Previa Alliance Podcast - podcast cover

Previa Alliance Podcast

Previa Alliance Teampreviaalliance.com

There are few experiences as universal to human existence as pregnancy and childbirth, and yet its most difficult parts — perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) — are still dealt with in the shadows, shrouded in stigma. The fact is 1 in 5 new and expecting birthing people will experience a PMAD, yet among those who do many are afraid to talk about it, some are not even aware they’re experiencing one, and others don’t know where to turn for help. The fact is, when someone suffers from a maternal mental health disorder it affects not only them, their babies, partners, and families - it impacts our communities.


In the Previa Alliance Podcast series, Sarah Parkhurst and Whitney Gay are giving air to a vastly untapped topic by creating a space for their guests —  including survivors of PMADs and healthcare professionals in maternal mental health —  to share their experiences and expertise openly. And in doing so, Sarah and Whitney make it easy to dig deep and get real about the facts of perinatal mental health, fostering discussions about the raw realities of motherhood. Not only will Previa Alliance Podcast listeners walk away from each episode with a sense of belonging, they’ll also be armed with evidence-based tools for healing, coping mechanisms, and the language to identify the signs and symptoms of PMADs — the necessary first steps in a path to treatment. The Previa Alliance Podcast series is intended for anyone considering pregnancy, currently pregnant, and postpartum as well as the families and communities who support them.



Sarah Parkhurst

Previa Alliance Podcast Co-host; Founder & CEO of Previa Alliance


A postpartum depression survivor and mom to two boys, Sarah is on a mission to destigmatize the experiences of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and to educate the world on the complex reality of being a mom. Sarah has been working tirelessly to bring to light the experiences of women who have not only suffered a maternal mental health crisis but who have survived it and rebuilt their lives. By empowering women to share their own experiences, by sharing expert advice and trusted resources, and by advocating for health care providers and employers to provide support for these women and their families, Sarah believes as a society we can  minimize the impact of the current maternal mental health crisis, while staving off future ones. 



Whitney Gay 

Previa Alliance Podcast Co-host;  licensed clinician and therapist 


For the past ten years, Whitney has been committed to helping women heal from the trauma of a postpartum mental health crisis as well as process the grief of a miscarriage or the loss of a baby. She believes that the power of compassion paired with developing critical coping skills helps moms to heal, rebuild, and eventually thrive. In the Previa Alliance Podcast series, Whitney not only shares her professional expertise, but also her own personal experiences of motherhood and recovery from grief. 


Follow us on Instagram @Previa.Alliance

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Episodes

Previa Playback: What is Postpartum Depression?

In this episode, Sarah and Whitney talk about postpartum depression, also known as PPD. They describe signs and symptoms of PPD, risk factors for developing PPD, and what PPD looks like and sounds like in real life. We encourage everyone to download this episode and share with your friends and families so everyone knows what PPD is and how to help moms who experience it! Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram photos and videos Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodca...

May 18, 202641 minSeason 1Ep. 213

Previa Playback: Anxiety During Pregnancy

What if I can't do this? Is the baby, ok? Why do I feel this way? Sound familiar? Pregnancy anxiety is common but often not talked about. Listen in as the ladies break down why you may experience anxiety during pregnancy and how to manage it. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram photos and videos Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions coming by sending them to info@previaalliance.com or DM us on Instagram!...

May 11, 202616 minSeason 1Ep. 212

Previa Playback: Depression During Pregnancy

This week, Sarah goes back to a fan favorite episode for Maternal Mental Health Month, Depression During Pregnancy. You know about postpartum depression, but do you know about depression that occurs during pregnancy? Listen in as Sarah and Whitney talk about the risk factors, what depression during pregnancy looks like, and how to advocate for yourself. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram photos and videos Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Instagram ph...

May 04, 202617 minSeason 1Ep. 211

Burned Out, Not Broken: The Truth About Stress in Moms

You’re not “just tired.” You’re overloaded. In this episode, we break down the difference between stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression — and why high-achieving moms often miss the warning signs. We talk about chronic cortisol, invisible labor, perfectionism, and why burnout often shows up as irritability before sadness. If you’ve ever thought, “I should be grateful… so why am I so exhausted?” This conversation is for you. Burnout isn’t weakness. It’s biology. And support shouldn’t start when...

Apr 27, 202624 minSeason 1Ep. 210

The Birthday Tears: Why Watching Your Child Grow Feels So Emotional

Why does your child’s birthday make you cry? In this episode, we unpack the unexpected mix of joy and grief that comes with milestones, new phases, and watching your child grow. We explore attachment, nostalgia, ambiguous loss, and why the days feel long — but the years feel fast. If you’ve ever stayed up scrolling baby photos or felt tender on a milestone day, you’re not dramatic. You’re deeply attached. Motherhood holds joy and grief at the same time. And both are allowed here. Follow Previa A...

Apr 20, 202625 minSeason 1Ep. 209

“I Can’t!” - What to Do When Kids Doubt Themselves with Renee Marie

When your child says “I can’t do this” … or starts comparing themselves to others… it can be hard to know what to say. In this episode, Sarah sits down with Renee Marie , founder of My Secret Playbook , to talk about the years when confidence often starts to dip—especially between ages 6–14 . They discuss how kids develop self-talk, why comparison becomes so powerful during these years, and how parents can help children reframe negative thoughts and build real confidence. Renee also shares how h...

Apr 13, 202634 minSeason 1Ep. 208

What Is a Child Therapist and Why Would My Child Need to See One?

Parenting can feel overwhelming, and sometimes we wonder—would a child therapist help my kid? In this episode, Sarah sits down with Madison Curren, licensed child therapist to share what therapy really looks like, when it can make a difference, and how parents can feel supported in the process.

Apr 06, 202638 minSeason 1Ep. 207

When It’s Not Postpartum Depression: The Bipolar Diagnosis Many Moms Miss

Is it postpartum depression—or could it be bipolar disorder? In this episode, Sarah sits down with reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Claire Smith to talk about why bipolar disorder during pregnancy and postpartum is often missed, especially bipolar II. They break down the key differences between bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis, why sleep is a critical factor in mood stability, and how the right diagnosis can completely change a mom’s treatment and recovery. An impor...

Mar 30, 202630 minSeason 1Ep. 206

Spring Is Here, but Is Your Engine Check Light On Too?

Spring is here, and before we rush into the next season, we’re pressing pause. In this episode, Sarah and Whitney guide a gentle self check-in—asking what you’re carrying, how you’re responding, and what your nervous system might be trying to tell you. If you’ve been feeling off, overwhelmed, or just tired of pushing through, this episode is for you. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram photos and videos Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Instagram photo...

Mar 23, 202623 minSeason 1Ep. 205

Social Work Month with Paige Bellenbaum

What if we trained for maternal mental health the way we train for everything else in medicine? In this powerful episode, Sarah sits down with Paige Bellenbaum during Social Work Awareness Month to talk about the truth behind social work—and why social workers are essential to solving the maternal mental health crisis. Paige shares her own experience with postpartum depression and anxiety, the misconceptions people have about social workers, and the bold work she’s leading to train the next gene...

Mar 16, 202641 minSeason 1Ep. 204

Why "Reach Out If You Need Help" Isn't Enough

We prepare for so much in pregnancy—but rarely for mental health, even though it’s the most common complication of childbirth. In this episode, we talk about why we don’t think twice about mammograms or colonoscopies, why mental health deserves the same preventive approach, and how having a therapist early in pregnancy can make all the difference. Listen in as Sarah and Whitney tackle this important conversation head on. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram phot...

Mar 09, 202620 minSeason 1Ep. 203

Bottle Service with Mallory Whitmore

Mallory Whitmore, author of Bottle Service , joins us to talk honestly about formula feeding, motherhood, and the emotional weight parents often carry in silence. She shares why feeding choices are so judged, how formula can actually protect mental health, and why confidence and connection matter more than how milk gets into the bottle. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing it right,” this episode—and Bottle Service —is here to reassure you: you’re enough, your choice is valid, and you a...

Mar 02, 202628 minSeason 1Ep. 202

I Friendship Fade

Nobody warns you about the quiet heartbreak of friendship after motherhood — how the texts slow down, the invites change, and suddenly you feel like you live on a different planet than your friends without kids. In this episode, Sarah and Whitney unpack the friendship shift that happens when life milestones stop lining up — whether you’re the first to have babies, the last, or just in a different season. They talk about how to grieve what was, nurture what still fits, and find new connection in ...

Feb 23, 202621 minSeason 1Ep. 201

When the Text Message is Left on Read

Sarah and Whitney explore how childhood patterns—like peacekeeping or fearing conflict—can fuel adult anxiety, especially around communication. They break down why delayed texts or unclear responses trigger worst-case thinking and share simple, effective tools to stop spirals, calm your nervous system, and stay grounded in relationships. A relatable, reassuring episode for anyone who’s ever overthought a message or worried they did something wrong. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previ...

Feb 16, 202622 minSeason 1Ep. 200

Eldest Daughter - You can put it down now. You’ve carried enough.

Taylor said it best — “I was the chosen one, I was the eldest daughter.” And every eldest daughter everywhere felt that in her bones. In this episode, Sarah and Whitney dive into what it really means to grow up as the responsible one — the fixer, the peacekeeper, the emotional glue — and how those patterns quietly follow us into adulthood and motherhood. From perfectionism and control to guilt when we finally rest, we’re unpacking it all. You’ll laugh, nod, and maybe cry a little as we talk abou...

Feb 09, 202624 minSeason 1Ep. 199

World Read Aloud Day with Pam Allyn

In a world of screens, chatbots, and constant digital input, what still truly matters for our children? In this episode, we go back to basics with Pam Allyn, founder of World Read Aloud Day, to explore why reading—and reading aloud—builds children’s brains, supports emotional health, and strengthens connection in ways technology cannot. A grounding reminder for parents of babies through middle schoolers: no matter how advanced AI becomes, children still grow through words, stories, and shared pr...

Feb 02, 202634 minSeason 1Ep. 198

Chat GPT Should NOT Be Your Therapist with Paige Bellenbaum

In an age where moms can Google every symptom and ask AI to decode every feeling, it’s easier than ever to confuse information with healing. This episode dives into the growing trend of people turning to chatbots and “AI therapy” for emotional support — and the real risks behind it. Together, we’ll explore why connection, compassion, and clinical expertise still matter more than ever. Click here for Paige's First Episode with Previa Alliance. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaallia...

Jan 26, 202633 minSeason 1Ep. 197

Hey Whitney: Working on Ourselves

“New year, new me” sounds great — until you’re a tired mom just trying to survive car line and bedtime. In this Hey Whitney, Sarah and Whitney talk about what working on yourself really means when you’re balancing motherhood, mental health, and the myth of self-improvement. From letting go of guilt to choosing rest over perfection, this is your reminder that growth can look soft, small, and real. 💛 You don’t need a new you — just a gentler one. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaal...

Jan 19, 202623 minSeason 1Ep. 196

A Green Smoothie Will Not Cure Your PPD

Postpartum depression is the leading complication of childbirth — yet moms are constantly told that a smoothie, supplement, or ‘wellness hack’ will make it all go away. In this episode, we sit down with Eszter Kalman of Golden Tears Therapy to unpack why these claims are not only false but predatory toward women who are suffering. Together, we break down the real research on maternal mental health, how the wellness industry profits from mom guilt, and what actually helps. Follow Previa Alliance!...

Jan 12, 202628 minSeason 1Ep. 195

Previa Playback: New Year, New Mom

More like new year, same mom…but you get what we mean. Society has a way of telling us a new year has to be filled with resolutions, and all these changes should have been made yesterday! Instead of thinking of things you must fix, try focusing on positive changes that empower you. This episode is a MUST to help you navigate your outlook for the new year. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions coming by sending them to info@pre...

Jan 05, 202621 min

The In-Between

The holidays are over, the new year is right around the corner—and this in-between week feels… tough. Routines are gone, exhaustion has set in, and the pressure of resolutions is already creeping in. In this episode, Sarah and Whitney talk about why this strange “holiday hangover” hits so hard for moms, from the mental load and social media comparison to grief and burnout. With compassion and humor, they’ll share why you’re feeling off and how to give yourself permission to rest, reset, and brea...

Dec 29, 202514 minSeason 1Ep. 193

Why are you really posting that?

The holidays fill our feeds with matching pajamas and picture-perfect trees—but what’s really behind the post? In this episode, Sarah and Whitney unpack why we really post on Instagram, how scrolling impacts mental health, and the pressure moms feel to curate perfection. Plus, a simple reflection tool to help you check in after scrolling and protect your peace this season. Because the most important moments may never make it to Instagram—and that’s okay. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (...

Dec 22, 202515 minSeason 1Ep. 192

All is Calm (We Hope): A Child Therapist’s Holiday Survival Guide

Holiday magic can quickly turn into holiday meltdowns. 🎄 In this episode, Sarah and child therapist Madison Curren share the ultimate survival guide for parents—how to keep kids grounded at family gatherings, prevent stress from boiling over, and protect everyone’s mental health in the busiest season of the year. Tune in for practical, sanity-saving tips you’ll want before the next holiday meltdown. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep th...

Dec 15, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 191

Why Do I Keep Doing This Every Holiday Season?

If the holidays leave you feeling more stressed than joyful, you’re not alone. In this episode, Sarah talks with Kati Morton, licensed therapist and author of Why Do I Keep Doing This? about the real reasons holiday anxiety shows up—and what you can do about it. From family dynamics to people-pleasing to the pressure of packed schedules, Kati shares practical tools to help you feel calmer and more in control this season. Kati Morton is a licensed therapist (LMFT), bestselling author, and longtim...

Dec 08, 202531 minSeason 1Ep. 190

Deck the Halls & Dodge the Narcissist

Holidays are supposed to be merry—until the guilt trips, boundary-pushing, and “but family!” chorus kicks in. In this episode, Sarah and Whitney get real about navigating narcissistic traits at gatherings: how to set (and keep) boundaries, use gray rock without losing your mind, protect your peace during gift and photo ops, and create exit plans that don’t require a scene. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions coming by sendin...

Dec 01, 202515 minSeason 1Ep. 189

Pass the Pie… and "Oh, I Had PPD Too"

The holidays bring joy, chaos, and sometimes difficult conversations. How do you respond when a family member shares their postpartum struggles at the dinner table—or when you want to speak up about your own experience? In this episode, Sarah talks with reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Claire Smith about navigating maternal mental health conversations. They discuss how to share your own experience, support loved ones through theirs and understand family risk factors without succumbing to fear. You'...

Nov 24, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 188

Pregnant for the Holidays? What to Tell Your Boss (and When)

The holidays are here—and for many moms-to-be, that means sharing pregnancy news with family. But after the excitement comes another big question: when and how do I tell my boss? In this episode, Sarah talks with Aria Allen, attorney and workplace rights advocate , about what every pregnant employee should know. From timing your announcement to accommodations and maternity leave, this conversation will leave you feeling prepared and confident heading into the season. Filing A Charge of Discrimin...

Nov 17, 202536 minSeason 1Ep. 187

Love, In-Laws, and Leftovers: Navigating Holiday Conflicts Together

The holidays can be magical—but they can also bring out family drama, money stress, and fights over whose parents to visit first. Sound familiar? In this episode, Sarah sits down with Erin and Stephen Mitchell from Couples Counseling for Parents to talk about the most common conflicts couples face this time of year. From juggling in-laws to setting boundaries and keeping your partnership strong, they share practical tools to help you stay on the same team and actually enjoy the season together. ...

Nov 10, 202543 minSeason 1Ep. 186

Me? A People Pleaser?!

Do you find yourself saying yes when you really want to say no? Feeling guilty for setting even the smallest boundary? You might be a people pleaser. In this pre-holiday episode, Sarah and Whitney unpack why people-pleasing is so common, how it impacts moms especially, and share practical tools for saying no, setting boundaries, and showing up as your authentic self this season. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions coming by ...

Nov 03, 202522 minSeason 1Ep. 185

Perimenopause - "The Pause" You Need to Know About Now

When we think of perimenopause, we hear about hot flashes—but what about the mood swings, anxiety, and depression no one talks about? In this episode, Sarah sits down with Reproductive Psychiatrist Dr. Lindsay Standeven to break down the mental health side of perimenopause. They talk about why women are more likely to face depression during this stage, what it means if you’ve struggled in pregnancy or postpartum, and—most importantly—what you can do now to protect your mental health. About Dr. L...

Oct 27, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 184
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