“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.”
~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux

The arrival of a child is an unspeakable gift and a grace for which to be thankful. But there can also be deeply painful moments during pregnancy and after the baby arrives. Millions of mothers know the hardship of postpartum depression, anxiety, distance from their spouse, disappointment, difficulty nursing, and the resulting shame. Is there anything we can do in the middle of such big, and sometimes surprising, challenges?

Dr. Lyndsey Day joins Kenna for a beautiful and deeply real conversation about the mental health challenges associated with pregnancy and the postpartum months. Dr. Day's faith allows her to journey with women as an OB-GYN in a way that is a ministry and a mission for the good of mothers and families. She and Kenna discuss the reasons that the postpartum period is so difficult, impactful options for offering healing & support to mothers, and the impossible expectations that women so often feel. Join us for an encouraging and consoling conversation that is hand-made for all mothers & those who love them!

Dr. Lyndsey Day received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Saint Ambrose University and her medical degree from the University of Iowa. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Loyola University Medical Center just outside of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Day has a passion for women's healthcare and thoroughly enjoys providing obstetric and gynecologic care to women throughout all phases of life. Dr. Day loves to garden and hike and be with her family. Dr. Day's husband and 6 children fill her life with much joy, many trips to Costco, a fair amount of life experience, a small menagerie that the kids are constantly trying to add to (currently includes 4 cats and a golden retriever), and so very much love.

Episode 45 Show Notes

For more information on help for postpartum depression, including support groups, visit postpartumdepression.org

Get ready for our book study on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD: order your copy here

Chapters:
00:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
11:24: OB-GYN medicine as a ministry
21:10: Dealing with disappointment in parenthood
26:47: Postpartum mood disorders
36:53: The place for medication & Giving yourself grace
50:24: Surrendering to God's will
53:58: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one thing that stuck out to you from this episod

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Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.