The Science Chick Report: Evidence You Can Use for Real-World Women's Health

What does it mean to feel safe while giving birth? For many Jewish women and families in the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond, that question has taken on an urgency that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett sits down with Dr. B.J. Woodstein, author of the groundbreaking new book Be Fruitful: The Jewish Pregnancy and Birth Guide. What starts as a discussion about cultural competence quickly reveals a far more urgent crisis: a dramatic rise in anti-Semitism that is making pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care dangerous for Jewish patients and providers alike.

Dr. Woodstein, a doula and lactation consultant, shares firsthand accounts of Jewish women being turned away, verbally abused, and even reported to social services for following religious traditions. She describes a Jewish midwife who was called “baby killer” by a patient’s family while trying to support a birth. She herself was forced to leave professional doula groups after speaking up against anti-Semitic posts. She also reveals the chilling reality that many Jewish families are now planning exit strategies and wondering if this feels like “Germany in the 1930s.”

But the episode is not just a catalogue of horrors. It is a call to action. Dr. Woodstein explains the spectrum of Jewish identity, from atheist to Orthodox, from Ethiopian to Ashkenazi, and offers concrete, practical steps that doctors, midwives, doulas, and lactation consultants can take to make their practices safe and welcoming. These include keeping politics out of clinical spaces, establishing clear anti-abuse policies, and simply asking Jewish families, “What do you need?”

Dr. Kendall-Tackett brings her signature blend of compassion and no-nonsense science, connecting the conversation to her own work on trauma, inflammation, and the body’s response to discrimination. She ends with a direct challenge to non-Jewish listeners: “Stand up for your colleagues and patients. This is not okay. We wouldn’t do this with any other group.”

Tune in to learn how to recognize anti-Semitism in maternity care, why Jewish families are frightened, and what you can do to be part of the solution.

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Introduction

• [00:34] Introduction to Dr. B.J. Woodstein

• [01:30] Why Be Fruitful was written, and the rise in antisemitism

• [04:30] Antisemitism in universities and healthcare.

• [05:30] An HR manager blames a Jewish employee.

• [09:13] “We don’t want Jews in our department.”

• [10:18] A tube driver says no Jews are safe.

• [11:49] Jewish families plan exit strategies.

• [13:10] “Is this Germany in the 1930s?”

• [14:17] Pregnancy is a uniquely vulnerable time.

• [17:16] The myth of white privilege for Jews.

• [18:59] What is a Jew? Breaking it down.

• [22:54] Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews.

• [26:40] “How can you be white colonizers?”

• [28:00] The spectrum from Reform to Hasidic.

• [30:14] A midwife calls social services over a brit milah.

• [32:50] What if she wore a hijab instead?

• [33:52] A Jewish midwife called “baby killer.”

• [35:36] Hospitals need clear anti-abuse policies.

• [38:03] “Are you a Zionist?” A doula is rejected.

• [40:10] Stand up, or you get Vienna.

• [44:24] Synagogue security vs. churches and mosques.

• [48:39] Ignorance versus active prejudice.

• [50:15] Doula UK refused Jewish cultural training.

• [51:24] Keep politics out of the delivery room.

• [53:23] A Muslim woman and a Jewish lactation consultant.

• [59:47] What providers can do right now.

• [01:00:40] Shabbat buttons, kosher food, naming on day eight.

• [01:07:49] See the individual, not the whole culture.

• [01:09:57] A call to non-Jewish providers: stand up.

• [01:11:13] Closing thoughts.

  
  

Resources and Links

Podcast

• The Science Chick Report 

Dr. B.J. Woodstein

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Book: Be Fruitful: The Jewish Pregnancy and Birth Guide

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)
  

Is racial trauma “real” trauma, or are we asking the wrong question?

Black women in the U.S. experience nearly double the rate of preterm birth compared to white women, and emerging research suggests this disparity may not be genetic but driven by chronic exposure to racial discrimination, activating the same inflammatory pathways seen in traditional trauma.

In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall Tackett takes on one of the most debated issues in the trauma field. Drawing from her role as editor of the APA journal Psychological Trauma, she challenges the limits of the DSM 5’s Criterion A and explores what happens when the definition of trauma does not match what the body is actually experiencing.

Blending neuroscience with real world data, she explains how the brain does not just respond to physical threats. It also reacts to social rejection, exclusion, and discrimination. At the center of this response is the anterior cingulate cortex, a region that processes both physical and social pain. When activated repeatedly, it can trigger the same stress cascades seen in classic PTSD.

The consequences are far from abstract. Elevated inflammation markers like C reactive protein, higher rates of substance use, increased risk of chronic disease, and even preterm birth begin to tell a consistent story. The body is responding as if it is under threat because in many ways, it is.

This episode does not dismiss the need for clinical precision, but it does push the conversation forward. Trauma, as Dr. Kendall Tackett argues, is not purely objective. It is shaped by perception, lived experience, and how the brain interprets danger.

If we are willing to follow biology, we may need to rethink not just the definition of trauma, but how we recognize, study, and respond to it. Tune in and decide for yourself whether racial trauma fits the definition, or whether it is time to redefine what trauma really means. 

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Introduction

• [00:41] The controversy: Is racial trauma “real” trauma?

• [01:01] Defining trauma and DSM-5 Criterion A

• [02:20] Why trauma definitions have always evolved

• [03:03] What qualifies as a traumatic event

• [03:53] Can microaggressions rise to the level of trauma?

• [05:00] Why the body’s response may matter more than definitions

• [05:37] How the brain senses danger (amygdala vs. other systems)

• [08:33] The anterior cingulate cortex and threat processing

• [09:18] Social rejection as a survival threat

• [10:39] Social pain vs. physical pain in the brain

• [11:42] Rethinking trauma as a subjective experience

• [13:23] The body’s stress systems and inflammation response

• [16:31] Research on discrimination and inflammation markers

• [18:54] Microaggressions and substance use outcomes

• [19:14] Social class, stress, and inflammatory response

• [20:18] Chronic inflammation and long-term health risks

• [21:12] Racial disparities in preterm birth explained

• [23:05] Connecting the dots: discrimination and health outcomes

• [24:00] Why trauma definitions need revisiting

• [25:08] “Look at the numbers”: following the health data

• [25:29] Case study: two birth experiences, two trauma responses

• [28:27] The subjective nature of trauma

• [28:47] Why this conversation matters now

• [29:04] Closing thoughts

Resources and Links

Podcast

• The Science Chick Report 

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Referenced Research & Topics 

• Lewis (2010) – Perceived discrimination and inflammation

• Studies on racial microaggressions and substance use

• Research on social rejection and brain activation

• Inflammation and chronic disease literature

• Preterm birth and inflammatory cytokines

• Cochrane Review (2018) – DHA and gestational length

What if something as simple as a group walk could be just as effective as antidepressant medication for some mothers?

In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett continues her series on practical, non-medical ways to support mothers experiencing depression, this time focusing on something simple but powerful: exercise.

For many providers, it can feel frustrating when options like medication or therapy are off the table. But as she explains, there is still a lot you can do within your scope, and it does not have to be expensive or complicated.

Dr. Kendall-Tackett breaks down the research behind moderate exercise and its impact on depression, including studies showing it can be nearly as effective as antidepressants. More importantly, she reframes exercise in a way that feels realistic for new mothers. This is not about intense workouts. It is about small, consistent movement like walking, often with the baby included.

She also highlights how combining simple strategies like exercise, omega-3s, sunlight, and social connection can create meaningful change. Group walks, community support, and even light exposure can help reduce isolation and improve mental health in powerful ways.

If you are a doula, nurse, or community health worker, this episode gives you practical, evidence-based tools you can actually use.

Tune in to learn how small, consistent actions can make a real difference in maternal mental health.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Introduction

• (01:14) Alternative treatments for depression beyond medication

• (04:06) Community success stories walking and omega 3s

• (05:43) Research evidence exercise vs medication

• (09:53) Inflammation and exercise intensity

• (10:54) Types of exercise aerobic yoga strength training

• (13:27) Recommended exercise guidelines

• (15:53) Exploring local exercise options

• (18:17) Implementing light in group settings

• (20:04) Importance of follow up and evaluation

• (20:55) Scope of practice and safety considerations

Notable Quotes:

• (01:00) “There is actually a lot you can do, and you can talk to mothers about things they could do themselves, or you can even start a program together where you get together and really make a big difference.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (01:25) “I have certainly run into this group of mothers over the years, mothers who just don't want to do the classic psychiatric thing—going on medications, doing therapy — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (02:13) “Mothers or anybody who's depressed actually has options besides just pills and psychotherapy. And that is exercise.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (03:25) “A moderate amount of exercise has a huge effect, not only in terms of physical health, but also mental health as well..” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (06:55) “This idea that you give people a pill and they get better automatically—it's not true all the time..” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (15:31) “The nice thing about exercise is that the effects are almost immediate.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (08:52) Preventing prenatal depression is a great idea because if you can prevent prenatal depression, you actually lower the risk of preterm birth.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (09:19) “With moderate exercise, which is what we're talking about here, it actually can lead to less lactic acid, and it doesn't seem to be a problem with the babies.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

The Science Chick Report

• The Science Chick Report 

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Mentioned 

• Babyak et al. (2000) – Duke University exercise and depression study

• Blumenthal et al. (2007) – Follow-up study: exercise vs. medication

• Nissen et al. (2021) – Systematic review of exercise and depression

• Davenport et al. – Review of 52 studies on exercise and prenatal depression (131,000 patients)

• University of New Hampshire (1999) – Lactic acid in breastmilk and exercise

Emerging research suggests that nutrient deficiencies may contribute to postpartum depression and addressing them may support recovery.

In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett continues her series on practical, non-medical approaches that can support mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Many providers want to help but may not have access to specialized mental health services or extensive resources. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains that even within those limits, there are practical steps that practitioners and mothers can consider that may support mental health and recovery.

This episode focuses on the role of nutrition and anti-inflammatory strategies in depression. Dr. Kendall-Tackett begins with vitamin D, one of the most common deficiencies worldwide. Because modern lifestyles limit sun exposure, many people do not produce enough vitamin D naturally. Research suggests that deficiency may contribute to increased inflammation and higher rates of depressive symptoms among mothers.

She then explores the role of vitamin B12, which helps regulate homocysteine, an inflammatory compound linked to depression. Low levels of B12 have been associated with significantly higher rates of postpartum depression, making it another nutrient worth evaluating.

The episode also discusses curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, which has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits in treating depression and anxiety.

Finally, Dr. Kendall-Tackett addresses St. John’s wort, an herbal treatment widely used for depression in many parts of the world. While research suggests it can be effective for mild to moderate depression, she emphasizes the importance of caution due to potential interactions with medications.

For doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, and community health practitioners, this episode provides practical, science-based insights into nutritional approaches that may help support maternal mental health alongside traditional care.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Introduction 

• (26) Community and individual interventions overview

• (01:07) Vitamin D deficiency and maternal health

• (04:03) Research on vitamin D and depression

• (06:10) Vitamin B12 and postpartum depression

• (08:14) Accessibility and impact of vitamin D and B12

• (09:11) Curcumin (turmeric) as an anti-inflammatory supplement

• (11:31) Research on curcumin and mental health

• (12:30) St. John’s wort: appeal and cautions

• (13:21) St. John’s wort: history and mechanism

• (14:23) St. John’s wort: drug interactions and safety

• (15:24) St. John’s wort: effectiveness compared to antidepressants

• (17:17) St. John’s wort: use in major depression and global practices

• (19:16) St. John’s wort: dosage, standardization, and breastfeeding

• (21:14) St. John’s wort: quality control and recommendations

• (22:57) Conclusion and preview of next episode

• (23:30) Closing remarks

Notable Quotes:

• (03:57) “If you're deficient in vitamin D, one of the things that it does is it increases inflammation. When you've got inflammation, you've got depression.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett 

• (05:18) "The higher your vitamin D, the lower your Edinburgh score which means lower depressive symptoms.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett 

• (14:05) “I'd like to point out that lots and lots of things are natural that aren't safe. Lead is natural. Arsenic is natural. Asbestos is natural.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett 

• (22:31) “It is natural doesn't mean you can take as much as you want and it will be safe.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

Resources and Links

The Science Chick Report

• The Science Chick Report 

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)
  

Did you know that some of the most effective ways to support mothers experiencing postpartum depression may not involve medication at all?

In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett explores practical, non-medical strategies that healthcare providers and community practitioners can use to support mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Many professionals want to help but feel limited by lack of funding, training, or access to specialized mental health services. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains that even within those constraints, there are meaningful steps providers can take to make a difference.

She begins by encouraging practitioners to focus on what is possible within their scope of practice. Screening for postpartum depression is an important first step, but it should always be paired with a plan for referral and support. Mapping local resources such as mental health providers, domestic violence services, and community support programs can help practitioners connect mothers to the help they need.

The episode then introduces the first of several non-medical interventions mothers can try themselves. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains the growing research on omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, and how these nutrients may help reduce inflammation, support brain health, and lower the risk of depression and preterm birth.

For doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, and community health workers, this episode offers practical tools and science-based insights for supporting maternal mental health when traditional treatment options are limited.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Introduction and encouragement for practitioners

• (01:16) Scope of practice and taking action

• (03:06) Assessing community resources

• (04:11) Building trust and addressing barriers

• (05:10) Alternative self-help interventions for mothers

• (06:18) Introduction to omega-3 fatty acids

• (07:16) Omega-6 vs. omega-3 fatty acids

• (08:16) Inflammation and mental health

• (09:26) Types and sources of omega-3s

• (10:26) DHA dosage and population studies

• (11:26) DHA’s role in pregnancy and preterm birth

• (12:38) Cochrane review and DHA recommendations

• (13:45) EPA for treating depression

• (15:45) Supplement safety and brand recommendations

• (17:37) Omega-3s as adjuncts to antidepressants

• (20:36) Bleeding concerns and Faroe Islands study

• (22:30) How to dose and choose omega-3 supplements

• (24:14) Summary and further resources

• (24:48) Closing remarks

Notable Quotes:

• (01:09) “If you are creative, there are things that you can do that will make the situation better for new moms.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett 

• (01:44) "Don't give up just because there's not a bunch of funding available. The funding fairy will not suddenly land. It's going to be frustrating.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett 

• (02:10) “The question isn’t always what can’t be done. Sometimes it’s asking, what can I do?” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett 

• (08:43) “ High inflammation means more depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, even bipolar disorder. So that seems to be the underlying physiological mechanism.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett 

• (13:34) “DHA Omega-3 fatty acids may increase gestational age and help prevent preterm birth.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett 

• (17:37) “Antidepressants don’t always resolve depression because they don’t directly address inflammation.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

Resource and Links

The Science Chick Report

• The Science Chick Report 

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Mentioned 

• Middleton et al. (2018) – Cochrane Review on omega-3 fatty acids and pregnancy outcomes

• Hibbeln – Population studies on omega-3 intake and mental health

• Michael maes – Inflammation and depression research

• “Can Fats Make You Happy?” – Dr. Kendall-Tackett research paper

Choosing the right screening tool for postpartum depression is more than just a clinical decision — it’s a key step that impacts what happens next for new mothers. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett walks through two of the most commonly used tools for identifying postpartum depression: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ).

Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains why these tools are more than just academic: their proper use directly affects the care that mothers receive. While screening scales help identify symptoms, what happens after a positive screen can determine whether a mother receives the support she needs or falls through the cracks. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding the limitations and benefits of these tools before use, especially in community-based settings.

This episode is a call for healthcare providers to not only screen but also ensure that proper follow-up systems are in place. It’s about making sure mothers don’t face the frustration of an unmet expectation when they are vulnerable and in need of help.

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: The importance of choosing the right screening tools

• [00:01:12] Why screening is a critical first step in postpartum care

• [00:03:11] The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: Pros and cons

• [00:05:37] Language and cultural barriers in using the Edinburgh scale

• [00:07:00] The problem with reverse scoring and language confusion

• [00:08:06] Using the Edinburgh three-item version for quick assessments

• [00:10:05] PHQ-9: A more straightforward, reliable alternative

• [00:12:07] How to use screening results: what happens next?

• [00:13:15] Understanding anxiety and depression in postpartum women

• [00:15:00] The challenge of limited resources in healthcare

• [00:17:01] Community-based support and non-medical interventions

• [00:19:32] The importance of planning follow-up after screening

Notable Quotes

• [01:34] “It’s not enough to just screen — you have to have a plan for what happens next.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [03:37] “The Edinburgh scale has been around for decades, but it still has issues, especially with language and scoring.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [05:21] “A screening scale is not the same as a diagnostic tool. It’s the first step, not the final answer.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [10:05] “The Edinburgh three-item version might be the best option for quick, on-the-go screening.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [13:15] “Even with limited resources, you can connect mothers to help — it’s all about knowing what services are available.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

Resource and Links

The Science Chick Report

• The Science Chick Report 

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Mentioned

• Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale – Full vs. Three-Item Versions

• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

• US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations

• Moyer et al. (2023) – Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (US Version)

• Cheryl Beck – Postpartum Depression Screening Scale

• City Birth Trauma Scale

• Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

What if improving perinatal mental health outcomes started not with treatment, but with asking the right questions — consistently and with a plan? And what if the real problem isn’t lack of evidence, but hesitation, fear, and vague guidelines?

In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett focuses on one of the most essential yet neglected aspects of perinatal care: screening and assessment. This session explains why screening matters, why providers often avoid it, and what must be in place before screening can be effective.

Dr. Kendall-Tackett breaks down common barriers — limited time, fear of “opening Pandora’s box,” lack of training, and uncertainty about next steps — and shows why relying on clinical judgment alone consistently fails to identify depression, anxiety, and PTSD. She contrasts vague U.S. screening recommendations with more specific international guidelines and highlights how poor implementation leads to missed opportunities for care.

This episode reframes screening not as diagnosis, but as a gateway to support. For healthcare providers, community organizations, and anyone working with pregnant or postpartum women, it offers a practical, evidence-based case for why assessment must be intentional, planned, and followed by clear action.

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] Introduction and why perinatal screening matters

• [00:01:12] Screening vs. diagnosis: a critical distinction

• [00:02:29] Why most new mothers are never screened

• [00:03:11] Time constraints and real-world provider barriers

• [00:04:41] Why screening without a follow-up plan fails

• [00:08:06] Why providers miss depression without standardized tools

• [00:10:05] U.S. vs. UK screening guidelines

• [00:12:07] The “Pandora’s box” myth and institutional resistance

• [00:13:15] Screening as an equity issue

• [00:15:00] Pediatric settings as a missed screening opportunity

• [00:21:00] Obstetric screening guidelines and persistent gaps

• [00:26:41] What actually increases screening compliance

Notable Quotes:

• [01:34] “Screening is the first step. You can’t treat what you don’t identify.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [02:52] “Most healthcare providers never screen the millions of women who give birth each year.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [04:41] “It’s useless to screen if there isn’t a plan for what happens next.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [08:06] “Providers are spectacularly bad at identifying depression without a measure.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• [14:06] “Women who were screened were six times more likely to receive counseling.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

Resource and Links

The Science Chick Report

• The Science Chick Report 

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Mentioned

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2013) – Screening strategies

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Perinatal screening guidance

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK) – Screening recommendations

• Lain et al. (2022) – Provider resistance to screening

• Declercq et al. (2021) – Listening to Mothers in California

• Rafferty et al. (2019) – AAP maternal mental health policy

• Statistics Canada (2019) – Postpartum depression prevalence

• Kim et al. (2009) – Obstetric screening practices

Do you know that simply serving in the military places women at significantly higher risk for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and adverse birth outcomes, even before combat exposure is considered? And do you know that one of the most powerful drivers of this risk is still rarely discussed in perinatal care?

In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett shines a light on an overlooked public health crisis: the impact of military service, and specifically military sexual trauma, on perinatal mental health and birth outcomes. Drawing from large-scale studies, systematic reviews, and longitudinal data, she reveals just how profound these risks are for pregnant and postpartum veterans.

Dr. Kendall-Tackett walks listeners through research showing extraordinarily high rates of prenatal and postpartum depression, PTSD, anxiety, preterm birth, and low birth weight among military women. She explains how trauma-related stress physiology affects pregnancy, why these outcomes persist even when controlling for other risk factors, and how military culture itself may contribute to vulnerability, even for women who were not directly assaulted.

For healthcare providers, policymakers, and anyone working in women’s mental health, this episode is a call to move beyond treatment alone and begin addressing prevention, screening, and systemic change. For military mothers, it is validation and proof that these outcomes are not personal failures, but predictable responses to chronic stress and trauma.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Introduction and episode overview

• (01:06) Growth of women in the US military and vulnerability

• (02:11) Defining military sexual trauma (MST)

• (04:04) MST vs. combat exposure: mental health impact

• (05:18) Physical health consequences of MST

• (06:26) Review of studies on pregnancy outcomes

• (07:41) Study: harassment, assault, and mental health

• (10:04) Mental health outcomes by assault status

• (11:07) Study: MST, PTSD, and birth experience

• (12:17) Study: MST, combat, childhood trauma, and birth outcomes

• (13:31) Quantifying MST’s impact on birth weight and depression

• (14:38) Study: MST and mother-infant bonding

• (15:45) Call to action: addressing MST in guidelines

• (16:43) Betrayal trauma and military culture

• (17:42) Conclusion and further resources

Notable Quotes:

• (02:37) “These papers, I actually have to admit, kind of blew my mind. I knew there was some increased vulnerability within this population, but I had no idea it was this high.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (01:07) “We talk about treatment, but we’re not really talking about prevention and this is a population that is particularly vulnerable.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (04:19) “Military sexual trauma can actually have an effect above and beyond the effect of combat exposure.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (07:58) “71% of the women who were harassed, actually had depression, compared to 41% of the non-harassed women.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (11:02) “Chronic activation of the stress system sends inflammatory messengers that directly affect pregnancy.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

Resource and Links

The Science Chick Report

• The Science Chick Report 

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Mentioned 

• Manzo (2024) – Military trauma and pregnancy outcomes

• Gross et al. – Military sexual trauma and perinatal mental health

• Schaefer et al. (2024) – PTSD, trauma, and birth experiences

• Nilny et al. (2022) – Military trauma, preterm birth, and depression

• Creech et al. (2022) – Military sexual trauma and mother-infant bonding

• Chikowsky (2017) – Long-term health outcomes in veterans

Birth can be life changing in beautiful ways, but it can also leave women carrying fear, confusion, or unresolved emotional pain, especially when the experience felt rushed, dismissive, or frightening. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall Tackett sits down with trauma specialist Dr. George Rhoades to explore how Trauma First Aid, a method used around the world in disaster settings, can be applied to perinatal women who have endured traumatic births, medical mistreatment, or overwhelming postpartum experiences.

Dr. Rhoades explains how Trauma First Aid works by creating a safe space for mothers to share their story, helping them identify the problems left behind by the experience, and guiding them toward realistic solutions that restore a sense of control and grounding. Together, he and Dr. Kathleen examine the subtle ways birth trauma shows up, from unmedicated C sections to cold or dismissive medical care, and why early, compassionate support can prevent long term psychological harm.

This conversation offers a clear and practical framework for doulas, nurses, lactation consultants, and anyone supporting new mothers. It also provides powerful validation to women who may smile on the outside but feel shaken on the inside, reminding them that their experience deserves to be heard and healed.

In This Episode:

• (00:26) Meet Dr. George Rhoades, disaster psychology expert

• (01:09) Understanding trauma first aid

• (01:44) The impact of birth trauma

• (02:37) Psychological first aid in crisis situations

• (02:55) Comparing trauma responses in Vietnam and WWII veterans

• (03:55) Addressing trauma in unmarried pregnancies

• (04:30) Practical solutions for trauma recovery

• (05:16) The importance of hope in trauma counseling

• (06:21) Challenges in postpartum care

• (10:33) Debriefing and long-term trauma counseling

• (13:00) Supporting postpartum mothers

• (16:53) The role of supportive friends and family

• (17:51) Handling grief and loss

• (18:42) The importance of listening and follow-up

• (19:37) Understanding trauma responses

• (22:04) Practical skills for coping with trauma

• (24:25) When to seek professional help

• (26:36) Training laypeople for trauma support worldwide

• (27:50) Moral injury among caregivers and birth workers

• (31:53) How birth trauma inspires some mothers to enter birth work

• (32:04) Final thoughts and gratitude

Notable Quotes:

• (01:30) “Anything that's devastating has trauma.”— Dr. George

• "(05:20) “Having hope that they will get better will help many people just be able to keep pushing through.”— Dr. George

• (07:07) “It’s amazing when you look at the literature how abusive some of this stuff is. Even in supposedly prestigious medical centers.” — Dr. Kathleen 

• (09:58) “In South Korea, they don't believe in having a co. Epidural. They think you should suffer some pain.” — Dr. George

• (29:57) “If you go through a trauma and there's some injustice done, there has to be some form of justice.” — Dr. George

• (31:48) “I can't tell you how many people I know that have gotten into birth work because of what happened to them” — Dr. Kathleen 

Resources and Links

The Science Chick Report

• The Science Chick Report 

Dr. George Rhoades

• Website

• LinkedIn

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Mentioned 

• When Hello Means Goodbye

• End of Beginnings

Forget everything you think you know about infant sleep. What if the secret to better rest for the whole family isn't about training your baby, but about tuning into their needs? And what if science shows that breastfeeding, often blamed for maternal exhaustion, is actually a key to more sleep and lower depression risk?

In this groundbreaking follow-up episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett moves beyond the critique of "cry it out" to present the powerful, evidence-based alternative. She dismantles the simplistic sleep-training model by exploring the complex web of factors that truly influence infant sleep from prenatal stress and parental mental health to attachment security and feeding methods.

Dr. Kendall-Tackett reveals stunning research that turns conventional wisdom on its head: exclusively breastfeeding mothers report more total sleep and better mental health than those who mix-feed or formula feed. She explains how responsive, attachment-based care creates a positive feedback loop of security and regulation, leading to better sleep outcomes for everyone.

If you are a new parent lost in the fog of exhaustion, or a healthcare provider looking for compassionate, science-backed guidance, this episode offers a revolutionary and empowering guide. It’s time to stop fighting biology and start working with it.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Introduction and limitations of sleep training models

• (01:15) Domains influencing infant and child sleep

• (02:25) Prenatal maternal depression and infant sleep

• (04:37) Longitudinal evidence of prenatal depression effects

• (05:46) Attachment theory and relational interventions

• (06:48) Pilot study: parental education on infant crying

• (09:48) Maternal sensitivity at bedtime

• (10:58) Maternal responsivity and bedtime routines

• (12:01) Feeding method and infant sleep

• (13:04) Exclusive breastfeeding and maternal sleep

• (14:09) Large-scale study: sleep predictors and feeding

• (15:05) Contradictory findings on formula feeding

• (20:37) Exclusive breastfeeding and bed sharing

• (21:44) Does breastfeeding cause fragmented sleep

• (22:45) Ecological perspective on infant sleep

• (23:52) Attachment and ecological models vs sleep training

• (24:53) Methodological issues in sleep training research

• (25:50) Conclusion and resources

Notable Quotes:

• (01:52) “Insecure attachment were linked to shorter sleep duration and more nighttime awakenings. And they said this was actually the most robust factor.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (03:24) “Higher prenatal depression scores were associated with shorter nighttime infant sleep duration, but interestingly only for babies born vaginally.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (07:51) “The maternal psychological stress can perpetuate infant regulatory difficulties in a negative feedback loop.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (09:55) “Secure attachment mitigates the effects of parental emotional dysregulation. And a secure attachment regulates infant sleep.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• (13:39) “Exclusively breastfeeding mothers slept 40 minutes longer than the mixed or formula feeding mothers.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

Resource and Links

The Science Chick Report

• The Science Chick Report 

Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

• Website

• LinkedIn

• X

• Facebook

• ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

Mentioned 

• Dao & Liu (China) – Five domains influencing infant sleep

• CHiLD Study (Canada) – Prenatal depression and infant sleep

• Tiffany Field (2007) – Stress hormones and infant sleep patterns

• ALSPAC Study (U.K.) – Longitudinal maternal depression findings

• Montessori (2018) – Treating maternal anxiety to reduce infant crying

• Emotional availability and attachment studies (2019)

• Chinese and Canadian breastfeeding/sleep trajectory studies

• James McKenna & Helen Ball – Anthropological perspectives on infant sleep