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In this insightful episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe is joined by Dr. Candice Wood, an OB-GYN with 18 years of experience in women's wellness and perinatal mental health. Together, they dive deep into postpartum challenges, focusing on the myths of perfect motherhood, managing postpartum rage, and the critical role of partner support. They discuss practical strategies for setting expectations with partners, ensuring mental well-being, and maintaining healthy relationship dynamics post-baby. Whether you're a new mom, expecting, or supporting one, this episode provides valuable guidance on how to navigate the emotional and psychological landscape of postpartum life. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation full of practical advice and emotional support.

00:00 Welcome and Listener Request

02:39 Introducing Dr. Candice Wood

04:01 The Struggles of Postpartum

05:06 Navigating Social Media Pressures

05:22 Engaging Your Partner

09:00 The Myth of the Perfect Mom

22:16 The Importance of Emotional Regulation

51:39 Postpartum Rage and Anxiety

54:30 Prioritizing Sleep and Mindfulness Postpartum

55:39 The Importance of Outdoor Time and Breaking Routine

57:29 Addressing Postpartum Rage and Medication

01:01:47 Navigating Partner Dynamics Postpartum

01:04:34 Setting Expectations and Communication with Partners

01:12:33 Empowering Partners and Building Confidence

01:21:13 The Importance of Multiple Caregivers

01:36:18 Final Thoughts and Resources

Guest Bio:

Dr. Candice Wood has spent the last 18 years providing comprehensive wellness, gynecologic, and obstetric care for women of all ages. Over the years, Dr Wood has watched her own patients struggle to achieve wellness while lacking sufficient focus on mental health. With shortening doctor visit times, only the bare minimum can be done during a typical wellness exam, excluding the opportunity for a woman’s most trusted care provider to assess her mental health – arguably the gateway to her overall health and wellness.

Likewise, during postpartum visits, Dr. Wood found that there is no time to help young mothers struggling with mental health issues. Finding another mental health provider to care for a patient with perinatal mood disorders, infertility, or fetal loss is equally challenging.

Following her passion and determined to make a difference, Dr. Wood obtained a certification in perinatal mood disorders, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, and she started the Woman Made Well clinic with one mission – to achieve wellness through the proactive pursuit of both physical AND mental health. She is passionate about empowering women with the care and tools they need to live their best life.

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Connect with Dr. Wood here: https://www.womanmadewell.com/