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

One Year and Beyond Sleep 101 with Unnati Patel

Struggling with sleep transitions? 💤 In our latest episode, sleep expert Unnati Patel shares game-changing tips for moving your little one from a crib to a toddler bed, breaking tricky sleep associations, handling nightmares, early wakeups, and sibling sleep dynamics. Tune in and get ready to equip you and yourself for more rest! *Have a younger child? Check out our previous episodes with Unnati! Want to connect with Unnati? Nested To Rested Sleep Consulting | Baby Sleep and Toddler Sleep Exper...

Mar 24, 202537 minSeason 1Ep. 153

Do Therapists Really Practice What They Preach?

In today’s episode, we get to pull back the curtains into what is going in the mind of a therapist, and how they implement what they teach in their daily lives. From how they get themselves out of fight or flight to mentally resetting, tune in to hear more. 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 Instagram!...

Mar 17, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 152

Mental Load - What Is It and Why It Impacts Moms More

Leah Ruppanner is a Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of The Future of Work Lab at the University of Melbourne. She was previously a Director of The Policy Lab at the University of Melbourne. Her research investigates gender and its intersection to inequalities, technologies and policies. Professor Ruppanner is a leading expert on COVID-19 and its impact on gender inequality in US and Australia. Her book, Motherlands: How States Push Mothers out of Employment (2020) provides a typolog...

Mar 10, 202532 minSeason 1Ep. 151

Control - The Illusion We Think We Have

In this week’s episode Sarah and Whitney discuss why we may be attempting to use control in our lives and those around us. From fear of failure, embarrassment, what our value or worth has been tied to, control needs can affect everyone. For our type A or enneagram 1’s out there warning this episode may ruffle your feathers a bit. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions coming by sending them to info@previaalliance.com or DM us o...

Mar 03, 202519 minSeason 1Ep. 150

Trying to Get Pregnant - What You Should Be Eating - Part 2

Sarah is back with holistic natural foods chef and herbalist Abbie Gross to talk about what is obtainable and accessible foods that moms should be eating in postpartum and motherhood and how to incorporate that into our children’s lives. Eating to fuel our bodies shouldn’t be complicated tune it to hear how. Abbie Gross, a holistic natural foods chef, herbalist and Postpartum Doula has been cooking professionally for over 12 years, Abbie enjoys being able to help clients achieve their specific h...

Feb 24, 202519 minSeason 1Ep. 149

Trying to Get Pregnant - What You Should Be Eating - Part 1

When trying to get pregnant and being pregnant you hear a lot of “don’ts” when it comes to what you should eat but what about what you should be? In this episode Sarah interviews Abbie Gross trained holistic natural foods chef, herbalist, and Postpartum Doula to discuss just this. Abbie Gross, a holistic natural foods chef, herbalist and Postpartum Doula has been cooking professionally for over 12 years, Abbie enjoys being able to help clients achieve their specific health goals through the prep...

Feb 17, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 148

The Questions You Shouldn't Ask... And What Happens When You ARE Asked...

Ever been caught off guard by a seemingly innocent question that hit you right where it hurt? Join Sarah and Whitney as we explore the unspoken rules of conversation, highlighting questions that should never be asked and the emotional turmoil they can cause. By discussing personal experiences and setting boundaries, we delve into the importance of empathetic communication. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions coming by sendin...

Feb 10, 202520 minSeason 1Ep. 147

Anxiety and Reading Out Loud to your Child

In honor of World Read Out Loud Day (Feb 5th) Sarah is back with author and literacy expert Pam Allyn, to talk about the benefits of reading out loud to your child starting in pregnancy and beyond. Listen in as they discuss the benefits are as much for baby as it is for you and how reading out loud is a weapon against anxiety! Pam Allyn is the founder and CEO of Dewey , a pioneering learning platform built to fuel the wellbeing of families and their caregivers at the powerful intersections of ho...

Feb 03, 202535 minSeason 1Ep. 146

Thoughts... Are We What We Think - Part 2

In the second part of this two-part series, Sarah and Whitney explore the emotional quagmire of making life-altering decisions when emotions run high, learning why it's crucial to sometimes hit 'pause' on big decisions amid the chaos of postpartum life or societal pressures. Remember, perfection is a myth, and prioritizing what truly matters is the key to finding peace amidst the chaos, and most importantly that you are not alone on this journey. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaa...

Jan 27, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 145

Thoughts... Are We What We Think - Part 1

In this two-part series, Sarah and Whitney start by examining all-or-nothing thinking, a mindset that sees the world in black and white. This limiting perspective can lead to self-defeating thoughts, particularly when suffering from stress or exhaustion. Learn how childhood experiences shape our acceptance of positive feedback and discover the power of affirmations in nurturing positive self-talk for all ages, reminding you that you are not alone on this journey. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa A...

Jan 20, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 144

Rest is Productive and How You Can Hear Yourself Think

Ever felt like you can't "hear yourself think" amidst the chaos of daily life? Join Sarah and Whitney as they dive into the overwhelming experience of sensory overload that many mothers encounter daily. We discuss the impacts of constant demand, share coping strategies, and emphasize the importance of recognizing rest as a vital component of mental health and overall well-being. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions coming by ...

Jan 13, 202540 minSeason 1Ep. 143

Previa Playback - Why We Don't Do Resolutions

Join us with Previa Playback this holiday season! Happy New Year! Have you ever found yourself a few months into the new year frustrated with your progress toward unrealistic resolutions? If so, then you must join Sarah and Whitney for the first podcast of 2024 as Whitney shares her strategy for leaning into the new year with a positive mindset and with goals that are more in line with motherhood, fitness, and personal growth. Follow Previa Alliance Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Ins...

Jan 06, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 142

Previa Playback - After Holiday Blues

Join us with Previa Playback this holiday season! The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, the parties have ended, and you may be feeling like what is life now? This is when it is a great time to discuss the “Post-holiday crash” aka the after-holiday blues. Listen is as the Sarah and Whitney explain why you are feeling this way and most importantly small things you can do to help you through it. Follow Previa Alliance Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Instagram photos and videos ...

Dec 30, 202424 minSeason 1Ep. 141

Previa Playback - Hey Whitney Holiday Edition!

Join us with Previa Playback this holiday season! Join Sarah and Whitney as they get candid about their own experiences navigating tricky family dynamics around the holidays. From tussling with relatives over politics to setting boundaries with confrontational kin, they shed light on it all. They even tackle an unusual scenario involving a grandmother-to-be who insists on being called "mom" by her soon-to-be-born grandson, and how you can peacefully address such peculiar situations. So, tune in ...

Dec 23, 202426 minSeason 1Ep. 140

Previa Playback - Like the Perfect Christmas Card

Join us with Previa Playback this holiday season! Life is not Hallmark movies or Pinterest perfect, but sometimes the Holiday season as those perfectly curated Christmas cards make us feel that it is for everyone but us. In today’s episode the ladies discuss why moms battle perfectionism and how to we need to let the comparison game go. Warning if you are a type A mom or enneagram 1 you may feel like we are talking straight to you on this one. Follow Previa Alliance Previa Alliance Podcast (@pre...

Dec 16, 202428 minSeason 1Ep. 139

Previa Playback - Jingle Jingle All the Tears!

Join us with Previa Playback this holiday season! Maybe it is the hallmark movies or the smells of the season that makes us all feel all the feels. From our childhood memories to missing a loved one during this season-it can bring in all the tears. From grief to unmet expectations to trying to create the “perfect” experience for family it can add up. Listen in as Sarah and Whitney talk about the why the holidays can bring out emotion in us all. Follow Previa Alliance Previa Alliance Podcast (@pr...

Dec 09, 202413 minSeason 1Ep. 138

Previa Playback - Mom's Toolbox! Holiday Edition

Join us with Previa Playback this holiday season! Wrapping present check, a zillion school parties check, feeling like there is so much to do and so little time check check! We know the holiday season is full of stress and emotions and we want to give you the tools to conquer it. Listen in as Sarah & Whitney give you real tools you can use during this crazy season. This one is not to be missed. Follow Previa Alliance Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Instagram photos and videos Keep...

Dec 02, 202422 minSeason 1Ep. 137

Previa Playback - Maintaining a Thankful Heart in Chaos and Grief

Join us with Previa Playback this holiday season! Along with the joy of Thanksgiving comes the stress of expectations and the memories of loved ones we've lost. So, how can we juggle the demands of the holiday season while bearing the weight of grief? Sarah and Whitney unpack this delicate topic, offering insights into maintaining your mental health while navigating holiday chaos. Follow Previa Alliance Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions com...

Nov 25, 202420 minSeason 1Ep. 136

Previa Playback - Hey, Whitney! Holiday Edition

Join us with Previa Playback this holiday season! You asked and Whitney is answering. The holidays are tricky when navigating so much with so little time and too many opinions. Listen in as Whitney answers how to deal with exhaustion during the holidays, navigating infertility during the season, and so much more! We promise this one will have you feeling 'seen'! Follow Previa Alliance Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions coming by sending them...

Nov 18, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 135

Previa Playback - Let's Talk Boundaries & Why You Need Them For the Holidays

Join us with Previa Playback this holiday season! The holiday season is upon us which means chaos, cookies, and family politics! In today's episode, we talk about how to answer that aunt who constantly asks when you're having the next kid, the pushy in-law who doesn't take no for an answer, and how to handle the gaslighting that occurs when someone questions your parenting choices. The holidays may bring extra stress, but we are here for you and are ready to share the power of boundaries! Follow...

Nov 11, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 134

Interview with Dr. Dalfen: When Baby Brings the Blues

Join us for an insightful conversation with the esteemed Dr. Dalfen, a leading women's mental health psychiatrist, as she opens up about the widespread stigmas surrounding maternal mental health, particularly postpartum depression and anxiety. Her groundbreaking initiatives and her compelling book "When Baby Brings the Blues," provide invaluable support and resources for women navigating the complex challenges of adapting to new motherhood's realities. Whether you're a new mother or a supportive...

Nov 04, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 133

Moms Have a Witching Hour Too

Ever wonder why the evening hours feel like they're designed to test every ounce of your patience? You're not alone. Join us as we explore the "witching hour" for moms—a time when exhaustion and sensory overload peak, much like it does for little ones. It's all about finding those small moments of relief and recognizing the importance of a supportive network to get you through. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions coming by s...

Oct 28, 202422 minSeason 1Ep. 132

Interview with Eszter Kalman: The Postpartum Emotions We Don’t Talk About

In this episode Sarah speaks with Eszter Kalman LSCW, PMH-C from Golden Tears Therapy about her own experience lead her specializing in maternal mental health. From guilt, shame, resentment, rage, and importance of knowing you are not alone this conversation will speak to anyone who is on the road to motherhood or a mom today. Connect with Eszter www.goldentearstherapy.com @goldentearstherapy • Instagram photos and videos Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram pho...

Oct 21, 202446 minSeason 1Ep. 131

Couples Edition - Infant Loss

Trigger warning this episode discusses miscarriage and infant loss. In honor of Pregnancy and Infant loss month, Sarah is speaking with Erin and Stephen Mitchell from Couples Counseling for Parents about the impact of loss on a relationship from how each partner may grieve differently, to the importance of hearing each other’s experience, this is a conversation you need to hear. By opening up about their personal experiences, the Mitchells aim to destigmatize discussions around miscarriage and o...

Oct 14, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 130

Why You Should Really Check On...

We all have people in our lives who are the “strong ones, got it together, juggling it all, working so hard, and always says they are “fine”. But why do we wait for a crisis to check on those people when in reality we need to start checking on them now? Join Sarah and Whitney as they explore the silent struggles of those who appear self-reliant. They share why trusting your instincts and reaching out with simple gestures can provide immense relief. This episode is a call to check in on those in ...

Oct 07, 202415 minSeason 1Ep. 129

Why The System Is Setup To Not Treat Postpartum Depression

Join Sarah and Whitney as they lay bare their own experiences with maternal mental health issues, from the inconsistencies in medical advice to the crushing financial barriers imposed by high deductibles. In this episode, they dive into the glaring gaps in maternal mental health care, including the lack of mandatory training for healthcare providers and the absence of federal mandates for mental health screenings. This is more than just a discussion; it's a call to action to recognize maternal m...

Sep 30, 202434 minSeason 1Ep. 128

If We Were Pregnant Again This Is What We Would Do Differently

Have you ever wondered how to navigate the emotional and physical roller coaster of pregnancy and postpartum life? Join Sarah and Whitney as they share lessons from their own journeys, revealing anxieties about taking medications, pressures from social media, setting clear hospital boundaries, and the importance of sleep. Balancing the joys and challenges of the postpartum period can be overwhelming, and we’re here to help you through it. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_...

Sep 23, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 127

You're Not Failing at Life... It Just Can Be That Hard

How do you keep it all together when life's curveballs seem never-ending? Join us as we unravel practical strategies for managing overwhelming stress and release those pent-up emotions. Learn about the invisible load mothers often carry, the importance of setting boundaries, and why sometimes saying "no" is a necessary act of self-care. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the questions coming by sending them to info@previaalliance.com or ...

Sep 16, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 126

Maternal Suicide Awareness

Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicide The leading cause of death in the first year of childbirth is due to maternal suicide and overdose. This week Sarah and Whitney bring awareness to the topic and discuss common warning signs and how to seek help. We encourage anyone who is struggling with thoughts of self harm to seek help by calling 911/Suicide hotline number 988 or go to your closest emergency room. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and ...

Sep 09, 202418 minSeason 1Ep. 125

“Too tired to fight” couples counseling for parents’ interview with Erin and Stephen Mitchell

In this week’s episode Sarah interview Erin and Stephen Mitchell to talk about relationship struggles that happen in parenthood and how at the end of the day you can find yourself “too tired to fight”. From mental load, to processing loss differently, to finding yourself going to war over the dishwasher…this is a needed conversation to showcase the common conflicts and how to navigate them. Follow Previa Alliance! Previa Alliance (@previaalliance_) • Instagram photos and videos Keep the question...

Sep 02, 202444 minSeason 1Ep. 124
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