You may have heard the term “highly sensitive” child or parent but do you really know what that means or how to navigate? Listen in today as Sarah and Psychologist Chelsea Bodi break it down and touch on anger, repair, and how today’s parents are on the frontlines of managing their own mental health while parenting. Chelsea Bodi Psychologist, Bsc, MACP, RPsych Follow Mama Psychologist https://www.instagram.com/mamapsychologists?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Beyon...
Aug 26, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 123
Today Sarah is joined by Reproductive Psychiatrist, Dr. Constance Guille, as they talk about how the current system of screening moms for their mental health is failing moms. They discuss how coming directly to a mom to screen and treat is how we address the maternity crisis and what you can do if you are struggling to get help. Dr. Constance Guille is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at MUSC. Dr. Guille completed her psychiatry residency training an...
Aug 19, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 122
Have you ever wondered if therapy could be the key to unlocking a smoother journey through motherhood? Join us as Whitney helps unravel some of the complexities of starting therapy, especially for new mothers, by breaking down common fears and misconceptions, reassuring listeners that therapy is a space where vulnerability is not only welcome but encouraged. No need to be perfect, just genuinely open. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep t...
Aug 12, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 121
Have you ever felt like no one is talking about the struggles of motherhood? Wonder if any other mom is feeling how you do? We have, and we are going straight to Dr. Nikki Scott to have a conversation of why it is so important to not just talk about what we experience in motherhood, but how to navigate it. This episode is full of take away tips that you can start implementing today! Dr. Nikki Scott is a proud mama and wife. She is also a social worker, grief counselor, and college professor with...
Aug 05, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 120
Join us as we welcome literacy advocate Pam Allyn on the Previa Alliance podcast, where she shares essential insights for parents concerned about their children's kindergarten readiness. Learn how to create a cozy and supportive environment for reading at home, boosting both your child's well-being and their love for books and ensuring a positive start to their educational journey. Pam Allyn is an award-winning author, educator, and innovator. Her books include Every Child a Super Reader, co-aut...
Jul 29, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 119
Have you ever found yourself feeling like a middle schooler all over again, trying to make friends at your child's birthday party? Whitney and Sarah dive deep into the highs and lows of connecting with other parents at kid functions in our latest conversation. Tune in as they emphasize the importance of making small, genuine connections that can help parents and children alike, sharing personal stories and strategies for building a supportive community. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@...
Jul 22, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 118
Ever wondered how societal pressures and personal grief shape the journey of motherhood? This week, we sit down with Paige Johnson, as she shares her poignant experiences with motherhood, including the heart-wrenching moments of miscarriage, and how these trials inspired her to create a community that celebrates mothers beyond their parenting roles. Her candid revelations highlight the importance of community support and normalizing conversations around the struggles and triumphs of being a mom....
Jul 15, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 117
Ever feel like the endless noise and chaos of summer with kids at home is driving you to the brink? You’re not alone! Join Sarah, Whitney, and Jenny as they share their own hilarious and heartfelt stories of navigating this whirlwind season. We also look at the tricky terrain of intrusive questions about family planning and the societal pressures that come with motherhood. Learn how to set boundaries with grace and tackle the comparison traps set by social media. This episode is a comforting rem...
Jul 08, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 116
Summer travel season is on! Here at Previa Alliance, we like to say traveling with children is parenting in a different location. This week, we have our favorite sleep guru, Unnati Patel, back to help you and your little. Let's get rested and take in some tips and tricks on how to set you and your child up for sleep success! Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions coming by sending them to info@previaalliance.com or DM us on Ins...
Jul 01, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 115
Join us for the second-part of our episode with our esteemed guest, sex therapist Taylor Cordell, as we highlight the importance of open communication and mutual support between partners, acknowledging how differently men and women cope with these challenges. Taylor dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster couples often experience when trying to conceive or recovering from birth or loss, emphasizing the importance of maintaining non-sexual intimacy like cuddling and meaningful conversations. ...
Jun 24, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 114
Ever wondered how to maintain a spark during pregnancy or even post-baby? Guest Taylor Cordell and Sarah dive deep into the complexities of intimacy during and after pregnancy, breaking down how changing physical and emotional states can impact desire and comfort levels. We also offer practical tips for balancing intimacy with the demands of existing children, emphasizing the importance of clear and compassionate communication to navigate differing needs and comfort zones. Follow Previa Alliance...
Jun 17, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 113
Balancing motherhood and fitness is no easy feat, and our guest this week, Mckenna Pou offers practical advice on how to integrate exercise into a busy mom's life. From creative activities during nap times to setting realistic goals amidst the chaos, we explore strategies to maintain health and well-being. We also address the pressures of social media comparisons, emphasizing the need for adaptable routines and self-compassion. Mckenna's insights are a beacon for mothers seeking to reclaim their...
Jun 10, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 112
In this epidsode, join us as we sit down with Mallory Whitmore, also known as the Formula Mom on Instagram, who bravely shares her personal journey through the challenges of postpartum life and formula feeding. From dealing with medical complications and insufficient milk supply to the emotional weight of societal expectations, Mallory's story is a powerful testament to the need for better support systems for formula-feeding parents. Per the CDC up to 75% of babies will be formula fed by 6 month...
Jun 03, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 111
Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW Founding Director and Chief External Relations Officer Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW is the Founding Director and Chief External Relations Officer at The Motherhood Center of New York. Paige attended UCLA as an undergraduate and received her MSW from the Columbia School of Social Work. For 20 years, Paige worked in the non-profit sector, holding senior leadership positions at Hamilton Family Center in San Francisco and The Partnership for the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity, and S...
May 27, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 110
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 20, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 109
Imagine being trapped on a never-ending roller coaster of nausea and vomiting while trying to cherish the miracle of pregnancy. That's the reality for those battling Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), a condition that our guest, Andrea Stefens, tackled not once, but twice. Andrea, a dedicated therapist and hyperemesis coach, joins us to unravel her personal fight against this incapacitating condition. Through hospital stays, invasive treatments, and the challenge of maintaining family life amidst her ...
May 15, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 108
This episode peels back the curtain on the social media highlight reel, urging a return to authenticity in how we celebrate our mothers and ourselves. We discuss how crucial it is to communicate our needs and desires with our partners and how to avoid the potential emotional pitfalls of Mother's Day. By offering strategies and emphasizing the value of support systems, we hope to provide understanding and solidarity for anyone who might find Mother's Day to be a challenging time. Follow Previa Al...
May 10, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 107
In this episode, Kristina Dunley bravely shares her harrowing encounter with postpartum psychosis. Her story is a sobering reminder that every mother's postpartum journey deserves to be met with the highest level of care and compassion. We hope this episode helps foster a culture of openness and understanding, ensuring mothers everywhere receive the support they so deeply need. More About Kristina! Kristina Dulaney RN, PMH-C Postpartum Psychosis Survivor Founder/Executive Director, Cherished Mom...
May 03, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 106
Mothers are expected to have it all together, but reality isn't always so simple. In this episode, we explore strategies for resilience and self-care that are as practical as they are empowering. Courtney Montgomery joins us to share personal tactics from her 'toolbox', like meditation and cold showers, and stresses the importance of teaching children to express their emotions honestly. At the heart of this episode is the simple reminder that it's not just okay to seek help, but it's a sign of s...
Apr 29, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 105
In an episode close to our hearts, we revisit the silent struggle of infertility with Alex, an advocate whose voice resonates with unwavering strength in the infertility and motherhood community. We delve into the nuances of motherhood that surface after infertility and loss, from navigating triggers and evolving relationships with our partners, to the importance of setting boundaries for self-care. Join us for an intimate episode that offers not just a beacon of hope, but a reminder that you ar...
Apr 22, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 104
Dr. Dawn Boender, an OB/GYN turned reproductive behavioral health fellow, joins Sarah and Whitney to unravel the mystery of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and how it can turn the tides of emotion for women worldwide. From lifestyle tweaks to the potential of nutritional supplements and the transformative power of therapy, Dr. Dawn paints a vivid picture of the challenges women face when their mental well-being is intertwined with the menstrual cycle. Her compassionate advice offers solac...
Apr 15, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 103
Sarah and Whitney are joined by Hannah Stiltner for a deep exploration into the varying faces of codependency, from the anxiously attached to the fiercely independent. These insights guide us through understanding the impact of codependent behaviors on self-worth and relationships, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability and setting boundaries, the significance of not rewarding negative behavior, and the value of investing in healthy, reciprocal relationships. Join us as we affirm ...
Apr 08, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 102
The witching hour isn't just for babies; it's a very real phenomenon for parents too. Sharing stories of this collective struggle, Sarah and Whitney discuss actionable methods like stepping outside for breath of air, taking a moment for yourself, and even discussing this struggle out loud with the family. Tune in for a powerful blend of empathy and understanding that aims to illuminate the path to mental wellness for every mom out there. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance)...
Apr 01, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 101
In this episode, Sarah and Whitney share tales of becoming a mom, and being a source of motivation and support for other moms. Whether you're battling mental health challenges or just trying to figure out the car seat, remember that amidst the chaos of raising little humans, you're enveloped by a community ready to lift you up! Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram photos and videos Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the q...
Mar 25, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 100
In this episode, Sarah and Whitney dissect the nature of anxiety that can linger beyond the baby blues, potentially morphing into a generalized anxiety disorder that can affect everyday life. They dive into the importance of therapy, help explain the nature of intrusive thoughts, and, most importantly, help mothers realize that they're part of an ever-growing community of moms who stand united in the face of anxiety. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram photos a...
Mar 18, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 99
In this heartfelt episode, Sarah and Whitney unpack the complexities of postpartum depression and baby blues. They dive deep into dissecting the causes and impact while emphasizing the important distinction between the two. Listen in as they share their own experiences with postpartum anxiety and take a look at the rise in postpartum mental illness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram photos and videos Previa Alliance Podcas...
Mar 11, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 98
We're all familiar with the airline safety instruction to put on our own oxygen mask before assisting others, but the truth is, for mothers, this goes against our every instinct. In this episode, Whitney and Sarah share a candid conversation about guilt and societal expectations, and the importance of self-care. If you're a mother who struggles with putting everyone before yourself, you won't want to miss this episode. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram photos...
Mar 04, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 97
Lacey returns to the podcast to share her journey since giving birth. Join us as she Lacey shares her pregnancy story and her commitment to self-improvement postpartum, from embracing the simplicity of nice pajamas to the transformative power of regular therapy sessions. You can follow Lacey @wearetheglittergospel on Instagram. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram photos and videos Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the q...
Feb 26, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 96
Sarah is excited to have Occupational Therapist Courtney English join this week's podcast to discuss sensory dysregulation. Courtney shares her journey from hand therapist to pediatric occupational therapist and her struggles with postpartum anxiety. Courtney's story isn't just about her professional journey; it's a deep dive into the heart of parenting—understanding your child's needs and learning to be their emotional anchor amidst the waves of developmental challenges. Courtney shares strateg...
Feb 19, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Do you ever wonder how your childhood experiences impact your relationships today? After Sarah discovered her own attachment style through a quiz recommendation from Whitney, a conversation was sparked that they just had to share with you. Together, they unravel the subtle yet powerful ways our early interactions with caregivers shape the complex tapestry of our current relationships. Journey with them as they explore the nuances of different attachment styles, and how the echoes of inconsistent...
Feb 12, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 94