Delivered: finding victory after Postpartum Depression

In this special episode of Delivered, we are joined by Erin Ference, MSW. You may remember Erin from Episode 33—and now she's back to share the next chapter of her story. In this powerful episode, we explore what happens when the people we trust with our care get it wrong and how finding your voice can change everything. This episode dives into the emotional, physical, and mental toll of being misdiagnosed, while offering practical tools to help you advocate for yourself with clarity and confidence.

Join us to hear Erin's story of resilience, lessons learned through frustration, and the transformative moment when speaking up becomes a form of self-protection. Whether you've felt dismissed, overlooked, or misunderstood, this conversation reminds you that your body, your intuition, and your experiences matter.

If you're navigating your own uncertainty or searching for answers, this episode will empower you to step forward, ask the right questions, and insist on the care you deserve. Your voice isn't just valid—it's vital!!

Erin's Instagram: @emr.mrs

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In this episode of Delivered, we're raising a glass to two incredible years of stories, growth, and connection! In this special anniversary episode, we take a heartfelt look back at some of our favorite moments, most meaningful conversations, and the milestones that have shaped this podcast into what it is today. From unexpected lessons to unforgettable guests, we're celebrating it all — and sharing a glimpse of what's to come in the next chapter.

Whether you've been here since day one or just joined the community, this episode is a thank-you to you — our listeners — for being part of this journey. Tune in for laughter, reflection, and a few surprises as we toast to two years and the exciting road ahead!

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In this episode of Delivered, we are joined by Becky Imbimbo, who attended college with Athena at EMU, Go Eagles! Becky joins this week's episode to explore how even the darkest seasons—like Postpartum Depression—can give rise to unexpected beauty and growth. Becky built her brand, The Always Busy Mama, during her Postpartum struggle and today it has spanned into a full custom jewelry business and a newly furnished consulting business as well! In this episode, they reflect on how struggle can become a catalyst for strength, connection, and purpose. This conversation is a reminder that even in life's most challenging moments, something profoundly good can emerge. If you're walking through a difficult season yourself, this episode offers a gentle reminder that healing and hope are still possible—and that beauty can be found among the ashes.

Becky's Instagram/Facebook: @thealwaysbusymama Jewelry: www.thealwaysbusymama.com Consulting: consulting.thealwaysbusymama.com Wholesale Jewelry: https://thealwaysbusymama.com/pages/wholesale To learn more about Delivered and sign up for my newsletter, go to https://athenaestelle.com/

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In this episode of Delivered, we are joined by a fun, local friend Alanna. Alanna opens up about her Bipolar Depression history & how that affected her mental health while expecting. Depression during pregnancy is more common than many realize—and yet, it's often surrounded by silence and stigma. In this episode, we open the conversation with Alanna and her honesty and compassion, exploring what it means to experience depression while expecting. From understanding the emotional and physiological factors at play to identifying signs, seeking help, and finding hope, we'll discuss how healing can begin even before birth. Whether you're an expectant mother, a partner, or a healthcare provider, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical tools to support mental wellness during a woman's most transformative times.

Alanna's Instagram: @alannajeanr

Alanna's food blog, Click Here!

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In this episode of Delivered, we are joined by Kristin Revere, Newborn Care Specialist, Doula, & Owner of Gold Coast Doulas. As both a mother and a highly trained doula, Kristin brings a powerful balance of personal insight and professional expertise. Join us as we sit down with Kristin to uncover the profound impact doula care can have from pregnancy through postpartum. Kristin shares her wealth of experience supporting families during one of life's most transformative seasons, highlighting the emotional, physical, and informational guidance doulas provide. Together, we explore what it means to feel seen, supported, and empowered through birth and beyond, and why investing in doula care can make all the difference in your journey into parenthood.

To learn more about Kristin & Gold Coast Doulas, Click Here!

To buy Kristin's book Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby, Click Here!

Kristin's Instagram: @goldcoastdoulas

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In this episode of Delivered, we are so grateful to be joined by Kiona, the creator and podcaster of her amazing show, Birth As We Know It. Kiona is a mother of 3, a birth doula, a birth assistant, and a former midwife student who has supported over 140 birthing families. Today we are turning the tables to interview Kiona about her postpartum experiences.

Postpartum depression is far more than just the "baby blues"—it's a complex emotional, mental, and physical experience that affects countless new mothers and their families. In this episode, we explore the importance of recognizing the often-overlooked signs of postpartum depression and the critical steps toward healing. From understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors at play to exploring effective treatment options and supportive resources, we shed light on what recovery can look like. Whether you're a new mom, a partner, or someone who supports mothers, this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and hope for navigating one of the most challenging chapters of motherhood.

Kiona's podcast, Birth As We Know It: Listen on Apple! Listen on Spotify!

Kiona's IG: @birthasweknowitpodcast

Athena's episode on the BAWKI podcast, Episode 38: Click Here!!

Postpartum Support International

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In this episode of Delivered, we are joined by one of my greatest friends, Emilie Reyes, who is a Licensed Massage Therapist and has a powerful story to share! In this deeply personal episode, Emilie will share how past trauma shapes the way we mother—our choices, our fears, our resilience, and our healing. Whether it's a traumatic event (or two!), pregnancy issues, or birth trauma, trauma doesn't disappear when a baby arrives; instead, it often resurfaces in unexpected ways. Join us as we sit down with Emilie, who has walked through the fire to discuss how trauma informs the mothering journey—and how, through awareness, support, and healing, those wounds can become a source of strength, resiliency, and wisdom. This episode is a reminder that healing is possible, and that every story matters!

Terms in this episode:

Prosthetic eye: an artificial eye that is placed when someone does not have an eye or must have one removed after a traumatic event

Eneucleation: the removal of the eye from the orbit

Emilie's Instagram: @emanne319

Emilie's Nuvita link: CLICK HERE!

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In this episode of Delivered, we are so grateful to be joined by Dr. Jessica Vernon, MD, PMH-C. Dr. Jessica is a Board-Certified OB/GYN who has cared for and supported thousands of people throughout their reproductive journeys over the past 15 years. She is the Clinical Director of Product as well as an Associate Medical Director at Oula, a midwifery based women's health startup in New York City. As a mom of two she brings her lived experience with the transition to parenthood to her work. She has a deep passion for providing holistic, people centered, culturally humble care and has developed programs to increase access to perinatal mental health care and improve health equity. Then Comes Baby is her first book, you can buy it now on Amazon & Barnes & Noble

Join us, as we explore the unique and transformative role of midwifery in supporting women from labor through the often-overlooked postpartum period. Dr. Jessica shares how midwifery care extends beyond the delivery room—offering personalized support, emotional guidance, and holistic healing during the critical weeks and months after birth. Whether you're preparing for a baby, navigating the postpartum fog, or simply curious about the midwifery model of care, this conversation sheds light on why midwives are essential allies in maternal health.

You can learn more about Dr. Jessica at her website: https://www.drjessicavernon.com/ or at her Instagram: @dr.jessicavernon

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In this episode of Delivered, we are so grateful to be joined again by Dr. Mera Keenan. Dr. Keenan is the OB that delivered our baby girl, who will be turning FIVE so soon!! As a board-certified OB, she now serves patients in an OB ER based in the DC area. Dr. Keenan & I will be discussing some of the most common PPD questions parents have—from early signs and symptoms to treatment options and support strategies. Whether you're a new parent navigating your emotions, a partner looking to help, or a friend seeking to understand, this episode is packed with practical advice, compassionate insights, and real-world stories to help you feel informed and empowered.

Tune in as we tackle the tough questions, break down myths, and share tools for navigating postpartum depression with confidence and care.

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In this episode of Delivered, we are joined by Dr. Jill Garrett, a licensed psychologist who specializes in perinatal mental health. Dr. Garrett is the founding psychologist and program director of Baptist Health's maternal mental health program, The Motherhood Space. The Motherhood Space is the first wellness-inspired, mental health day program for moms in the U.S. From navigating the emotional complexities of early motherhood to creating this Space that fosters genuine community, Dr. Garrett shares her expertise and strategies for helping new mothers feel seen, supported, and empowered. Whether you're a new mom, a healthcare provider, or simply someone who cares about maternal wellbeing, this episode offers valuable perspective on why the "space" we create for mothers truly matters. Dr. Garrett is the host of the podcast, Hindsight is 20/20: A Motherhood Feels Podcast, where she interviews seasoned parents on what, in hindsight, they wish they had known ahead of their parenting journey.

You can learn more about her work at www.motherhoodfeels.com, @motherhoodfeels on YouTube, and The Motherhood Space channel on YouTube.

Dr. Jill's social handles include: @motherhoodfeels and @thefatherhoodspace

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