Lena and Brigham share with us their journey together through postpartum anxiety/depression. It took Lena almost 6 years to seek help for her depression. Lena talks about how she didn't seek help because of her fears of having her baby taken away, or judgement. Or the doctors not believing her. After she sought help, she urges moms to keep looking for the right therapist or doctor. To not give up because you don't click with your current provider.  That it is worth the search. Brigham, her husband, shares some real talk to all the husbands and partners out there on how to support and show up for your partner when they have a newborn. They both talk about how easy it is to pass off the way you feel because "it's just because I'm tired" "she must have had a bad day" and so many other excuses we use to downplay our situation and not seek help or communicate with each other.  Hearing the dynamic between husband and wife, and how they navigate mental health together, was so empowering for us! We loved how Brigham gets real, and says to partners out there to just listen, instead of fix. And to pay attention to their triggers, and support them in avoiding them or walking through it. So many goodies in this podcast, definitely a MUST listen with your partner or spouse. The best advice is to just hold on, and it will get better. And to have weekly mental health check ups with your partner. 

Kate is a mama of two, NICU RN, certified CPR instructor, breastfeeding counselor +certified sleep consultant- a "mom coach" dedicated to making the road to motherhood a bit smoother.  She combines her expertise in these areas + her experience as a breastfeeding and supplementing mom to best prepare new parents for parenthood with a realistic and non-judgemental approach.  She offers services in sleep consulting, breastfeeding counseling, infant and child CPR, and one-on-one coaching.  

Kate tells us about how she came to start her business, Bumble Baby, and also shares with us her own experience with postpartum depression.  She reminds us not to compare ourselves to anyone else.  You matter and your emotions matter. 

You can follow Kate and learn more about the services that she offers on instagram @bumble.baby or on her website at bumblebabychicago.com 

After a devastating loss of her son Keith, at 22 weeks, Jessie struggled to move on. Jessie is candid about how difficult it was to leave the hospital with no baby. In the thick of grief, Jessie finds strength to continue growing her family. One year after the loss of her son, she had a newborn. This is when her postpartum depression set in. She thought it was regular grief, and didn't see what it really was. She was secluding herself, not talking to her husband about her feelings, or anyone. She felt totally numb and wanting to protect herself from the pain of losing another baby. After finding herself in a serious funk, she found strength in therapy and life coaching. Sharing her feelings made all the difference for her. There is power in talking to somebody who she didn't need to comfort. Everyone in her life was grieving that loss, and having someone to talk to that was outside of it all, was exactly what she needed. Jessie is now a life coach, and assists others in walking through life as you heal. 

The Postpartum Revolution founders, JaTem & Jazmin, met while at a Doula training and the rest is history! They are determined to educate new moms, and all of her tribe, on how to navigate postpartum life. The two of them have created The Postpartum Revolution conference, which will happen in Provo, Utah on September 28, 2019. The conference sold out quickly, showing how much that community needs resources and support for women who are postpartum. They still have virtual tickets available via their website for those who still wish to be a part of this incredible event. 

JaTem & Jazmin both share their stories on what brought them to become doula's and why they have such a passion for caring for new moms! Also, they explain what a doula is, because I have always wanted to know! We talk about how to choose a doula that is right for you, and more. We loved our time with these powerhouse women. Stay tuned for podcast episodes with their personal experience with postpartum.

Visit them on social media:

Main Instagram @ThePostPartumRevolution

Jazmin's Instagram @Womben.co

JaTem's Instagram @MamaBumpBirthAndBeyond

www.psiutah.org

In this episode, Sam talks about how the overwhelming life change of having her baby rocked her.  We talk about everything from her birth experience to feeding her baby to going back to work.  Sam shares how deciding to stop breastfeeding was the best decision she ever made for her family.  It helped her to not feel trapped and allowed others in her family to build a special bond with her daughter.  Sam offered great insight about how you don't have to do things the way your mom or your sister did.  It's OK to do it your way.  And our favorite quote of the episode, "It's not on a college application if you were breastfed or not. "  

Kelsie suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety with all three of her daughters.  She shares how the guilt and shame she felt from her anger led to self hate, and intrusive/suicidal thoughts. She found support through friendships in her community and healing through finally opening up to just one person, and then another and another. Kelsie reminds us that we have the right to fight for ourselves and if we can't do it for ourselves ask someone else to fight for you.   You are worth fighting for and your family wants you to fight!

We got to sit down with Leesa, our host Leslee's mom and best friend. Leesa shares her side of Leslee's postpartum experience. Leesa and Leslee have been very close all of her life. Yet, when it came time for PPD to hit, neither of them noticed. How did we both miss it? And how did Leslee hide it so well that she didn't catch on? Leesa shares how that has taught her a few things about how to pay attention to those around you just a little better. How to be more conscious of new moms, dads, grandparents and anyone involved. Leesa also shares about her women's retreats she hosts in Arizona for healing. She talks about how menopause has sort of become the "maternal mental health" type of topic for women her age and how it needs to be addressed more often.  This podcast is full of goodies on all things women and healing.  Check out "The Happiplace Podcast" episode 9  for more details on healing circles. Email us for more info on Leesa's retreats! ([email protected])