Mom and Mind | Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

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...

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...

Today’s topic is all things matrescence as we look at the book, Mothershift: Reclaiming Motherhood as a Rite of Passage. We will discuss the process of matrescence and the developmental steps that many people do not understand. Join us to learn more! Jessie Harrold is a coach and doula who has been supporting women through radical life transformations and other rites of passage for over 15 years....

The end of the school year and the transition to summer bring different types of mental load for parents. There is a shift in schedule, priorities, and what you’re thinking about each day, and there can be more to manage, especially for the default parent who usually takes care of everything. It’s a different type of stress, but it is stress nonetheless. There can be a wide variance in the load yo...

Have you felt the pressure to be a “supermom”? We are examining the supermom fallacy, which often accompanies thoughts like, “I’m a failure, I can’t keep up with this, and I’m a bad mom.” The problem with trying to be a supermom is the impact on mental health. This theme commonly comes up in therapy, and the idea that we have to do everything and do it well is too much pressure! Join us as we expl...

Today’s guest shares her story of postpartum psychosis, including the contributing factors, navigating the healthcare system, the overall lack of understanding of PMADs, and the preventative actions she took for her second pregnancy. She shares how her experience propelled her to take considerable steps to help and support others. Nancy Di Nuzzo, a mother of two, is an accountant-turned-postpartum...

Today’s episode focuses on a recent article in JAMA Internal Medicine regarding maternal mental health in the United States. I’ll explain and summarize the study and results, and discuss the most appropriate next steps. Since I’m presenting the information in summary form, please read the article for yourself by clicking the link in the Resources section for this episode.  Show Highlights: The fin...

In this important episode, we explore mom shame, the difference between guilt and shame, and common triggers for guilt. One of the biggest contributors to mom shame is societal pressure, so we want to shed light on navigating this issue and breaking the cycle of shame. My expert guest for this topic is Allie Barker, LCSW. Allie is excited to bring her insight to today’s conversation about dismantl...

As we arrive at Episode 423, we’re celebrating 9 years of the Mom & Mind Podcast! I never imagined this possibility, but I’m so honored to share these profound stories and feature these helpful experts. I’m thankful to the real rockstars, every single listener. We continue to address every aspect of perinatal mental health, raising awareness and spreading a message of hope. Each person’s journey o...

The focus of perinatal mental health is often on mothers, but we can’t discount the importance of fathers’ mental health on children, families, and relationships. Dads everywhere are struggling, and they often do so in silence. We need to raise awareness of this aspect of mental health! The Monday after Father’s Day is International Fathers’ Mental Health Day, so I’m discussing this topic and shar...

Today, Dr. Kat speaks with Dr. Lee Cohen about his powerful new documentary, More Than Blue. Dr. Cohen shares the inspiration behind the film, how it was made, and his hopes for its impact in destigmatizing perinatal mental health conditions. A passionate advocate, Dr. Cohen offers insights from his decades of work helping women navigate mood and anxiety disorders during and after pregnancy. Pleas...

Many places in the world still need perinatal mental health resources. In most cases, the key to accessibility is someone with the vision and passion to take action and lead with innovation. Today’s guest is making it happen with her groundbreaking work in India, and she’s here to share her story with us! Dr. Paridhi Mehra is the founder and CEO of⁠ HappiNest⁠, India’s first dedicated platform for...

For today’s episode, I’m bringing back an episode from pandemic times. We are featuring an encore presentation of Episode 197, Burnout and Managing Overwhelm. Even though this episode was about managing the challenges and stress that came with life during a global pandemic, there is much application to be made to life today. These coping skills and tools are ALWAYS needed as we face frightening an...

We have covered many aspects of the transition into parenthood, but the perspective shifts with many complexities when you are a stepmom. That’s our focus in today’s show, and our guest helps us take an honest and real look at this adjustment. Join us! Jasmine Yow is a stepmom who supports childless stepmoms navigating the transition into biological motherhood. She helps them unravel their complex...

Sharing our stories helps more people process and understand their experiences. Today’s episode features another resilient guest using her difficult journey to help others. Join us to hear Talia’s story. Talia Nepper is the proud mom of two young children and a passionate artist whose creative journey has been vital to her healing. While she works as a web developer to support her family, her art,...

A wide range of perinatal mental health topics come up in my therapy practice, including issues with conception, birth, postpartum, and much more. I frequently see people go through multiple rounds of IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies through years of struggles to have a child. Often overlooked in these attempts is the impact when these efforts do not result in a baby, and this expe...

We just celebrated Mother’s Day, which may not have been what you expected. It can be a complicated day when people don’t show up or recognize you as you deserve. I want to acknowledge the complex feelings that come with Mother’s Day and say that you aren’t alone in experiencing those emotions. Whatever your Mother's Day brought you, I hope you feel recognized and supported. Today, we are bringing...

This week is Maternal Mental Health Week, and many organizations are joining us in being as loud as possible to spread the word that these conditions do exist, that mothers need support, and that resources are available. Sharing people’s stories on this podcast is how I help spread the message, and today’s episode focuses on Sarah’s motherhood story and the memoir she has written to help others. J...

Today, May 1, is the first day of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. I’m bringing back this special episode from last year; it’s a listener favorite, one of my favorites, and one of our most popular downloads. I’m deeply honored to share my interview with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, thought leader, and wholeness advocate, Alanis Morissette! She is joined by the president and CEO o...

It’s always uplifting to hear how some people are inspired to turn the worst experience into something positive to help others. Join us to hear Alli’s story of postpartum depression, healing, and a remarkable avenue of support and connection for other moms.  Alli Kushner is an entrepreneur, community builder, and passionate advocate for parents navigating the complexities of modern life. As the fo...

It’s no secret that silence, stigma, and shame surround many of the major moments of grief and loss in women’s lives, especially during pregnancy loss. Today’s guest shares her personal story, along with her professional perspective as a psychologist, author, and respected voice in social media. Join us to hear the conversation. Dr. Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing i...

Instead of a normal Behind the Sessions episode today, I’m featuring a great interview with Karen Kleiman from a previous show as we approach May, Maternal Mental Health Month. Maternal mental health needs a massive spotlight on it because it’s gone under-recognized and undersupported for far too long.  Karen Kleiman is a well-known international maternal mental health expert with over 35 years of...

I’m welcoming Rachell Dumas to the show today. She is a maternal health advocate, registered nurse, and the founder of A Light After Nine, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and maternal trauma. Drawing from her own experience with nine pregnancy losses and systemic disparities in maternal healthcare, Rachell uses her voice to advocate for trauma-i...

One of the primary reasons for this podcast’s existence is that sharing stories and experiences is a powerful means of healing and partnership. Today’s guest has created a beautiful book that embodies the spirit of collaboration and community in healing and moving forward. Join us to learn more! Dr. Rebecca Thompson is a family medicine and public health physician in Portland, Oregon. She speciali...

We are covering an important topic today because many people don’t realize that they are dealing with a perinatal mental health condition. They might even think their experience is “normal.” There is not enough information and awareness around what to look for and what to do about your symptoms. We simply aren’t taught how to recognize common symptoms and signs that we need help. My goal in this e...