Onyedikachi Ekwerike I’m honored and excited to have Onyedikachi Ekwerike, speaking with us from Nigeria about maternal mental health for African mothers. He discusses some of the culture specific challenges for African mothers, how maternal mental health has been historically understood, stigma around maternal mental health issues, the work being done in Nigeria and throughout Africa to spread awareness and advocate for mothers. Onyedikachi Ekwerike is a clinical psychologist and the founder of...
Feb 13, 2017•34 min
Melissa Bangs tells us parts of her personal story of postpartum mania and psychosis, a hospitalization, how her husband and supports helped her through and how her experience transformed into a powerful stage performance. She is a writer, director, storyteller and comedian who is currently on a year-long West Coast tour with her husband, Eric, four year-old daughter, Adelaide and 130 pound Bernese Mountain Dog, Etta James. They are touring Melissa's nonfiction storytelling performance PLAYING M...
Feb 06, 2017•47 min
Postpartum Psychosis I’m honored to have expert Dr. Diana Barnes back with us today to discuss Postpartum Psychosis. This is a highly-misunderstood part of postpartum mental health and it absolutely needs to be understood and clarified so that mothers get the help they need. See below for supportive resources. We will go over: -What IS postpartum psychosis? - Who is at risk? -"How" does this happen? - The most important things for people to know about PPP -Speak to the stigma and how that damage...
Jan 30, 2017•34 min
Sarah Randall, Psy.D. Coping with Perinatal PTSD We are talking with Dr. Sarah Randall today about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) related to maternal mental health and how it can show up during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Trauma can result from a real threat to life, to a moment where a person feels that they don't have control. It is really in the eye of the beholder, sometimes others may not even realize that you have experienced something traumatizing. -We talk about what PTSD can...
Jan 23, 2017•39 min
Gabrielle Kaufman LPCC, BC-DMT, NCC Postpartum Suicide is a very real risk to new mothers. In this episode we are discuss Suicide as it relates to maternal mental health and postpartum, resources to support prevention of suicide (see below), as well as: -Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of postpartum maternal deaths! -Asking about suicide does not “give” someone the idea to do it. -what to look for and how to be there for a new mom. -Suicide is preventable when we get mom the right help Clearly,...
Jan 16, 2017•45 min
Deb Rich, Ph.D. Understanding perinatal grief. We are talking with Dr. Deb Rich about pregnancy loss and neonatal loss. This is a very difficult topic for folks to hear about, but even harder for those families who are trying to deal with the loss of a child. Its so important for us to be talking about pregnancy loss…the impacts on the family…and how to support people who have experienced loss. We discuss: -The different kinds of pregnancy loss and neonatal loss. -The importance of understanding...
Jan 09, 2017•43 min
Dr. Juli Fraga Asian American Moms: Cultural Sensitivity in the perinatal period. In this episode, we discuss maternal mental health in the context of Asian cultures. There are many different cultures under the banner of Asian American, so we are giving an overview of some cultural considerations to keep in mind when supporting an Asian American mother. We will talk about some of the cultural challenges faced by pregnant and postpartum mothers, and how to better support their mental health. Some...
Jan 02, 2017•39 min
Helena Vissing, Psy.D. Our bodies, our minds and how we understand them in the change to motherhood. In this episode we are talking with Dr. Helena Vissing, about maternal ambivalence and some of the feminist psychanalytic and somatic perspectives on how women feel about their body related to pregnancy and postpartum. We are looking at how to broaden our understanding of maternal ambivalence and how ambivalence comes up how our body in motherhood. We discuss the mental changes of becoming a moth...
Dec 26, 2016•46 min
Lauren DePaola, LCSW SLEEP, SLEEP, SLEEP! We are talking about a very important topic…SLEEP! We’ve all heard that new moms and parents don’t sleep when they have a baby, but its actually a pretty huge deal. Lauren DePaola is going to give us the information we need to know about how it Impacts us and why we need to be taking a closer look on protecting our sleep as much as possible. We cover stages of sleep, how much sleep you really need and what kind, what can happen when you don't get enough ...
Dec 19, 2016•40 min
Lisa Cross, LMFT Finding Empowerment and Meaning through your pregnancy or postpartum experience. On this episode we are talking with Lisa Cross, LMFT about finding empowerment and meaning in your pregnancy, birth or postpartum story. This is an essential piece of making your way through the struggle that can come with pregnancy and postpartum. As you find your way through, your meaning may be very personal, your empowerment may only be known to you, or it could be a huge life changing experienc...
Dec 12, 2016•33 min
Jessica Scales, LMFT How much do we really think about how a baby will impact or change the relationship that we have with our partner? Generally, not enough! This episode discusses that topic and how to be intenetional about life with a new baby! In this episode we will talk with Jessica Scales about how to help couples navigate the changes that new parenthood brings. It can be hard to know if you need that kind of support or not, most folks think they will be fine, but really, everyone can use...
Dec 05, 2016•30 min
Parijat Deshpande - High Risk Pregnancy Wellness Expert I'm excited to share the second interview in our series with Parijat Deshpande. In our first interview, Episode 21: High Risk Pregnancy? Who, What, How & Thrive, We discussed how high risk pregnancy might lead to bed rest, so please go check that out too! In this episode, we are discussing Bed Rest, what that is, how it impacts mental health and how to cope. Parijat Deshpande is the leading perinatal wellness expert who specializes in w...
Nov 28, 2016•31 min
Jessica A. Walker B.S, RADT Jessica shares some of her personal story of working through postpartum depression. We talk about some of the stressors that Black, African-American and women of color face during motherhood. Our conversation is a small part of the necessary conversations around how race, ethnicity and culture impact motherhood. Jessica is a Joyologist, Reseracher & Your New Media Producer works as the president of JAW Research Institute, an online business education institute and...
Nov 21, 2016•44 min
Courtney Novak- Personal Story, postpartum mental health This episode contains content that may be sensitive for some listeners. In this episode, we are talking with Courtney Novak about her personal experience and journey through postpartum mental health struggles. Her story and experiences like hers are so important for us to hear and understand. She discuses some important details about how breastfeeding concerns impacted her, what can happen in our thoughts, intense feelings, interactions wi...
Nov 14, 2016•36 min
Lindsay Lipton Gerszt shared her story about the difficulty she experienced after the birth of her son. Her story is highlighted in a new documentary called “When the Bough breaks- a documentary about postpartum depression”. I was able to see this documentary when it screened and can attest to the power and necessity of this film. If you’ve been listening to the podcast and hearing stories from mothers, you may be seeing that pregnancy and postpartum mood changes happen to a lot of women. Hearin...
Nov 07, 2016•40 min
Mark Williams: Paternal Postpartum Depression “He’s not talking about it” This episode contains sensitive content for some listeners. On this episode, I get to chat with Mark Williams, a dad who when through paternal postpartum depression and is now an amazing advocate for Dads perinatal mental health. He is sharing with us some of his own story, some of his wifes journey through her Postpartum Depression and how he is getting the word out as a speaker around the world. He is from the UK, but re...
Oct 31, 2016•33 min
Using laughter and empowerment to heal NaKaisha Tolbert-Banks, LCSW, LCAC, CLYL, CEC, ELI-MP In this episode, we are talking with NaKaisha Tolbert-banks. She is sharing some of her personal story and journey through Postpartum Depression and how she got through it, as well as her professional role as a clinical social worker helping people through perinatal mood disorders and she is also a Laughter Coach utilizing laughter and humor for therapeutic purposes. NaKaisha is a Licensed Clinical Socia...
Oct 24, 2016•35 min
Parijat Deshpande - High Risk Pregnancy Wellness Expert This Episode is Part 1 of the high risk series with Parijat Deshpande who helps women through high-risk pregnancy. We will discuss what high-risk means and some of the associated risk factors, implications for mental health and we will talk about how to cope with the stress that can come with potentially difficult pregnancies. Parijat Deshpande is the leading perinatal wellness expert who specializes in working with women during a high-risk...
Oct 17, 2016•33 min
Latina Maternal Mental Health Emilia Ortega-Jara, LCSW discusses cultural considerations for Latina Moms who are dealing with maternal mental health issues. We will cover some of the relevant issues about Latina moms during pregnancy and postpartum, some cultural specific practices, some of the barriers to treatment and access to care for these moms and families and taking a strengths based approach to care. Emilia is a psychotherapist in private practice. Emilia has been a longtime advocate for...
Oct 10, 2016•37 min
Aarti Sequeira I’m very honored and excited to have the super awesome Aarti Sequeira on with us today. She is here to share her personal experience and journey through postpartum depression and now She has become a powerful advocate for maternal mental health. After her experience she competed in Cutthroat Kitchen, where she chose Postpartum Support International as her charity for donation, after having been helped by a PSI volunteer. As a result she has helped raise awareness of postpartum dep...
Oct 03, 2016•41 min
Rachel Rabinor, LSCW Infertility and Mental Health With our conversation today, we really want women, partners and families to know that they are not alone, there is support available for them and hopefully continue to reduce the stigma and sometimes shame that comes with infertility struggles. Rachel is a psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has a private practice in San Diego, California where she specializes in Maternal Mental Health… She also provides trainings to birth w...
Sep 26, 2016•35 min
Daniel B. Singley, Ph.D., ABPP Today we are switching gears to talk about DAD and Mind with Dr. Singley. Dads have their own experience and transition into parenthood and we need to be talking about their mental health as well, so we WILL! But not just today, I’m excited that Dr. Singly will come back for a series of interviews to share with us this important information about men and the transition to fatherhood! -We talk about dads journey into fatherhood -Things to keep in mind about his ment...
Sep 19, 2016•35 min
Postpartum Psychosis and Depression Lisa shares her personal story of struggle through Postpartum depression and psychosis. This is very important for us to talk about and I'm so grateful to Lisa for sharing her story with us because this is a very human and real experience that we should know about and have compassionate understanding of. Postpartum Psychosis is very serious and it is treatable. Lisa Abramson is and entrepreneur, speaker, executive coach and maternal mental health advocate. She...
Sep 12, 2016•37 min
Bethany Warren, LCSW Postpartum OCD- We talk about how difficult it can feel to have the scary and intrusive thoughts happen with postpartum OCD. The great news is that it’s treatable and you can feel better! Bethany has a passion for women’s reproductive and health issues and has worked in this field for over 18 years. She specializes in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, working with individuals and couples struggling with pregnancy loss, infertility or facing adoption or surrogacy. She is ...
Sep 05, 2016•34 min
Dr. Christina Hibbert Resources for Support and Exercise for Mental Health Dr. Christina Hibbert is the bestselling author of 8 Keys to Mental Health Through Exercise, Who Am I Without You? , and the Independent Publisher’s Book Award-winning memoir, This Is How We Grow. Dr. Hibbert is a clinical psychologist specializing in Women’s Mental Health, Grief & Loss, Motherhood,Parenting, Perinatal Mental Health, Self-Esteem, & Personal Growth, and is the host of the weekly radio show, Motherh...
Aug 29, 2016•32 min
Catherine O’Brien We are talking with Catherine O’Brien from Happy with baby about couples adjustment to parenthood. Catherine O’Brien is a licensed marriage and family therapist, speaker, and educator, and is the founder of HappyWithBaby.com which provides counseling and coaching for new and expecting parents, facilitates courses to help parents manage expectations of parenthood, as well as understanding developmental milestones of infants and children. She is a California state co-coordinator ...
Aug 23, 2016•29 min
Crystal Clancy - Screening for Depression in Pregnancy and Postpartum Topics addressed: Pregnancy and Postpartum screening for depression, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), PHQ-2 and PHQ-9, screening is not enough, screening is not a diagnosis, follow up from provider is necessary, talk about responses, this screening doesn’t address anxiety or trauma. Crystal is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice Burnsville, MN. She specializes in perinatal mental health...
Aug 15, 2016•36 min
Joy Burhkard Topics discussed: Maternal mental health, local, state and national advocacy and legislative actions, supporting hospitals to be “mom friendly”, training healthcare providers about maternal mental health issues. Joy is a founder, Executive Director and Board Chair of 2020 Mom, a non-profit 501c3 organization formed in 2011 and formerly known as the California Maternal Mental Health Collaborative. Though the non-profit is still young, 2020 Mom has become well known for it’s work conv...
Aug 08, 2016•41 min
Liz Brown shared her story of depression and anxiety during pregnancy, her struggle with finding the support she needed and trying to decide if she would take medication that had been prescribed for her. This is a story that a lot of mothers can relate to… Liz is a writer and former social worker specializing in emergency mental health. She holds an MSW from UCLA and was recently published on Vice.com for her memoir piece about pregnancy depression entitled: "What It's Like to Be Pregnant, Depre...
Aug 01, 2016•33 min
Dr. Caron Post from Maternal Mental Health NOW is with us to discuss how the organization offers training, advocacy and support for mothers and families who are dealing with mental health stress during pregnancy and postpartum and works with L.A. County to support maternal mental health sensitive services. Please go to www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org to learn more about their ONLINE TRAINING in maternal mental health, the maternal mental health directory and connect with them to learn how to mak...
Jul 25, 2016•33 min
