“I have to stop taking my mental health medications during pregnancy, right?” This question is a common one for pregnant moms, and the answer might surprise you. There are many misconceptions about medications during pregnancy, especially those for mental health conditions. Many moms have been misinformed about their available options, and today’s expert guest is here to set the record straight. If you are suffering from mental health conditions and are newly pregnant, it is essential to know your options. Join us to learn the risks and benefits of medications, what to look for in a provider who meets your needs, and much more. 

Dr. Stacy Stuart is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Auburn University and is currently in private practice, contracting with Revival Psychiatry in Athens, AL. She is married to her husband, Will, and is the proud mom of two kids, ages 8 and 6. In her free time, Dr. Stacy enjoys watching football, coordinating neighborhood events, and taking long naps with the family dog. 

Show Highlights:

Dr. Stacy’s path to her specialty practice and her current work

Common misconceptions about medications during pregnancy

It is important that medications are not abruptly stopped when someone becomes pregnant!

The need to expedite patients’ appointments in a more timely manner

Barriers that keep healthcare providers from feeling comfortable in supporting pregnant moms

Dr. Stacy’s goal: providing education and information that opens up possibilities for people

Tips for finding a psychiatric treatment provider

Advocating for collaborative healthcare

Dr. Stacy’s project: using the EPDS screening tool at 28 weeks of pregnancy

Dr. Stacy’s wish for the future of reproductive psychiatry

Today’s takeaway: “Mental health affects physical health. It cannot be set aside for 10 months.”

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Stacy Stuart: Website, Instagram, and Facebook

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

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!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s episode covers infertility and its impacts on a couple. We recognize that these challenges can be stressful on a relationship, and our goal is to provide as much support as possible to couples facing these scenarios. Join us to learn more!

Rebecca Reddin is a psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and certified perinatal mental health specialist with Postpartum Support International. She runs a private practice, Mindful Roots Counseling, and has worked for 15 years with individuals and couples within the tender transition to parenthood. She is the founder of The Perinatal Mental Health Institute, which provides education and training around mental health challenges to perinatal providers worldwide. Rebecca is a member of The Irish Fertility Counsellors Association and has specialized training in the unique impact of infertility and fertility challenges on relationship dynamics, believing that this is an essential part of perinatal work. She is a board member of the Psychological Society of Ireland’s Special Interest Group for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health and is Ireland’s Support Coordinator for Postpartum Support International. Rebecca is passionate about advancing support and advocacy for all those navigating the transition to parenthood. 

Show Highlights:

Foundational elements of infertility, which can be different for each couple

The statistics: 1 in 6 individuals struggle with their fertility (Only about 10% will not be able to conceive after 2 years of trying naturally.)

Defining infertility

Testing for infertility (hormones, structural problems, and “unexplained” infertility)

Issues Rebecca covers with her clients

Feeling like infertility is “all my fault”

The partner’s perspective on infertility

Relationship success AFTER infertility challenges

The differences in grief processes from person to person

Benefits of couples counseling on an infertility journey

The immense mental load of infertility (needs to be shared by both partners)

Being proactive in protecting yourself and your relationship

Rebecca’s suggestions to couples

Resources:

Connect with Rebecca Reddin: Website, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

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!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One goal of this podcast is to shed light on aspects of our self-perception that have been in the shadows. Moms often feel shamed and judgmental about discussing their feelings, and they frequently believe they are alone in their experiences. Therapy can be very helpful for a parent who feels overwhelmed and overloaded, because talking about issues helps develop coping skills to navigate their imperfect lives as they allow the healing process to begin. The pressure to “know everything” in motherhood can weigh a new mother down, especially if their mother instincts aren’t kicking in. There needs to be a greater understanding and compassion for mothers facing this challenge. Let’s unpack this topic in today’s episode.

Show Highlights:

Common socializations around motherhood and the mother instinct

Pressures are NOT truths! 

Events in our lives can greatly affect our mother instinct.

Blanket generalizations about mother instincts are unfair.

What we are leaving out is the mother’s FULL experience as a human.

We need a new approach. Let’s take the pressure off new parents!

What we can do to offer better support

Resources:

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

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!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s guest tells her story of birth trauma, postpartum preeclampsia, and how therapy helped her to process her emotions. I’m thrilled to have Courtney here to share her story and how she is helping other moms. Join us!

Courtney Costello is a licensed master’s social worker with nearly 15 years of experience in the field. She worked predominantly with families and children before having her son in 2023, when she became personally and professionally passionate about maternal well-being and mental health. After going to therapy for her own postpartum challenges (birth trauma and PTSD), she was inspired to be more of a support for others in the perinatal period. Combining her education and lived experience, Courtney now works as a perinatal mental health counselor in Buffalo, NY. In addition, she runs an online maternal mental health training for other clinicians who are interested in learning more about supporting mothers. This year, Courtney is acting as a co-leader for Buffalo’s local Climb through Postpartum Support International. 

Show Highlights:

Courtney’s “normal” pregnancy and the labor/delivery that did NOT go according to plan

Labor/delivery expectations vs. reality

Feeling fear with a sense of not knowing what was happening

Finally, a healthy baby—and a blizzard rolls in to complicate everything and add stress

Uncertainty and conflicting restrictions about leaving the hospital with their newborn son

Driving home, getting stuck in a white-out, and finally making it to her brother’s house

A story of fear and multiple kindnesses from others

A few days postpartum: feeling “off” and seeing floaters in her vision

A diagnosis of postpartum preeclampsia and a hospital stay, but not much of an explanation from the nurses

Getting home and facing fear and anxiety about being separated from her family

Finding help with therapy with a therapist who was the perfect fit

Questioning her return to her job and finding where she fits best in working with the perinatal population

Finding healing and deciding to have a second child, which previously felt impossible

Resources:

Connect with Courtney Costello: Website, Instagram, and Psychology Today 

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

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!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s episode focuses on patients who receive devastating news during the perinatal period. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common, and complexities are affecting both the patient and the medical provider, most notably the delicate balance of professionalism, compassion, and humanity. Our conversation explores the psychological impacts and ways of handling these situations. 

Dr. Christiane Manzella is a senior licensed psychologist at the Seleni Institute, a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive reproductive and maternal mental health services. She specializes in working with individuals navigating bereavement, trauma, fertility challenges, miscarriages, late-term loss, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons, child loss, and life transitions. Her purposeful and caring manner helps her patients recover and navigate these complex situations. 

Dr. Babalola (Femi) Jinadu is a board-certified OB-GYN with over a decade of experience in women’s health. He earned his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Jersey City Medical Center. He currently practices medicine in northern New Jersey, specializing in comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care. He is affiliated with Holy Name Hospital in addition to the Hackensack Meridian Health and Atlantic Health networks. Dr. Jinadu has been featured on the Hot and Bothered Podcast, discussing the economic impact of women’s health issues. He serves on the boards of the New Jersey Partnership for Maternal Health and Seleni, a nonprofit focused on maternal mental healthcare and clinician education. His dedication to patient care and medical education highlights his commitment to advancing women’s health. 

Show Highlights:

Dr. Manzella’s perspective on giving patients the bad news that becomes a “flashbulb moment” in their lives, based on how they are cared for

Dr. Jinadu’s perspective on delivering the very best news—and the very worst news

Understanding that people connect with different doctors in different ways, especially when there has been a tragic loss

Establishing trust and rapport with compassion and understanding

A definite shift in medical care to emphasize the hospitality aspect of patient care, rather than simply delivering data and treatment options

Mental health IS healthcare.

The long-term effects of perinatal bad news and the loss of hopes and dreams

Reaching out with humanity as a physician in pivotal moments

Dr. Jinadu’s thoughts about the impact of loss on a partner

Dr. Manzella’s work with couples in grief and loss

A patient’s perspective on how they wish to be treated in grief and loss

The doctors’ perspectives on patients using AI, Google, and social media for medical care

Key takeaways from Dr. Manzella and Dr. Jinadu 

Resources:

Connect with Seleni, Seleni Instagram, Dr. Jinadu Instagram, Dr. Jinadu Creative Tyde, and Dr. Jinadu LinkedIn

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

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!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You may think that postpartum depression covers all aspects of perinatal mental health issues that new mothers face. The fact is that there are other kinds of mood changes, some that are talked about and some that are relatively unknown and uncommon. Today’s show focuses on one specific problem that some mothers experience: it’s called D-Mer, which stands for Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex. 

Heidi Koss, MA, LMHC, is a psychotherapist in private practice in Redmond, WA. She specializes in perinatal (pregnancy and postpartum) mood disorders, birth trauma, sexual abuse, and parent adjustment issues. Heidi has been the WA State Coordinator for Postpartum Support International ⁠www.postpartum.net⁠, and has volunteered for over 20 years with Perinatal Support Washington ⁠www.perinatalsupport.org⁠. She served as past board member for PATTCh – the Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth, ⁠www.pattch.org⁠. Heidi is active leading trainings for clinicians on appropriate assessment and treatment options for perinatal mood disorders and birth trauma. She leads monthly clinical consult groups mentoring mental health care providers to develop their competency and expertise in perinatal mental health issues.

 Heidi was a co-founder of the Northwest Association for Postpartum Support (NAPS, ⁠www.napsdoulas.com⁠) a postpartum doula organization as well as the recipient of the Doulas of North America (DONA) Penny Simkin Doula Spirit and Mentorship Award. Prior to her psychotherapy career, Heidi was a Postpartum Doula and Certified Lactation Educator for 12 years.

 Show Highlights:

 Resources:

⁠www.d-mer.org⁠

⁠www.heidikoss.com⁠

Email Heidi: ⁠[email protected]

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Today’s guest returns to the podcast with her passion for perinatal mental health, and I’m honored to share our conversation with you about her work and her new book, which offers holistic and realistic support for new parents. We cover topics related to birth and postpartum with her real and honest perspective as an Ob/Gyn. Join us!

Dr. Jessica Vernon, PMH-C, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has cared for and supported thousands of people throughout their reproductive journeys during the past 15 years. She is the Associate Medical Director and the Director of Mental Health at Oula, a midwifery-based women’s health startup in New York City. As a mom of two, she brings her lived experience in the transition to parenthood to her work, along with a deep passion for providing holistic, people-centered, culturally humble care. Dr. Jessica has developed programs to increase access to perinatal mental health care and improve health equity. She has received professional recognition and been quoted in the media for her work and expertise in the field, as well as for her openness in sharing her story. She serves on the board of directors for Postpartum Support International and is the author of Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation About Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood.

Show Highlights:

An integration of a passion for perinatal mental health, motherhood, and her practice as an OB/GYN

The OB/GYN’s role in treating “uncomplicated” postpartum anxiety and depression

Dr. Jessica’s current role in collaboration with midwives 

The decision to write Then Comes Baby

The biggest postpartum struggles for new parents

Learning to use language with patients that allows them to accept their new feelings and emotions

The art of communication and sitting with people–when it’s not taught in medical school

Meeting diverse people where they are and with the understanding they need, not with ONE strict protocol for everyone

Overcoming cultural factors in transitioning to parenthood and accepting help

Matrescence: the changes and shifts in the transition into motherhood

An overview of the topics and structure of Dr. Jessica’s book, Then Comes Baby

In postpartum, it’s essential to take a pause until your body is ready to resume normal activities.

Dr. Jessica’s hopes for those who read her book

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Jessica Vernon: Website, Instagram, and Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation About Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood.

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

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!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s guest is sharing her story as a survivor of postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and birth trauma caused by random placental abruption. She is also a NICU mama who learned to balance parenting with the start of her psychotherapy practice to bring therapy to a rural area. Her story has multi-faceted, beautiful parts, and we are honored to have her here.

Beth Partain is a licensed clinical social worker and the mother of three beautiful children. She founded Flourish Counseling and Consulting in 2020 to empower women and bring specialized perinatal expertise to an area where it was previously inaccessible. Her passion stemmed from her experience with the local hospital as she struggled through PPD, PPA, and birth/NICU trauma. Beth is the first mental health provider in Owensboro, KY, and the western Kentucky area to have a perinatal mental health certification. She serves on the new Maternal Health Council at her hospital and is a Blue Dot Ambassador, working in advocacy with the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. She has led two PSI Climbs in Owensboro. Beth works hard to help train local healthcare workers and therapists to identify PMADs from a trauma-informed care focus. 

Show Highlights:

Beth’s story: Her first pregnancy was normal until a random placental abruption at 34 weeks forced an emergency C-section, a three-week NICU stay, and almost zero mental health support.

Placental abruption: what it is, how it is detected, and the results

Beth’s shock and surprise at how quickly things changed and progressed to an unexpected birth, and navigating a NICU stay for her baby

Looking back at the mental health struggles for Beth and her husband, with no support

Beth’s realization that she had postpartum depression and anxiety, but did not have access to help

Finding help and starting therapy (as a therapist)

Making the difficult decision to have another child and grow their family further

Beth’s commitment to bringing perinatal care to her rural area and training more providers in the care that she wished she could have had

Making connections and partnering with PSI

Great strides of progress and encouraging outcomes in changing the PNMH climate in Beth’s area of Kentucky

Resources:

Flourish Counseling and Consulting

Connect with Beth Partain: Facebook

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

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!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s episode explores a crucial topic that warrants our attention. We are discussing the after-effects of postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and perinatal mental health conditions. The lingering sense of guilt, sadness, regret, grief, anger, and frustration comes as a result of feeling that you weren’t present during the postpartum time. How much time does it take to “make up” for that time that you felt disconnected and anything but joyful about motherhood? Do you feel that you missed important milestones in your baby’s life? All of these are important questions that many mothers wrestle with in a constant mental battle. Let’s take a closer look.

Show Highlights:

Where does the unreasonable pressure come from?

Are you punishing yourself?

The truth: You WERE there in all the ways you could manage at the time.

You do acts of love and caring, even if you don’t feel like doing them.

What you need now is what you needed then: compassion, support, and loving thoughts.

Self-compassion brings gentleness into the picture.

Healing needs to happen (and that means allowing yourself to grieve).

Dr. Kat leads a healing exercise to try on your own. (Try it!)

Your healing is valid and worthwhile, even if you can’t see it yourself.

Resources:

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

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!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are hearing Alyssa’s story in today’s episode. She shares her experience with postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD, as well as her lifelong battle for mental health. We’ve discussed many times on the podcast that a history of mental health issues is a significant risk factor for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Because Alyssa did not get the help she needed when she needed it most, she has become a passionate advocate and supporter of other moms and families facing these issues. 

Alyssa Verge is a 31-year-old mom of a two-year-old and the stepmom of an eight-year-old. After her child was born, she was diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety and eventually with postpartum OCD. She’s passionate about mental health and healing generational trauma. 

Show Highlights:

The birth story of Alyssa’s son, when she felt the “baby blues” immediately after his birth

Being told everything she was feeling was “normal,” even though she was sincere and open about her experience

Alyssa’s husband finally found a therapist for her because he knew this couldn’t be normal.

Alyssa’s relief when she found out her feelings weren’t normal, and she was diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety

The prevalence of OCD, which wasn’t identified for several months

Unnatural fears about leaving the house and getting sick

OCD was manifested in her body’s refusal to take medication, even though it was what she wanted to do to get better.

Therapy tools that didn’t help for Alyssa: exposure therapy, scripts, positive brain talk

Feeling guilty for being a burden and not being able to get better

Finding balance in looking for support, with boundaries

Alyssa’s advice to others about accepting “normal,” having patience, and finding help

Resources:

Connect with Alyssa Verge: Instagram

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

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!

If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices