own journey into motherhood that made her want to specialize in this type of work. She is passionate about helping families not just survive, but thrive in this transformative period of life. 

In this episode, Dr. Ashley & Dr. Alana discuss Dr. Alana's journey into chiropractic, the difference between regular chiropractic care vs Webster's certified chiropractic care, Dr. Alanas VBAC story and empowerment through knowledge in birth. Dr. Alana can be found at the Cary house on Franklin st or through her social media page

www.instagram.com/dr.alana.flitt

Dr. Meghan earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Nazareth College in 2010. She practiced in acute care and outpatient settings in California and Maryland before returning to New York.

Dr. Meghan specializes in pelvic health physical therapy with a certification in postpartum corrective exercise and training from the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Institute and the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. She can treat numerous conditions, including pelvic girdle and low back pain in pregnancy and postpartum, diastasis recti, pelvic and c-section scar management, coccyx pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, constipation, pelvic pain, and more.

Dr. Meghan is also able to offer pregnant patients labor and c-section preparation education and methods. Other clinical specialties include orthopedic conditions with a particular interest in treating shoulder and knee injuries. She enjoys empowering patients to take control and manage their pain to return to the activities they enjoy.

Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and getting outside whenever the sun is shining! Her hobbies include swimming, resistance training and yoga.

Dr. Meghan can be found at MVPT in Amherst across from the Wegmans on Niagara Falls BLVD.

3190 Niagara Falls BLVD

Suite 18

Amherst , NY 14228

or Email

[email protected]