291: Healing from PPD and PPA with Medication Support with Victoria Vaughan, DVM

We are tackling a hot topic that carries with it many misconceptions. Unlike with other medical conditions, there are fears around taking medications specifically for anxiety and depression. Our goal with today’s show is to help shed the stigma and misconceptions about medications in pregnancy and postpartum, letting women know that it’s okay to use medication support if that’s what you and your doctor decide. Join us to learn more!

Victoria Vaughan is a military spouse and mom to a beautiful baby boy. She lives in Fayetteville, NC, and works as a small animal veterinarian. She struggled with postpartum anxiety and depression, and she wants to be an advocate for other women struggling in the postpartum who may be hesitant to consider antidepressant medications. 

Show Highlights:

Victoria’s story: an easy pregnancy but a long and complicated labor and delivery that resulted in a three-day NICU stay for her son

How Victoria felt overwhelmed when they took their newborn son home because they both cried all the time

How her son had nursing difficulties and a tongue tie that needed to be repaired

How she was desperate for answers, tried to find support, and knew that she wasn’t caring for herself properly

Why she reached out to a postpartum therapist for her intense anxiety but wished the therapist had explored medication options with her

How Victoria realized she had postnatal depletion but kept suffering and felt hopeless and helpless

How Victoria’s mom recognized that she needed help and pushed her to find it

How postpartum depression medication helped right away at about 3-4 months postpartum

Why there is a huge stigma around postpartum depression/anxiety medications

What Victoria wants others to know about PPD and PPA medication support

Resources:

Connect with Victoria Vaughan: Instagram

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support! 

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.  

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

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