Mom and Mind | Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

Today’s important topic is near and dear to my heart. We are discussing what it’s like to be a highly sensitive parent, and if you’ve listened for very long, you know that I am a highly sensitive parent. We can’t shy away from this topic, because it affects many parents, and it puts a different spin on the challenges that are part of the journey to parenthood. Join me to learn more! Amy Lajiness,...

Today’s show is about the effects of sexual abuse on pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people. This topic may be difficult for some, even though we are not discussing specific details of sexual abuse events; please determine for yourself whether you are ready to listen to this episode or not. You can find all of our episodes available for you whenever you are ready at www.momandmind.com. If you a...

Many people experience some kind of mental health condition through pregnancy and postpartum. The reproductive journey brings many challenges, and today’s guest gives us a glimpse into her story of recurrent loss, pregnancy, postpartum, and how she came to self-advocacy and empowerment through her challenges. Join us to hear Megan’s story! Megan Monds fills many roles in life, none more important...

Those trained in perinatal mental health can still struggle with perinatal mental health conditions. Having professional knowledge of the issues doesn’t make someone immune from any mental health problems. I’m grateful that today’s guest is sharing her story to show that those in the helping professions can experience the same struggles that any other person does. Join us to hear Kelsie’s story! K...

Today’s focus is on thinking ahead in your perinatal mental health journey. Most of us learn about our problems as they are happening, and we have to learn how to cope along the way. When someone who has “been there” is open and honest about their experience, we can plan ahead and be better prepared. Join me to hear the journey story of today’s guest. Kayce Hodos has spent the better part of her 2...

Talking about your own mental health can be even more difficult if you work in the mental health field. There is shame and stigma attached to a therapist who admits that they need help because the assumption is that therapists don’t need help with mental health. My guest shares her story of postpartum struggles and the effect on her relationships and life as she experienced stress, anxiety, and is...

Welcome to another episode and a New Year! A new year brings times of reflection, especially with all that we’ve been through over these last few years with the pandemic, and some people are still struggling with getting back to “normal.” Wherever you are, it’s OK to be integrating into this new normal in whatever ways you can, and every decision is part of a more complex dynamic. Today’s focus is...

Today’s focus is on pediatric occupational therapy and how it helps many families with a variety of feeding, swallowing, and developmental issues. My guest shares her exciting work and her experience in helping struggling parents with physical difficulties AND mental health. Join us to learn more! Aviril (Apple) Sepulveda, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BSP, SCFES, IBCLC is a board-certified pediatric occupation...

Having a perinatal mood disorder is challenging on its own, but it becomes even more difficult in rural communities where the right resources are not readily accessible. In addition, rural areas are made up of small communities where everyone knows everyone else’s business, which further stigmatizes anyone seeking mental health resources. My guest shares her experiences and explains how she found...

Pregnancy and the postpartum bring multiple challenges. The difficulties can escalate to a much higher level when a mental illness is involved. The good news is that a new mom can survive and thrive with the right support and medication, but the journey to reach that point is not easy. Join us to learn more about one young mother’s journey to parenthood with Bipolar 1.  Emily Collins is a young mi...

My guest today shares her story of pregnancy and postpartum where she experienced “the sampler platter” of issues. Her experiences were varied, and they amounted to more than just the classic PPD symptoms. Because she didn’t understand what was happening, she felt like she was a bad parent in every way even though she appeared to be doing “just fine.” Maybe you–or someone you know–can relate to Al...

Our story comes from a postpartum depression survivor during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s normal for parents to have worry and anxiety when sickness is raging all around them, and these feelings are exacerbated by any sort of mental health condition. My guest shares her experience–and success story–of finding the help she needed in the middle of the pandemic. Many people will resonate with her stor...

Today’s story is from a mom who experienced postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and rage. Many of us have been through one or more of these symptoms, and it’s especially hard for mental health providers to acknowledge these conditions. Postpartum depression and anxiety can take you by surprise, even if you know what to look for in the symptoms. Join us to hear more from Rosalinda in today’s episo...

Even though postpartum anxiety is common and carries less stigma than it once did, things escalate to a whole new level when a birth defect diagnosis enters the mix. The stress and anxiety of a mother, father, and caregivers are compounded when new parenthood involves caring for a baby with special needs, and these parents feel more alone than ever. My guest today shares her story to let other par...

I’m excited to introduce you to my guest, who is doing amazing work with fathers. His work is very important and very needed in today’s world, and he’s working to combat the negative stereotypes around uninvolved fathers. I met him recently at the Postpartum Support International conference, where he won an award for his work, and I knew we needed to hear more from him on the show. Join us! Regina...

Even in our modern world, we still have progress to make in terms of education around pregnancy, motherhood, and maternal mental health. Education and information are key in keeping parents from feeling blindsided and helping them feel supported when issues arise. Out of her personal motherhood experience, my guest is making an impact in the world for today’s new mothers. Join us to learn more! An...

The world of parental leave is difficult to navigate. Understanding your rights, options, and the law can be incredibly confusing. How do you prepare for taking leave, being out on leave, and returning to work? It’s important to look at this issue collaboratively to make it a supportive situation for both the individual and the organization, and better family outcomes follow when BOTH parents have...

To continue with our focus during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Dvora Entin joins us for her second time on the podcast. Today, she will tell us more about the clinical side of perinatal grief and loss and deepen our understanding of how we can better help those in the grieving process. Join us to learn more! Dvora Entin, LCSW, PMH-C, specializes in reproductive and perinatal mental h...

All through October, we are covering stories of those who have lived experiences of pregnancy or infant loss. As always with episodes with sensitive issues, please judge for yourself whether you are ready for this material. Know that the episodes are always available and waiting for you whenever you are ready. If you are ready, join me now for Jen’s story! Jennifer Burgard is a native of the upper...

Since October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we will be hearing stories of people’s lived experiences in these losses, along with experts who support families during these difficult times. While we honor all kinds of loss, today’s episode focuses on termination for medical reasons (TFMR), a pregnancy loss that deserves compassion and understanding. Join us for this important convers...

Welcome to today’s show! Parents have an unfortunate knack for being too hard on themselves, comparing themselves to others, and living in constant judgment of their decisions. This conversation takes a closer look at how self-compassion, understanding, and lighthearted humor can make the parenting journey easier. Join us to learn more! Dr. Carla Naumburg is a clinical social worker, mother, and t...

Today’s episode features a different take on perinatal mental health conditions. It’s a fresh and more expansive perspective on the things that take place in families during the perinatal process. This episode is loaded with helpful information, and I hope you’ll join us to learn more! Rebecca Geshuri and Jessica Sorci are Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Ther...

We learn many things from the stories of others. In our quest to spread information, education, and compassion about the many topics we cover on Mom & Mind, it is just as important to hear the lesser-known stories of what people have experienced. Today’s guest shares her story of postpartum-onset bipolar disorder that resulted in postpartum psychosis. Unfortunately, this occurs in more mothers tha...

I love hearing personal stories about someone’s experience, and I’m always honored to share those with you on this podcast. It is powerful to hear someone describe their struggles and journey to healing in their own words. Connecting through the story of a similar struggle can be extremely validating as it allows you to acknowledge what you have been through and find ways to cope. Join us now for...

Today’s show takes a look at postpartum depression through a firsthand account of the struggle to understand and heal. My guest is another example that finding just the right therapy makes all the difference because the same treatment modalities don’t work for everyone. Join us for Amanda’s inspiring story.  Amanda Cunningham is a Pop/R&B singer-songwriter, wife, and mother of a 10-year-old daught...