Kari talked about growing up in the German Baptist religion, and how her spiritual journey has changed and evolved over the years. She is queer identifying, and talked about how important it is to her to have a supportive community, where she can give and receive support to those around her. Kari talked about how being in, and then leaving, an abusive relationship led to placing her son in an open adoption with a lesbian couple. If you are in an abusive relationship, you can call 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for help and resources.

Kari shared she was able to give birth in the adoptive parents' home, and how that helped the transition for placing him with his new family. She shared she had postpartum depression but had her placenta encapsulated, which helped ease her symptoms. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing postpartum mental health issues, there are resources to help. One is the Postpartum Support International, at postpartum.net. You can call their helpline at 1-800-944-4773 or text "HELP" to 800-944-4773. Text en español to 971-203-7773. If you are in the United States, you can also call the National Helpline any day, any time of day, at 1-800-662-HELP or 1-800-662-4357. Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!

If you would like to come on the podcast to share your experiences of being a mom, send me a message! Or if you know someone who would be interested in being on the podcast, send them my way! I'd love to chat. You can reach out to me on the Laura Asks About Motherhood Facebook page or Instagram account. Please subscribe, leave a rating and review, and thanks for listening!